All Pilots – Please read this checklist before you fly. Also please get a more detailed site introduction from an experienced local pilot. Thank you. The Bay Area Paragliding Association (www.sfbapa.org)

Recommended Pilot Skills:

• Minimum of a Para2 rating or foreign equivalent
• High wind ground handling skills, strong reverse launch
• Know Ridge Rules and follow them

Conditions to be aware of:

• Large Wind Gradient: The wind can be much stronger above than at launch. Stay LOW and in front of the ridge on windy days.
• Shear Turbulence is created where two air masses going in different directions meet. Do not fly in strong shears.
• Whitecaps on the ocean indicate strong winds. Pilots should consider landing when these form.
• Fog can develop quickly and visibility drops. Do not fly in fog.
• Rotors are the severe turbulence found on the lee side of a ridge, spine or other formation. Rotors CHANGE according to the wind direction. Do not fly into rotors.
• Wind Direction can change. Check the direction as you fly and before you land. Do not fly low and land downwind.
• High tide and no beach: In the winter and at high tide other times of the year, there may be NO beach in front of Westlake. Check the beach size before you launch and always have an LZ within an easy glide.
• Airspace height limit: From the Dump to Avalon Canyon (the Big Gap), do not fly above 1500 feet MSL. North of the gap, the height limit is 2100 feet MSL.
• Site boundary: Do not fly a paraglider north of the last piling on the beach to the north of Westlake and the Stables launch.

Hazards to beware of:

• Power lines and houses, major highways behind the ridge.
• Bowls and gaps where the wind is stronger due to the venturi.
• The ocean is extremely cold and often has large waves. Landing in the water can be fatal due to hypothermia and getting tangled in lines and drowning.
• Debris at this site from 20 years of landfill use.
• Heavy traffic in the air - paragliders, hanggliders and RCs. Clear all your turns and follow Ridge Rules.

Equipment all pilots should have:

• Certified glider in good condition
• Harness with quick release buckles
• Helmet, proper footwear, gloves
• Hook knife that can cut risers if you go in the water
• Speed bar to increase penetration in strong conditions

In an emergency:

• Daly City Fire Department - (650) 991-8092
• Daly City Police Department – (650) 991-8119
• Please note that calling 911 from a cell phone can result in a long wait. It may be faster to call the direct phone number above.