Yes, one winter in the mid '90s one of my sons and I drove to Kitty Hawk every Friday night from October through March or April for weekends of lessons at Kitty Hawk Kites. That isn't what I was thinking of, though. At that time, during the summer months, visitors had the opportunity to take "sled rides". Experienced people helped you, made sure you were properly harnessed and hooked up, helped you launch down a dune and land safely. Gliders really were not at the mercy of the wind under those circumstances. There was essentially no risk of broken legs or cracked ribs, but people got to experience an entry-level hang gliding sensation.

A tandem ride was another opportunity available at that time. The adventurer would hook into the glider with an experienced instructor, and a boat or vehicle would tow the glider to about 1000 feet. After release of the tow line, hang gliding ensued. I don't know if visitors still have this option.

http://www.kittyhawk.com/hanggliding/introduction.cfm

Real hang gliding must be the most wonderfully beautiful sport in the world. It is dangerous, though.