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.

Paragliding Porterville - Pampoenfontein take-offPampoenfontein take-off.

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