© Sylmar Hang Gliding Association
Many people come to Los Angeles with high hopes of meeting a celebrity, wanting to stand next to their favorite actor or actress, and touch the stars. While running in to Brad Pitt at Starbucks is a long shot, there is another way to get close to celestial bodies: hang gliding.
Southern California isn't known for its Alpine-like mountain ranges where thrill seekers can take to the skies, but it does in fact offer some of the best hang gliding venues in the United States, be it for a first time flight or a more advanced, hours-long trek through the sky.
Dockweiler State Beach is a three-mile stretch of the Pacific coast located at the end of the 105 freeway beneath the takeoff path from LAX. Equipped with beginner and novice flight areas, Dockweiler's Beach Flight Training Park makes an ideal place to get a taste of what hang gliding is about, or to further hone already burgeoning skills.
More adventurous types or out of town experts looking to log some serious frequent flyer miles will want to head inland to the Sylmar Flight Park. Just north of Los Angeles off the 210 freeway, one can join up with the Sylmar Hang Gliding Association (www.shga.com) where members launch daily from a height of 3,540' off of Kagel Mountain. Non-members are expected to meet certain pre-flight requirements and pay a $5 day use fee. The park is open seven days a week from 8am until dusk.
It is important to realize that very few people can just show up and use a hang gliding facility. Most sites require certification of some kind or the assistance of a qualified instructor from a local school. When choosing a school, look for the following: certification from the United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA); professionalism: if you call a school to ask questions, they should take care to answer any questions you have and be able to put the fears of potential customers to rest; schools should be established enough to have manufacturer support and representation; equipment should be in good repair and look up to date. Finally, remember to choose a school based on skill, not price. A good school may not come cheap, but a cheap school will likely not be good.
Windsports (www.windsports.com) is the premiere outfit in the region, offering a number of packages, from single flights, to five lesson plans, all of which take place on Dockweiler's gentle, sand covered slopes. Tandem or dual flight lessons are given at Sylmar Flight Park, giving everyone the opportunity to soar long and high, while in the care of an already qualified pilot. To schedule a lesson, call 818-367-2430.
A visit to Los Angeles might not guarantee a celebrity sighting, but for those willing to take a bit of a risk, touching the stars is certainly within reach. And maybe will even reveal Brad Pitt in line at Starbucks from high above.
