THE BEST EVER!!!! Please read ..... Review of Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School Reviewed November 23, 2020 As long as I can remember I have been fascinated with flight of all types and as a kid I used to jump off our outside air-conditioner unit with a towel around my neck as my "wing" hoping and thinking I could fly even for just a few seconds. I've even had dreams where I could lean into the wind just right and catch enough air to fly for a few seconds. Well, with my visit to Kitty Hawks Hang Gliding School all those childhood dreams finally came true. I visited with my wife in mid October 2020 after being on COVID lockdown in Maryland for 8 months. The weather was incredible - upper 60's lower 70's. A few things I want to call out about my experience: First, amazing thanks to EVERY member of the KHK Hang Gliding School who we interacted with: Wolf, Billy, Bowen, Nick, Charley, Drake, Gavin, Megan, Allison, Haley. If I missed someone I'm so sorry because you all deserver all the credit in the world. These instructors and staff are across the board among the nicest people I have ever met. They do an UNBELIEVABLE amount of work not just teaching you to fly, but also carrying the gliders back up the hill each time (just walking up those dunes by yourself is a big effort even if you are in reasonably good shape, but then add a 70-lb glider on your shoulders, 50-60 times a day??? these people are amazing!). I would encourage everyone who reads this to make sure you TIP your instructors well. They give their all and the deserve it. It's so cool to see them high fiving and yelling encouragement to each of the students on every flight. They seem just as excited on their 30th flight of the day as their first, and this makes it fun for everyone. If they are ever exhausted of having a bad day, you sure don't ever see it. I went for my HANG-1 certification with lessons spread out over about 6 days and every lesson was an adventure. I worked with 4 different instructors and each one has a slightly different way of teaching so I got an excellent mix of techniques and tips and tricks. They are very serious about safety and I felt like I was in very competent hands at all times. The excitement of doing my first few runs on my own with no instructor on the leash is just crazy awesome. I can't wait to get back there and start working on my HANG2 & being able to soar. My wife enjoyed her beginner's lesson so much, she did a second one a few days later. Overall this was one of the best things I have ever done in all my travels and I cannot overstate just how great these people are. I highly recommend Kitty Hawk Hang Gliding School! And PLEASE don't forget to tip your instructors! read more

We tried to go hang gliding here twice and both times weather failed us. They would warn us at the beginning that perhaps it may be too windy to go. Then they would go through the safety demonstration but each time, it was too windy and we wouldn't be able to go. They offered vouchers or refunds. read more

Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School - Specialty Schools Near Me - Nags Head, North Carolina

Two days in a row we went through the ground school only to get canceled due to high winds. Had we known before registering that there's a 50/50 chance you won't get to actually fly, we wouldn't have wasted the time to even try to go there. The OBX are known for the high winds, hence the Wright Brothers going there! I'd suggest one doesn't even register unless you see the forecast for 3-5 MPH winds out of the east. otherwise you're likely wasting your time and $$$ as you'll still pay for the ground school. read more

I recently took my family for beginners hand gliding lessons. We had fun with the activity. The people at the front desk were nice and great hype people. The park were they are located is beautiful and the ground around the building is a pretty walk while you wait. David the first guide we met was rude and sarcastic a lot so I was so happy to be put in Kyle's group at the dunes. Kyle was the opposite. He was nice and informative and went the extra step to make it special for us. Unfortunately we had to meet at the end again with David and it tarnished the overall experience. Overall it was a decent time at a fair price. read more

See all

We went hang gliding for my birthday and it was an awesome experience. It felt freeing to feel like I was flying for a few moments. We will definitely be back again. read more

Great fun! The instructors were patient and enthusiastic. I recommend them even to those who are afraid of trying.

Had an awesome trip! Nick and DJ were AMAZING, super nice and helpful. Some of the nicest guys we've met!

