We caught up with Josh Walenten, hang glider pilot, adventurer, snowboarder, avid traveler, lover of van life and dogs about what it means to put a smile on flyers' faces every day and the importance of building community locally and across the world.
"My favorite thing about my job is putting smiles on people's faces…
Hang gliding is the purest form of flight. Everyone should try it."
Q: For those Flyers who don't already know you, please introduce yourself!
A: My name's Josh Walenten. I'm from Charlottesville, VA, but I moved to the Outer Banks about three years ago to teach the world to fly. I spend my winters snowboarding on the West Coast. I love to travel with friends and camp in my van.
Q: For our Flyers who haven't ever heard of Kitty Hawk Kites or hang gliding, can you tell us a little bit more about it?
A: Hang gliding is the purest form of flight. Everyone should try it.
Q: How long have you been working with Kitty Hawk Kites? What role do you play and what do you love most about your job?
A: I've been a hang gliding instructor at Kitty Hawk Kites for 3 years. My favorite thing about my job is putting smiles on people's faces and giving them an unforgettable experience.
Q: Tell us about the community/comraderier around hang gliding within your sphere?
A: It's unlike any other. The crew runs deep. We've got friends and connections across the country and abroad.
Q: How did you first get into hang gliding (how many years ago, what inspired you, where did you do it) and what did it feel like?
A: I heard about hang gliding through a friend. I thought they were crazy at first, but then I took my first flight off of Jockey's Ridge State Park and was hooked immediately. The rest is history.
Q: If you could have one aviation experience (if you could fly anywhere, in any way) that you haven't had yet, what would it be and where?
A: Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, a volcano.
Q: What's one extreme sport you've never tried that's next on your list?
A: Whitewater rafting is next on my list! And rally car racing.
Q: What is the significance of the Wright Brothers and flight in Kitty Hawk? And what does it mean to you?
A: The Outer Banks is where flight was born. We wouldn't be doing what we do without the Wright Brothers, so it just feels right that we continue to inspire flight on the Outer Banks.
Q: Our personal mantra is: "Run Faster. Jump Higher. Fly Free." What does it mean to you to Fly Free (as it relates to your personal life, professional life, or future dreams)?
A: Fly Free represents my whole life! It means a lot to me. It's what my job has allowed me to do–to live a life of fulfilling experiences.
Q: How would you define your personal style as a hang gliding instructor/expert? What's one essential (or a few) that you have to have with you at all times when you're on the dunes?
A: You'll often catch me in a crop top and cowboy hat.
Q: When or how did you first hear about P.F. Flyers?
A: The Sandlot, of course! I bought a pair of Center Hi 1993s right after that.
Q: What is your favorite P.F. Flyers sneaker (style/color) in the newest Center Hi lineup–Center Hi Clay, Center Hi Sea Salt/Black, or Center Hi Black/Gum, and why?
A: The Center Hi in Clay is my favorite! I love the color.
Q: Where can we follow you on social and stay connected?
A: Instagram is best @hotpcket.
Follow the blog and our social channels over the next few weeks as we feature spotlights on a few instructors from Kitty Hawk Kites in the Outer Banks and discover what "Flying Free" and the spirit of flight mean to them.
