2010-06-20

FUN on the Dunes at Jockey's Ridge!

Of course there is excellent soundside windsurfing and kiteboarding found on the water west of Jockey's Ridge; however, this post centers on the fun found among the actual sandy dunes of the park! Jockey's Ridge State Park showcases the largest natural sand dunes found on the US East Coast. The terrain offers Sahara Desert-like views of nothing but sand and sky depending upon the vantage point. Coupled with scrub brush forests and unique dunes and ridge lines, a hike though the park is an experience not to be missed when visiting the Outer Banks. One of the biggest attractions on the dunes is hang gliding. With a steady east wind, the dunes come alive with excellent conditions for experienced or novice gliders. My buddy Tony Varga, a FedEx airline pilot, neighbor, and best man at my wedding, expanded from his water sports of surfing and kiteboarding to begin his aerial hang gliding adventure this summer with Kitty Hawk Kites. Given that our neighborhood borders the park, he was prime to venture into the dunes and fly! After earning his Level 1 rating, and recent Level 2, along with the purchase of an hang glider, he is amped to fly the dunes just minutes away from where we live!

Lauren, the little guy, and I hiked up to catch some of Tony's flights over the weekend! Check these out (click any image to open gallery)! (photographer: Lauren Nassetta)







In windsurfing news, you have likely been following the Pistol River Wave Bash, hosted in southern coastal Oregon, which scored epic conditions this past weekend! Congrats to the organizers and participants for an awesome venue and major plug for US mainland wavesailing! I definitely have to plan to be out there next year! For excellent video coverage of the event be sure to check out Pritchard Brothers Windsurfing.

Speaking of US wavesailing events, Hatteras Wave Jam 2010 will be officially announced very soon. Stay tuned!

Here on the OBX, we are locked into extremely flat ocean conditions and moderate SW wind. If only we had even a hint of a wave....?! Oh well, I guess the surf can only get better?!

Also on the FLASH wire, I received an email from Justin, a state park service ranger, noting this info nugget regarding kiteboarding on Pea Island. I noticed that the latest update on this regulation list was dated June 15, 2010, but see the line where "Kiteboarding and the use of Personal Watercraft are prohibited." Hmmmm, more on this piece in a future post.