THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 7, 1995 TAG: 9505050242
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: John Harper
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
HANG GLIDER pilots from around the world descend on Jockey's Ridge Friday for the 23rd annual Hang Gliding Spectacular.
Spectacular co-director Bruce Weaver says 75 pilots are expected for the four-day event.
``We've already gotten confirmations from pilots from Venezuela, California, Utah and Florida,'' Weaver says. ``Most of the pilots have flown here. It's more like a family reunion.''
The pilots will spend three days on the ridge, maneuvering through a series of pylons for a pair of judges. Pilots will be awarded points for passing pylons, with additional points awarded for an accurate landing in the bull's-eye at the end of the course.
Wind direction is a major factor for the fliers. With an east wind, pilots can launch from the more soarable 100-foot main dune. If the conditions are soarable, the pilots stay in the air for three minutes and when a horn sounds, the pilots make their descent toward the target.
But with a southwest or north wind, the course would be moved to one of the smaller dunes in the park. Pilots operate at 50-80 feet above the ground through the course.
A number of past champions, Glenn Hockett, Tom Haddon, Greg Keoho, Steve Wendt and Lawrence Battaille among them, will compete in the advanced division. First-time fliers and the less experienced pilots will fly in the novice division.
And for the first time this year, there will be a women's division.
``Last year, two women competed,'' Weaver said. ``We're hoping to have about 10 this year.''
Hockett, from Richmond, is competing in his 19th spectacular and has won the meet three times. He says the competition is healthy.
``Even though most of us are here for the fun,'' Hockett said, ``we all want to win.''
Francis Rogallo, the man considered the ``father of hang gliding,'' will again make the trophy presentations.
Rogallo is the inventor of the flexible wing, the prototype of the modern hang glider.
On Monday, the pilots move to Currituck Airport for a aerotow competition. The hang gliders will be pulled by an ultra-light and be judged on duration and accuracy.
Weaver, who joined Kitty Hawk Kites in 1992, usually sits out the competition, but this year Weaver will go airborne.
Will he be nervous?
``Sure, but once you're in the air, that goes away,'' Weaver said. ``This meet is more about camaraderie than it is about competing.'' MEMO: John Harper covers Outer Banks music and entertainment for The Carolina
Coast. Send comments and questions to him at P.O. Box 10, Nags Head,
N.C. 27959.
ILLUSTRATION: File photo
Hang glider pilots from as far away as Venezuela and California will
be flying at Jockey's Ridge for the 23rd annual Hang Gliding
Spectacular.
WHAT & WHERE
What: 23rd annual Hang Gliding Spectacular.
When: May 12-15.
Where: Jockey's Ridge State Park.
Admission: Free for spectators.
Other activities: Hang gliding fine arts/photography show at
Glenn Eure's Ghost Fleet Gallery and a Saturday night street dance
in the parking lot of Kitty Hawk Kites.
For more information: 441-4124 or (800) 334-4777.
by CNB