4 replies to this topic

[Reef Runner]

Jockey's Ridge, is a large sand dune (tallest in the eastern US) on the east coast of North Carolina. The peaks are approximately 100 feet above sea level, getting you well above any wind obstructions, and it is usually wide open, offering an ample flying area. There is plenty of room for single, dual, & quad line fliers, and it is located right across the main highway, from a large kite store. The dunes actually consist of three peaks, and are an example of a Medano, shifting sand that lacks vegetation. No plants or animals make their home on the dunes, due to the harsh conditions there. During the summer months, when visitation is highest, visitors are encouraged to bring water with them. There is no fresh water available within the park, and dehydration can sneak up on you, with the warm & windy conditions, which tend to mask ones excessive loss of body moisture. The desert-like environment, can be quite harsh, with air temperatures reaching 110+ degrees, and sand temperatures soaring an additional 30 degrees. A pair of flops is a must, on those hot summer days. Hats & sunscreen are also advisable. Again, the environment can be extremely harsh, especially for the very young, and the elderly, so use caution, but do enjoy! You will never find a better place to fly, as long as you come prepared, so bring all your kites and enjoy the breath taking views, but do not forget the water !! Jockeys Ridge State Park (the sand dune), is located on the west side of the main beach road (US 158 Bypass - South Croatan Highway). There are public restrooms & water, along with a hang gliding school, located over at the Park Headquarters, on Carolista Drive, which is accessed from the main highway, at milepost 12. There are also public restrooms and restaurants, located in, and around the shopping center, directly across the main highway, from the dune, at milepost 12 1/2. There is also a park entrance, located directly across the highway from the shopping center, along with a pedestrian controlled crosswalk, to assist in getting across. Traffic is extremely heavy during the tourist season, and moving at 50 mph +, so use the crosswalk. Bear in mind, that these two areas, the Park Headquarters, and the shopping center, are located on different sides of the dune, and are approximately 1/2 - 3/4 miles apart. Once you are out on the dune, there are NO facilities, of any kind, so bring water if you plan on staying a while. Occasionally, the park rangers do circulate over the dunes, on a four-wheeler, bearing ice water for the visitors & guests, but you can not always count on them, coming by your location. Again, this can be a very HOT place, during the mid & late summer months, so please use caution and common sense. Did I mention, BRING WATER......

http://www.kitemap.o...idge+State+Park

[stroke survivor]

Looks like a great place to fly, even if the conditions are harsh!! Didn't see it was on both forums!! Thought my reply was "lost in the mail"!!

[John Barresi]

Don't forget to include the link to KiteMap.

http://www.kitemap.o...idge+State+Park

[--Pete]

Nice write-up. Looks like you got it to kitmap.org and rev forum as well.

Dunno if I'll ever get there (or if I could climb up if I did) but it sure looks nice.

I spent a couple years near another huge dune (Sleeping Bear, in the NW corner of Michigan's lower peninsula -- the little finger of the Michigan mitten). Climbing the leeward face (45 degrees) was a challenge, even for a teenager. Some parts of the dune are 450' above the lake, but I don't think the leeward face is quite that high.

Never thought about kite-flying there, but I wasn't a kite-flyer at the time.

[Reef Runner]

Kitelife, on 11 April 2011 - 12:01 PM, said:

Don't forget to include the link to KiteMap.

Done, done & done !!!