Dark fields, rock faces and car parks: reading the ground for lift. The first climb of the day usually comes from the darkest, driest ground in full sun. Rock faces and car parks work well by late morning.
Before you launch
Our instructors repeat the same checks out loud on every launch. It sounds fussy until the day it catches a loose leg strap.
- Check the wing, lines and harness out loud
- Watch the windsock before committing
- Keep the ridge-soaring right-of-way rules
- Carry a reserve and know how to throw it
The sky will still be there tomorrow. Land when your gut says so.
Owen Fairweather, Gustline crew
A steady onshore breeze along the dune made for easy soaring. Pilots kept a wide spacing and passed each other with the ridge on the right.
12 Replies
This post has 12 replies
This is exactly what I needed before my trip next month. Saving it.
Spring is usually quieter, go for it.
How crowded was the beach? We are thinking of going in the spring.
How crowded was the beach? We are thinking of going in the spring.
On a smaller board it is the same idea, just be patient on the lulls.
Any tips for doing this on a smaller board?
Great write-up. Would love a follow-up on how it changes in lighter wind.
I made the same mistake for two seasons before someone pointed it out.
Thanks! We used a pretty old action camera, nothing fancy.
Great write-up. Would love a follow-up on how it changes in lighter wind.
I made the same mistake for two seasons before someone pointed it out.
How crowded was the beach? We are thinking of going in the spring.