Excerpt from Thermal Valley Hang Gliding
Few thrills can compare to soaring like a bird above the clouds. Add to that the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and you’ve experienced hang gliding NC.
In 2011, Craig and Laura Pearson opened Thermal Valley Hang Gliding in Burke County NC. Craig has 28 years of experience as a USHPA certified aero-tow tandem hang glider instructor.
Not only are his credentials impressive, but his fun-loving, outgoing personality could also put even the most nervous would-be fliers at ease.
Safety of their customers is paramount. The tandem flights start out with on-the-ground training in which the staff explains the process and what to expect in the air, then guests are fitted out with helmets and safety eye protection.
Once I was secured into my harness, Craig signaled to the pilot of the towing ultralight airplane, and the wheels started to spin, and off we went, into the wild blue yonder!
At 1,500 feet above sea level, the tow rope was released and we were floating on our own, soaking up the panoramic views of the mountains, pastures, and woods.
With some verbal cues from Craig on how to shifting my body weight in opposition, I was even able to steer the craft on my own.
As we got began the descent, the ground seems to be coming really fast, but we had a nice, smooth landing.
Read the full story of my Thermal Valley Hang Gliding experience here.
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Disclosure: The author was honored to be the guest of Visit Burke County for her hang gliding experience, but as always, the opinions, reviews, and experiences are her own.