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Hang Gliders

Just south of San Juan Bautista lies the Pacific Ocean, and one of the favorite sports along this stretch of coast is hang gliding. At a place called Marina, located just north of Monterey, there is a public beach where hang gliders gather to practice their sport. The sea breeze comes in off the ocean and when it hits the low coastal cliffs it is deflected sharply upward, giving the gliders a near-perfect column of rising air to work with. It is fascinating to watch — I have often thought about getting involved in the sport myself. This is another example of the remarkable diversity of things available to you when you live near San Juan Bautista. And it is usually right on your doorstep.

A hang glider soaring on the coastal updrafts at Marina, California, just north of Monterey
A hang glider riding the updrafts at Marina, California.
A hang glider seen from below against the sky over the coastal cliffs at Marina, California
The gliders work the column of air rising where the sea breeze meets the cliff face.
Another hang glider soaring above the beach at Marina, California near Monterey
On a good day, gliders can stay aloft for a very long time without any engine at all.
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