We had bought a naso tent in the duck location since we were on that side of the island. Tried using after get tips and tricks from "experts" and it was a good bit of work. 25# of sad in all 4 bags, buried with more sand on top. Stakes are strong and worked hard at keeping its shape. Was up more that down adjusting the polls. We had bought the largest one and it's big I mean way big. It's too big for 2 people. The foot print of it is 3 times the size. It take up a lot of real a state. Tried to return to a same company just at a different store. According to them and there was signage. Not mentioned at that location. Manager said he would call them to see what could be down. We explained w Too big for two of us. Neso company was very very helpful on their end and called the store to do an exchange. And that is what we did. The manager was more than patient with us and this ordeal. We are hopefully straight now. P read more

We drove from Virginia Beach for a day in obx and this was the highlight of our day! They start off by having one of the instructors give a short history of the school and hang gliding. Then they show an instructional video explaining the logistics of how you will operate the hang glider. After the video they take you outside to a demo glider and physically show you how to put your harness on and hook yourself to the glider. Then it's time to walk to the dunes! Once you get to the top of the sand dune you break up into groups (if necessary) with your instructor. We had Jesse and he was great! Very patient and takes the time to explain one more time how to hook into the hang glider and the logistics of how your flight will go. My advice is to bring tonssss of water. It can get pretty hot up there and you are running some and climbing back up the dune and you can honestly not get enough water lol. Also, just make sure to really listen to the instructors. They know what they are talking about and if you listen you will have good flights! If you will be in the area I definitely recommend this. It's sounds a lot scarier that it was, I promise! Lol. read more

Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School - Specialty Schools Near Me - Nags Head, North Carolina

Loved it. One of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. Felt safe and confident in the staff the entire time. Instruction was top-notch and the methods were easy to understand, making our flights fun and effective. Would love to do it again! read more

We took our 6 year old son this last Wednesday for his first hang gliding class. While we were naturally a bit nervous at the prospect of our son sailing away, that feeling quickly evaporated once his instructor Michael started speaking. Michael has an extremely friendly and welcoming demeanor. Michael and every other instructor, were all enthusiastic and friendly yet professional. Our son had an absolute blast and I would highly recommend this adventure. As an aside, Jockey state park is absolutely gorgeous. It was 97 and extremely muggy when we got there but a strong sea breeze made it comfortable. We watched the sun set from the park after our sons class. The class and sunset made the perfect memory for our family. We can't wait to go again read more

Great friendly instructors. But telephone and front counter staff are chaotic. And our party of six started off with a bad experience. read more

Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School - Specialty Schools Near Me - Nags Head, North Carolina

Fun times, even though I crashed the landing EVERY SINGLE TIME. I took the 3 hour beginner's hang gliding lesson. It did last exactly three hours. Here is a rundown of my day: -Get there 30 minute early to sign the four page waiver -Classroom instruction where the instructor talks about the basics of hang gliding (equipment, movements, FAQs, etc.) -Watch 2 short videos; one for Jockey Ridge State Park and one for Kitty Hawk Kites -Go outside to watch the instructor go over instructions with the stationary hang glider in front of the park -5-10 minute break -Get helmets, harnesses, and permits -Walk to the dunes and instructor demonstrates a flight -You hook in and review the movements. Then you're off! Go twice, wait, go twice, wait, then one final "victory flight" -Walk back to the store, return equipment, fill out your certificate and flight log I liked the small group instruction. We started off with about 12 people in the classroom and then broke up into three groups, i.e. 4:1 ratio. I think that hang gliding isn't as easy as it looks. I totally failed the first two flights and never managed to land properly. The instructors are super enthusiastic and great about explaining what you need to work out. I believe the price is $99 for the lesson (I had a pass for a free lesson). Some guy said that there is a $5 coupon in one of those touristy books. There is a sign in the classroom that says that tipping is appreciated but not expected. Listen to them when they tell you to bring lots of water! It gets hot and tiring walking up and down the dunes. Good for kids too. read more

Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School - Performing a "hang check" - Specialty Schools Near Me - Nags Head, North Carolina

