. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. Loose Grip, Loose Grip, Loose Grip The first instruction a student receives at Kitty Hawk Kites is by way of a video, which shows would-be pilots successfully and jubilantly making their first flights. For balance, the video also shows some first-timers tumbling onto the sand like drunken pterodactyls — examples of what not to do. As the narrator's mellifluous voice speaks of the "soft and forgiving sand dunes" and encourages students to "let the glider fly you," I have a revelation. Ah
. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. Loose Grip, Loose Grip, Loose Grip The first instruction a student receives at Kitty Hawk Kites is by way of a video, which shows would-be pilots successfully and jubilantly making their first flights. For balance, the video also shows some first-timers tumbling onto the sand like drunken pterodactyls — examples of what not to do. As the narrator's mellifluous voice speaks of the "soft and forgiving sand dunes" and encourages students to "let the glider fly you," I have a revelation. Aha! It's the zen of hang gliding, I think. All I need to remember is to let the glider fly me. And if it doesn 't, the forgiving sand will cushion my fall. I can handle that. The video also urges students to remember two main rules of learning to hang glide: (1) relax and (2) obey the instructor's command. I later learn the importance of rule number two. First, though, I have to get into the harness that will cradle me under the glider. Weaver introduces the equipment, showing my classmates and me how to step into the harness and explaining the importance of the carabiner, the hook on the back that attaches to straps on the glider. I know I am in trouble when I can't adjust the leg straps to fit snugly against my thighs. Weaver had made it look so easy —just lift the strap and pull, he'd. Andy Torrington explains the physics of hang gliding. said during his effortless demonstration. I wrestle with my own straps as the other students and I heave ourselves over the front dune to the site of our lesson. The instructors I meet at Jockey's Ridge are young, tanned and fit — they The author flies - not too high. Torring look as if they would be equally at ease wearing a wetsuit and riding the waves as they are flying over the sand. They have a contagious enthusiasm for hang gliding and are patient, courteous, encouraging and compassionate. And that's a good thing. When you hook y
Size: 1451px × 1722px
Photo credit: © The Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookcollectionunclibra, booksubjectoceanography
