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.