Why is it that Hang Gliding has been continuallly happening on the other main Hawaiian Islands but on the Big Island (which actually has the best thermalling conditions) hang gliding has been taking a back seat to tourism related activities like snorkelling, bird watching and souvenier hunting?

     That's the question I asked when I met some of the retired Hang Gliding pilots that still reside here on the Big Island.

     The answers that I came up with, and which would be required to develop a strong pilot base, have to do with availablilty of instruction, launch and landing (site) preservation and a growing community of support between experienced as well as newer pilots.

     In the 1990s I was working as an Instructor/Tandem Pilot and ran a full time Hang Gliding School in So Cal. By the end of the 1990s I was competing for distance (longest flight so far is 149 miles)  and nationally ranked as a Cross Country competition pilot.

     Living the sport that I loved (full time) in So Cal. didn't really look like it was going to support my retirement years in sufficiently high style.... so I made the decision to work at something that would give me a brighter financial future while I could still fit in a week or two each year to get in my Hang Gliding (Cross Country Competition) fix.

    Anyway, the kayak/watersport sales now seem to be paying the bills so I can devote a bit more of my time to Hang Gliding and bringing this pure sport back to the Big Island to make sure our soaring opportunities don't go to waste.

    You may have already seen me flying my Falcon 3 (with mosquito powered harness) up and down our coasts. Often our inland flying sites don't allow people to witness our sport up close. One great thing I'm finding about the mosquito (besides allowing many more launching sites) is that I can get our sport in front of far more potential pilots.

     Gliders listed to the left get higher in price (as performance goes up) and ability required to safely fly the higher performing gliders goes up as well. The Mosquito harness can be used with any hang glider but requires intermediate level flying skills to be flown safely.

     For me, I've been continously involved in the sport for 28 years and have yet to sustain any serious injury. That's not to imply that there aren't dangers associated with all types of aviation. Just that being a bit akamai (smart) and developing good skills/ knowledge will give you far better odds of having a successful flying career than the average thrill seeker.

    Best of luck in finding your wings. Fly high, fly far and join me on a mainland cross country expedition someday....

     Kelly Harrison