HENDRY COUNTY -- Looking for a new way to explore the Sunshine State? Get a bird’s eye view of South Florida from the skies above Florida Ridge Airsports Park.

The park, 12671 E. State Road 80, (between LaBelle and Clewiston) has been in operation since 2000. Owner James Tindle said the business started in 1991 in Miami and added the Hendry County location in 2000. They closed the Miami location in 2007.

Visitors can take hang gliding lessons, take a tandem flight, rent equipment and purchase equipment at the park. Hang gliders are launched by towing them behind an ultralight airplane.

“We do 50 to 100 flights a week,” Tindle said. They also rent cabins on the property through Airbnb.

Matt and Stephanie, a couple from Orlando, recently visited the park to celebrate Stephanie’s birthday. Each took a tandem ride with an instructor.

“It was amazing,” Matt said. “I would want to do it again in a heartbeat.”

“It was like a bird flying,” Stephanie said.

Tindle said the family-owned business attracts people of all ages. Customers come from West Palm Beach, Daytona and Orlando. He said they drew a lot of international visitors before covid hit.

Florida Ridge is located on 90 acres of land in south Central Florida where Atlantic and Gulf coast winds converge to create the most favorable soaring conditions in the country.

With unrestricted air space and wide-open fields stretching 100 miles in every direction, the Ridge gives pilots of all abilities unlimited opportunity to test their soaring skills, thermal to cloudbase, fly cross-country, and indulge their love of free flight.

The park is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 863-805-0440.