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Paragliding Porterville - Safety

During peak summer months (December to February) mid-day paragliding Porterville conditions call for current, thermic-experienced pilots:

• Take off:
  • Small.  Precise skills are required.
  • Strong thermic and cross wind.
  • Launch timing in thermic cycles.
  • Falling over and/or being dragged can lead to severe injuries.
• Landing:
  • Thermic.  Active approach is required.
  • Strong winds later in the day.
• Flight
  • Strong, wind swept thermals.
  • When present, low, solid inversions can lead to prolonged periods of active flying.
  • Ridge flying is over/next to a very solid, sharp edged bolder strewn mountain.  Contact almost cetainly means injury.
  • NW sea breeze can be blue and very fast moving.
• Equipment
  • Fly at the top of your glider's weight range.
  • A reserve is a must.
  • Speedbar connected and be proficient in using it.
  • Carry water in case you have to walk out.
  • High factor sunscreen.  The sun is relentless.

Outside of the mid-day window these tips apply to a lesser degree.

If you are offered advice then determine if the person you are speaking to has actually ever flown.  Porterville paragliding is not PG bullsh*t or accident free.  Do not become the next statistic.

If you are inexperienced or unsure then join a fly-guided group or hire a guide.

Pampoenfontein take-off.

Porterville was established in 1863 by Frederick John Owen an original 1820 British settler. By selling off portions of his farm “Pomona”, a settlement was established. The town was then named after the popular Attorney General of the Cape Colony, Sir William Porter.

Golden in summer and mint green in winter, Porterville region’s widespread carpet of wheat fields support its reputation as the bread basket of the Western Cape.

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