Cruising along Vista Del Mar on any given afternoon you’ve probably seen the colorful hang gliders hovering above the dunes overlooking the Pacific.
Go ahead, admit it – you’ve wanted to stop and check out the action but for one reason or another kept driving.
Here’s an idea: Pack a picnic lunch, drive to Dockweiler State Beach, unfurl a blanket and spend an hour or two lounging on the beach watching a few adventurous souls take hang gliding lessons.
What’s better than a couple of relaxing hours under the sun while witnessing firsthand mankind’s never-ending quest for flight? Who knows? You might be inspired to sign up for a lesson. Should that be the case, you’re in luck.
Joe Greblo of Windsports out of Sylmar has been teaching the art of hang gliding for several decades and has made it incredibly easy for anyone to experience the thrill of flying. Dockweiler State Beach in El Segundo is home to their Flight Training Park with lessons available Wednesday through Sunday.
After only 20 minutes of instruction, you’ll find yourself strapped into a harness perched at the top of a 30 foot high sand dune. The instructor is at your side holding the glider in place explaining what to expect. Soon enough, you’re running down the hillside and within moments your feet leave the ground and voila! You’re airborne! The instructor is at your side for the entire ride and assists with the landing.
There are several packages to choose from including a special introductory lesson for $75. A full lesson is $120 and includes ground school and flying instruction with all gear supplied. Each session includes seven flights with top-notch, non-stop instruction. Joe and the other instructors are masters of encouragement and most students are flying solo by the second lesson.
So, the next time you find yourself with a few free hours on a gorgeous afternoon, stop by Dockweiler State Beach and catch the adventures of the airborne and should you desire some hands-on experience, call 1-818-367-2430 for an appointment.
This could be your Kitty Hawk.
Dockweiler State Beach is located at 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293.