Location(s): Clewiston, FL, select dates at Coconut Grove.
Tandem Hang Gliding
- Your instructor is certified by the U.S. Hang Gliding Association and has over 20 years experience
- Your instruction includes in-flight training lessons on basic weight shift control of the hang glider
- Stunning views of Biscayne Bay, Miami, and the Florida Keys
- Experience the freedom of this unique form of flight as you glide effortlessly high above Biscayne Bay
- Free Personalized Gift Box
- Buy Now Book Later
- Free Exchanges
- Free Refunds
Description:
Without a mountain nearby, a custom designed boat will tow you and your USHGA certified instructor safely into the air.
When an altitude of 1,000 feet is reached the tow rope is left behind and you are free to fly!
An aerial adventure you will never forget!
Availability:
Year Round. Currently available in Clewiston, FL, Fridays- Mondays, sunrise to sunset and select dates in Coconut Grove.
Location(s):
Clewiston, FL, select dates at Coconut Grove.
Essential Information:
Participants must weigh no more than 240 pounds and be accompanied by an adult if under 18 years of age.
Duration:
Approx. 10 minutes of flight time
Maximum Participants:
1 per flight
Spectators:
Allowed, you may watch the participant!
Weather Dependent:
This experience is weather dependent. Always contact the Experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions.
What to Wear:
Wear comfortable clothing, preferably long pans appropriate for weather conditions and sturdy, comfortable, closed toed shoes. Also make sure to bring hydrating liquids.
Booking Information:
For this experience, it is recommended to request bookings at least 7-10 days in advance.
Cancellation Policy:
Once you have received a booking confirmation, cancellations and rebooking are allowed up to 14 days prior to the Experience. Failure to appear on your booked date or to cancel and rebook at least 14 days prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your Experience.
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How do you steer?
Hang gliders are controlled by shifting the pilot's weight with respect to the glider. Pilots are suspended from a hang strap controlled to the glider's frame (hence the name "hang" glider.) By moving forward and backward and side to side at the end of this hang strap, the pilot alters the center of gravity of the glider. This then causes the glider to pitch or roll in the direction of the pilot's motion and thus allows both speed control and turning.
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How safe are hang gliders?
As safe as the person flying them. Like any form of sport aviation, hang gliders can be dangerous if pursued carelessly. Gliders in the US are now certified by HGMA. Also, hang gliding instruction has been standardized and students learn from certified instructors using a thorough gradual training program.
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Is lots of wind necessary to launch/fly/land?
Hang gliders can be launched, flown and landed in winds from zero to 30 mph safely. Generally, ideal winds for launching and landing are from 5 to 20 mph depending on the flying site. Wind speed is less important in flight since the pilot controls the air speed of the glider whatever the wind speed may be.
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How do gliders gain altitude?
While there are many sources of upwardly moving air or "lift", the most commonly used by hang gliders are ridge lift and thermal lift. Ridge lift occurs when horizontal wind hits an obstruction (like a ridge, for instance) and is deflected upward. Thermal lift occurs when terrain is heated by the sun and transfers this heat to the surrounding air- which then rises. Typically, ridge lift exists in a "lift band" on the windward side of a ride and pilots get up by flying back and forth through this band. Thermal lift on the other hand usually starts at some local "trigger point" on the ground and then rises as a column or bubble of air. To get up in a thermal, pilots thus typical circle in this region of rising air.
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Where can gliders launch and land?
Pretty much any slope that is relatively free from obstructions, is steeper than about 6 to 1 and faces into the wind can be used to foot launch a hang glider. The pilot just runs down the slope and takes off when the air speed reaches 15 to 20 mph. Alternatively, towing by trucks, stationary winches and ultralight aircraft allows gliders to get into the air when no hills are available.
