Whilst in Lennox head we saw people hang gliding off of Lennox head. We were watching them for a while and thought that it looked like fun. On the way back we saw them packing up their stuff and got chatting. Jo was very interested as he has wanted to go hang gliding for a while. We found out that we could have a special rate as we were staying at the YHA as the owner and the instructor had a deal.
The next day Jo decided to take the plunge and I decided to go be the paparazzi. On the way there the instructor offered us an even better deal if we both went. It was too good a deal to say no so decided to take the plunge too.
Jo went up first. It was a tandem hang glide so the instructor went through everything with us and made sure we were happy before we went. To take off you stand behind the instructor and you both run straight off the cliff (whilst attached to the hang glider – Jo). It was actually not as scary as it sounds. Once in the air you have to wiggle your way next to the instructor so you can see what is going on.
Jo was in the air for about 30 mins and was circling over the cliff, sea, town and beach. Whilst up there he spotted a few birds of prey and flew straight over them. He also felt the air current being affected by another hang glider and said it was just like the wash of a boat in the sea when they go past. He had a go at steering the hang glider. The view was spectacular. The instructor explained some of the cloud formations in the distance and informed us that a big storm was coming that evening. Eventually he landed smoothly back down.
I went up next and did a similar thing. We spent a bit more time over the ocean as we were watching the stingrays in the sea. To teach me to steer we had a game of chicken with the cars on the road using the shadow. I had to get into position and wait for a gap in the traffic then manoeuver the hang glider shadow over to the other side of the road without getting squished. I just made it, it was really good fun. The scary bit was swooping down next to the cliff face as it suddenly gets very close. Again the landing went without a hitch.
It was a brilliant experience. I would recommend it to anyone. The views are amazing and the feeling of being that free in the air was awesome especially when you are steering it.
Hahahaha! Good job you explained that Jo. I was worried for a second there Ruth had just ran off the cliff…
These (and the others on facebook) are amazing!