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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.

Agama Hispida lizards often bask facing the sun, making Porterville perfect for them. Sun-warmed lizards are more brightly coloured than cooler ones.

The Cape Skink is common on the Porterville mountainside. It can gradually become domesticated and after some time tame enough to eat out of one’s hand.

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