The student was strapped into a low-performance wing attached to a 150 ft. rope. The student stood on the beach while the boat took off at about 25 mph. For the first few flights, most students froze and simply splashed in from 50 ft. But eventually, the student learned to prolong their flight by controlling the wing. This method of instruction was hard on the body and hard on the equipment.
Many students quit the sport before they reached moderate proficiency.
For the next five years, Steve taught hang gliding in Central Florida and Barbara became the assistant instructor and boat captain. More than 50 student pilots learned to hang glide with Central Florida Flyers from 1981-1986. In December '86, the Flynns decided to retire from teaching and just enjoy the sport. It was during this period that aerotowing in Florida began. At least in the Winter you didn't have to worry about getting dunked in the cold water.