FLY THIS! Everyone and their mother goes para-sailing and swimming on a beach vacation - for some added thrill, how about something with a little more lift? For about $100 and 3 hours in the blistering sun, you can take hang gliding lessons in Jockey's Ridge State Park. The Wright Brother's were totally on to something when they flew their first airplane out here. The Atlantic winds are consistent and strong (today was about 15 mph) and the sand dunes in the state park allow for soft landings - yes, even when you inevitably crash face plant. You get about 5 flights during the lesson, which is held usually with a fairly large group. The basics are, you go through the basics and theory, you get in a harness, then run like hell off a sand dune. The instructors push the hang glider with you and run down the hill as you catch air and float down the face of the dune. Most flights will travel about 150 feet and no more than 15 feet vertical in the air. If you've done everything right, you land running and on your feet. If you're like me, you crash into another sand dune, brush the grit off your face, and yell "That was TOTALLY AWESOME!" The instructors are really patient and friendly - they'll give you lots of tips to improve for your next flight so each time gets better and better. And if you really really love it, they'll also help you get your Hang-1 Certification so you can hang glide at even more awesome places. Tips: bring LOTS of water, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for later. You WILL get sand into every crevice possible and run out of water or feel dehydrated. They offer kid's lessons too. read more

See all

I visited Kitty Hawk Hang Gliding with two friends and we all had a great time! The day we went was pretty windy, but our instructors Wolf and Garrett made sure we flew safe and still had fun. Both of them kept us engaged while flying and were great at giving us tips to make each flight better than the one before. Thanks for a great first flying experience- we'll definitely be back! read more

Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School - Specialty Schools Near Me - Nags Head, North Carolina

Decided to go here for the afternoon when one of our party recommended it. Was skeptical but want to try new things and so glad we did!! Our two instructors were great and so enthusiastic and helpful. Those guys work so hard to make sure everyone has a great time. We had Luke and Techo. It was so pretty on the dunes too and we had a great day. I think it would be pretty miserable on a very hot day on the sand but it was great! Highly recommend doing this at least once. It is very mild and easy with the help of the instructors. The hardest part is going up the dunes, we all will sleep great tonight!!! read more

See all

I saw an advertisement for this place and decided it would be a fun way to spend my birthday since we would be vacationing nearby. We stopped in a few days before just to check it out and the staff was very friendly and answered all our questions. I scheduled for the evening slot and when we got there, the check in process was smooth and easy. Our instructor went over all the safety features and terminology which was very informative. It was very gusty that day and he checked to make sure it was safe to fly and chose the best direction for flight. The instructors had to double up because of the wind and did an amazing job handling each person as well as the kites. They did a LOT of running up and down the dunes and were so patient with all of us even though I know they were exhausted. The guys battled novice individuals, small children, older people, crazy wind, and hot temperatures with ease. The guys even handled a seemingly difficult and demanding large family without being a distraction to the rest of us. I was very impressed with each of them but Noah and Mikah were epic! I cant wait to come back and try it again! read more

We took my 10 year old son to learn hang gliding with KHK here. They were awesome. His instructor was both thorough and very clear in explaining what had to be done. By the end of the group lesson, everyone had had a successful flight. A great way to start in an extreme sport. PS Zack was his instructor, and I highly recommend him. This is my son: I thought that the experience of hang gliding was going to be very scary but it turned out to be very relaxing. If its going to be your first time u should ask for Zack. hes awesome and does tons of hang gliding. If your 75 pounds or over u are in an adult class. You shouldn't feel to old to do hang gliding because in my class there were 50 yr old men doing it! Just try it and you will be fine. read more

Kitty Hawk Kites seems to be everywhere in OBX, and we decided their hang gliding class was the best balance of fun and cost. We met at their training facility in Jockey Ridge State Park. Jeff, our instructor, was cool and really funny, despite his jokes alternating between awesome and corny hang gliding puns. He did great job explaining things and we felt very comfortable knowing what we were getting into. We watched two training videos, which were old and ridiculous but self-aware enough that they were really fun to watch. Once everyone got their gear on, we hiked up the massive dunes in the start park which which were very cool. The instructors took care of carrying the gliders and all the equipment. The good news was that we got to start flying relatively quickly. We were broken into groups of five, did one last refresher, and then everyone took turns strapping in. The hill was kind of low but I had a nice 10 second flight. After everyone got one flight, the instructors huddled. Apparently the wind was not very good and was blowing in the wrong direction, which was why we had to use the crappy small hill. They offered us a god-for-life "wind-check," which we opted to take. Everyone else stayed to make the best of it. The flight was a ton of fun, but given the low hill and single takeoff, the experience wasn't one I'll remember forever. But we really liked the staff and how they handled the situation. We plan on heading back to OBX so we look forward to trying again! read more

