[
LAND
ADVENTURES
[
“
Rock climbing varies from easy climbing to intense outdoor situations , all ranging on a scale from
1-5.10 +
“
HANG GLIDING
This time of year is great for open air activities that involve a lot of free movement . For the thrill seeker , hang gliding is the activity to try . Hang gliders are lightweight frames with a sailcloth wing . A person is suspended from the frame by a harness and controls the glider by using their bodyweight and arms to shift . The concept sounds easy enough , but hang gliding is considered to be one of the more dangerous outdoor activities , so classes with professionals are offered for maximum safety .
If you are into the history of the early hang glider , and flying in general , you have to check out the hang gliding adventures in Kitty Hawk , North Carolina . This is the original site of where the Wright Brothers tested out the Flyer , and ultimately changed the travel world for us all . Along the Outer Banks , you can experience how the brothers felt as you soar through the Carolina air .
There are age and physical requirements , so check the Kitty Hawk hang gliding website for details . If you are traveling with children , there are also separate hang gliding lessons for them to take . Hang glide in the dunes , tandem , or mile high ! Each package and course gets a little tougher and more intense as you go , so you will have to take the necessary courses that go along with each adventure , depending on your experience level .
ROCK CLIMBING
Rock climbing is another great seasonal activity . Rock climbing varies from easy climbing to intense outdoor situations , all ranging on a scale from 1-5.10 +. First , you have to figure out the level you are on . If you ' re good at climbing , have experienced a climb outdoors before , taken classes , and regularly use your own gear , then you ' re a 3-5 on the scale . If you have tried one of those indoor climbing walls and pretty much know what you need to take it to the next level , you are classified as a 2-3 . If you have never been rock climbing before , and consider your experience equal to that of standing on a boulder in a park , then you are a level 1 . Make sure you take the appropriate courses before you just start climbing . Knowledge of this activity and background information can save your life , so do not assume you are good to go , even if you have done a significant amount of climbing before . Always check safety regulations , as well as rules and guidelines , for the areas you are wishing to climb in .
108 | Spring 2017 | Adventure Outdoors