Dune Hang Gliding

Book Online

Call 1-877-359-8447 to Reserve over the phone.

Price

starting at $149

Beginner Hang Gliding Lessons
  • General Participants - $149 per person
  • Youth Participants (13 and under) - $149 per person
  • Light Flyers (under100 lbs) - $149 per person
Film & Photo Package
  • Package per Person - $49 plus tax
  • Commemorative 4GB USB - $20 plus tax
Additional Lessons & Packages
  • Advanced Lesson - $199
  • Taste of Flight Package - $308
  • Hang 1 Starter Package - $429
  • Hang 1 Lesson Package - $849
  • Unlimited Package - $999

Hang Gliding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head is an Outer Banks must! Take a Beginner Lesson with us and learn how to fly a Hang Glider on your first lesson. Each lesson is about 3 hours long and includes Ground School and 5 solo training flights. Reserve your spot today!


Dune Hang Gliding Lessons at Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Looking for unforgettable things to do in Nags Head or the perfect place to try hang gliding in the Outer Banks? There’s no better spot than Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest natural sand dunes on the East Coast and ideal conditions for beginners.

Located at Milepost 12 in Nags Head, NC, this breathtaking state park has been our primary training site for nearly 50 years, thanks to a special partnership with the North Carolina State Park Service. The combination of soft sand, steady winds, and moderate dune height makes it one of the safest and most accessible locations in the world to learn how to hang glide.

[Get Directions to Our Flight School on Google Maps →]


What to Expect During Your Lesson

Check-In
Arrive at the flight school 30 minutes before your scheduled lesson to check in and get ready.

Ground School (Required)
Every beginner lesson includes Ground School, where you’ll learn the basics of flight:

  • Hang gliding history and orientation

  • Safety instructions and park overview

  • Equipment handling and glider control

  • Launching, flying, and landing techniques

If taken separately, Ground School costs $49 per person. If it’s been more than a year since your last session, a refresher is required.

Walk to the Dunes
After Ground School, enjoy a scenic 10–15 minute walk through the sand to the dunes. Your instructor will carry the glider and select the best dune based on current wind conditions to ensure a safe and fun flying experience.

Take Flight
At the top of the dune, your instructor will harness you in, give final safety checks, and help you launch. You’ll run into the wind and fly solo—just a few feet off the ground.

  • Expect 5 solo flights during your lesson

  • Flights typically cover 30 to 100+ yards, at heights of 5 to 15 feet

  • Land on your feet if you can (style points!), or safely on the glider’s wheels if needed

Wrap-Up
After your final flight, we’ll head back to the flight school for a quick sign-out process. You’ll receive:

  • A flight logbook

  • A commemorative sticker

  • Access to your GoPro Film and Photo Package (if purchased)

  • A chance to browse souvenirs at our gift shop


Accessibility and Mobility Assistance

If anyone in your group has a mobility restriction that may affect their ability to walk on the dunes, please contact Jockey’s Ridge State Park at 252-441-7132 at least 24 hours in advance. Park rangers may be able to assist, depending on weather and staff availability.

What to Bring for Your Dune Lesson

  • Water: Bring more than you think you’ll need. Water is required for all participants and spectators. Vending machines are available, but we recommend bringing your own bottle(s). A refill station is on-site.

  • Sunscreen: Apply before your lesson and bring it with you—there’s no shade on the dunes.

  • Eye Protection: Sunglasses are recommended, even on cloudy days. They’ll stay on during your flight.

  • Clothing:

    • Comfortable/Athletic Wear: Expect some running. Mid-thigh shorts, leggings, or pants are best for harness comfort.

    • Layers: Spring and fall can be chilly, especially with wind. Dress in layers you can remove.

  • Footwear:

    • Sand is hot in summer—barefoot is not an option. Wear socks with sneakers or secure sandals (Tevas, Crocs, etc.).

    • Neoprene sand socks are available in our shop if needed.

  • Camera: You’ll want photos! Bring a plastic bag to protect electronics.

  • Other Tips:

    • Bring a blanket or towel to sit on between flights.

    • Use a small bag or backpack for your items—it’s a 10-minute walk to the flying area. Avoid large bags or coolers.

    • Keep valuables protected; sand and surprise rain can damage electronics.

We teach Beginner Hang Gliding to students as young as 4 years old! Bring the whole family out to fly with us.

Hang gliders are weight shift controlled aircraft, so our teaching methods vary slightly based on the age and weight of the student in the glider. For instance, young and/or light students will have an instructor on each side of the wing to assist with balancing the glider. Our upper weight limit for dune hang gliding is approximately 235 lbs, but also dependent on wind conditions and the students physicality.

For specific questions about weight limits and accessibility, call the hang gliding school directly at (252) 441-2426.

friendsofjockeysridge 450x123 - Dune Hang Gliding

The Friends of Jockey’s Ridge is a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the support and maintenance of programs and the development of facilities of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Their mission is to support, enhance and promote Jockey’s Ridge State Park as a significant geologic feature of the Outer Banks, North Carolina.

From the earliest of times, Jockey’s Ridge has been enjoyed by many natives and visitors to the Outer Banks. It is a unique park due to its geological features and due to its natural movement and change. To help establish the Park an earlier nonprofit organization, called the People to Preserve Jockeys Ridge, was formed in the early 1970’s at a time when the dune was threatened with development for houses. As a result of their efforts, Jockey’s Ridge became a State Park in 1975. Today the park is enjoyed and supported by more than 1 million annual visitors.

Join the Friends of Jockey’s Ridge and support the organization!

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