Wife and I took hang gliding lessons while on vacation down there. The workers were great and super helpful. Prices were reasonable. Only issue was the first day we went. The wind was crazy as all hell and they had to postpone. Not the problem at all. The issue was the instructor had us walk all the way out to the dune knowing we would t be able to fly. He kept preempting that it might be cancelled during the walk and it was obvious he knew we had to reschedule. The winds were passing 50-60mph all day. We will go again next time we are down there. Really fun time. Have fun read more

Scurrilous business practices. Only after they have secured your payment do they present you with an unconscionable legal agreement in which you are asked to sign away all your rights, including holding them responsible for their own negligence. You are not even offered a copy of what you have signed away. Then the instructor proceeds to tell you the worst injury he has witnessed is a head laceration. Something doesn't make sense here. Find something else to do and avoid these greedy thieves. read more

Thank-you for a great day and having the smarts to cut the day short. I will never question an instructor who's gut is that conditions are no longer safe. We had a great time and in great part because of the people running the place. read more

Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School - Specialty Schools Near Me - Nags Head, North Carolina

See all

Wolf and Zack was great will be back loved that shit cannt wait for more time from work to do again , then guys do a great job ,

You drive by the big sand dune at Jockey Ridge State Park and see these hang gliders hovering and swooping around in the sky above the dunes and you think to yourself, "that looks like fun!" Well, at least I did. It is a bit pricey, they do a good job teaching you the fundamentals, with a lot of emphasis on safety. Hardest part of the whole thing trying to climb the dune in the loose sand to reach the launch point. try it, but leave the sandals/flip-flops behind. read more

I loved hang gliding here! The dunes were gorgeous. I got the "hang" of it quickly. Listen to the instructors when they tell you to LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO! It's true. My 3rd flight, I looked at the sand and skidded to a stop with my face! lmao I believe I snapped the frame of my glider then, too. Trevor was my instructor and I couldn't have been happier. He was the most patient and personable guy! He even autographed my snapped frame and gave it to me as a souvenir! read more

Awesome experience! Very professional and they make it fun. Cost is definitely worry it and actually economical. Everything runs right on time and very efficient. A must when in the obx. read more

We didn't know what to expect but Willie & Tim made sure we had a great time! They have special access to the beautiful sand dunes - what a beautiful place to see the sound & ocean. They cheered us on while making us feel safe and excited. A must-do for anyone visiting OBX! read more

Had an awesome time on the dunes, kayaking and hang gliding with this company. Accommodating staff and awesome service. Prices were reasonable too. read more

Loved learning to hang glide here. The instructors were very friendly, informative, and helpful. I had a blast, and felt extremely safe per the instruction and presence of the instructors. read more

we had a fantastic time and will be back next year. the videos were helpful and interesting - i didn't know anything about the history of hang gliding (and didn't realize that i wanted to till we were watching) the instructors were all good and engaging and totally knew thier stuff. it was super easy for us because we chose to go the day that hurricane earl was hitting OBX - thus we got lift without much effort, perfect for a first time i would say just to get the idea/feel of hanging. zach was our instructor and was wonderful. will be definately asking for him next time. read more

Received a certificate for a hang Gliding lesson from here for Christmas. Was fortunate enough to be able to use it today. My instructors Luke, Ryan and Manny did everything possible to make it a great experience. GREAT JOB guys. You succeeded. Don't be surprisedif you see me again. LOVED IT. read more

First time hang gliders. Great environment and friendly instructors. The kids hang gliding classes were great as well, the instructors were wonderful with them and the kids had a lot of fun! read more

Was just in today sales clerk Heather was very helpful showing me how to hook up a trick kite. Having never flown one I feel confident that I will be an expert in no time. I enjoyed my shopping experience very much. read more

