Birthplace of Hang Gliding

While sitting at the Wilson Canyon bench, one may notice numerous hang gliders in the skies above. Hang gliding is a very popular sport in this area and the sport traces its origins to the very place where the bench sits. In 1969, hang gliding pioneer Bill Bennet flew from the May Canyon Road. In 1973, the first U.S. Nationals competition was held in Sylmar. The landing area was at the north end of Polk Street with takeoffs at various points along the May Canyon Road, probably including the point on which the Wilson Canyon Bench is perched. As flights above Sylmar became more common, the pilots at the Fire Camp 9 heliport became concerned. Air corridors were defined to avoid collisions. In the 1970’s hang gliders landed in the fields east of Olive View Medical Center at the Wilson Canyon Trailhead, but this was no longer possible when the land was developed for housing. Realizing that the mountains above Sylmar provided some of the most consistent thermals in the region, hang gliders started looking for another launching spot nearby. They settled on Kagel Mountain, visible to the east from the Wilson Canyon Bench. The first US Hangliding Association sanctioned competition at Kagel Mountain took place in May 1983. The Sylmar Hangliding Association (SGHA) was formed shortly thereafter to insure that their landing field could be preserved. The Sylmar Chamber of Commerce now boasts: "Sylmar is one of the most perfect places in the United States to hang glide, due to the excellent condition of the wind drafts and currents." While most flying sites are usable during only part of the year, Sylmar is usable throughout the year.