This was by far the highlight of my last vacation! I had heard it was a lot of fun and I was not at all disappointed. I had heard that early mornings in the fall or spring were best but I went in the beginning of June at 11:30am. When driving into Nags Head we were a bit concerned that the thunderstorm overhead might not allow us to fly that day. Luckily the storm passed over while in the ground school and we were up on the dunes after a 15 minute break. It was the best flying experience that I have ever had. The instructors bring the gliders back up the hill for you and are very patient even when you have wrecked 2 of their gliders, as I had done. I hit the ground pretty hard 3 times and my worst injury was a cut in-between 2 of my fingers from catching the edge of the control bar on impact. The harnesses and gliders did a great job of absorbing the impact! If you do nothing else on your trip to Nags Head you absolutely have to try hang gliding at Kitty Hawk Kites. A+++ read more

This review is more in reference to the instructor, rather than the actual school or experience. The instructor seemed like a nice kid. I don't remember his name but he was young, tons of freckles, and had just graduated from college with an aerospace engineering degree. During the classroom portion, he made two very inappropriate statements that would've been reprimanded if Kitty Hawk Kites had a Human Resources Department. For the first, when one of the other attendees said who he was and where he was from, he pointed behind him and said "I'm also here with my wife and my brother," motioning to them, seated behind him. The instructor immediately made a very rude and homophobic statement by saying "Oh! I got worried when you said your 'wife' but were pointing to him," meaning his brother. Yes, because being gay is so scary and worrisome. The second inappropriate statement was in reference to the hang gliders and the mechanisms. He was making the point that they were "sensitive but not responsive." He then made another crack and said "the guys in the room, like me, have probably all had girlfriends like that...that are very sensitive, but not very responsive." WTF?! Who even talks like this these days? Do you guys not have some sort of instructor training on appropriate ways to deal with the public on the whole, and not just some red neck audience? read more

Did kids' lessons. Definitely something our kids couldn't have done elsewhere and they had a good experience, but unfortunately not ideal. Timing is odd: 11:00 check in for 11:30 start of a 3 hr lesson. That means kids out all day with no lunch. And in fact even though the class was only 5 kids, the pacing was off and they ran nearly an hour long to get everyone's 5 rides in. Yes, they got their money's worth but by the end they were wrecked -- too much time in the hot sun. They were sweaty, sandy, and starving (parking lot entry to exit was like 11-4). Staff were all friendly, and the kids did have a good time. If I had it to do again, I'd bring the kids a small cooler for lots of water and maybe some snacks. Also have a towel and maybe a change of clothes/shoes in the car since you basically get sandblasted on the dune. Bring way more water than you think you need. You'll need it. read more

We did the dune hang gliding lesson and had an absolutely fantastic time! At the beginning, you listen to a short chat and watch a few videos, this portion doesn't take to long at all. Alex lead our lesson chat. After the lesson, you'll proceed to grab your gear, then meet your instructor and head to the dunes! There will be about three people per instructor. Our instructor was Robert -- he was so friendly, knowledgeable, and made me feel completely at ease (I was nervous!). You'll get five runs -- before each run, you'll hook yourself in (and most likely hit your head all over the damn beams -- hence the helmet) and perform a hang check. The first time, you'll review the commands and get ready to go! It really is simple, you'll run, feel your self start to float up, lift your feet -- and there you are! Your instructors will remind you of things and help you make corrections as you fly. To come down, you'll flare (lift your arms up) and that is about all there is to it! I have a feeling this is where the instructors come in most handy. I think only one person out of our entire group -- about ten -- had a small "crash" and by that I only mean he didn't land gracefully. For your first run, everyone will do one. After that, you'll do two sets of two. The day we did it, it was quite windy -- they almost gave us a "wind check" but we persevered! They accommodated by putting an extra instructor on, so there was one on each wing. At the end of the lesson, you'll head back up and get some little things: fly log, stickers, certificate, etc. You'll be a certified L1! Two extra little notes: While I was waiting for the flyway to clear, Robert let me "hover" by basically jumping up and just hovering in the glider for a few seconds -- which was super fun! This is not expected, or included, but a sweet extra bit that made it extra fun! Also, the instructors work for tips -- something I hadn't thought about prior, luckily I had cash on hand -- but be prepared to do so, they certainly deserve it! read more

The staff make the experience. They are always so great. They know when to joke with you and have fun and when to seriously encourage you. They are VERY cognizant of safety!! Great with kids. read more