Rudnik is a well-known paragliding site in Poland, situated between Przełęcz Kowarska (Kowary Pass) and Skalnik. The take-off area is a large, visible meadow on top of a mountain, easily spotted from Kowary. To reach the site, drive east from the gas station by the town's bypass, following the road to Wałbrzych. Just before Przełęcz Kowarska, take the last left turn into a forest lane leading to a sender antenna. Park your car here, as driving further is prohibited. Walk straight along the lane for about 300 meters, then turn right onto a steep, narrow path. After a 5-minute walk, you will reach the take-off site, which is 840 meters above sea level.
The take-off area is a wide clearing in the forest, allowing for safe landings after a failed take-off. However, be cautious when landing on uneven ground. The ideal wind directions for take-off are between 290-320 degrees, though a wider range (270-340 degrees) is possible for experienced pilots. Be aware of potential rotors in westerly winds and keep to the right side of the clearing after take-off.
The vertical drop of the launch slope ranges from 290-340 meters, depending on the landing spot. The official landing area is visible from the take-off site, located near some buildings with a pond, on a triangular-shaped meadow to the left of a dirt road heading northeast.
In case of emergency, pilots can land on the meadows at the foot of the mountain. Rudnik often provides calm soaring conditions in the afternoons due to valley winds. However, it can also trigger strong thermals, making it essential to choose the right moment for take-off and be experienced in coring thermals.
Popular cross-country routes from Rudnik include flying downwind to Sobótka, Kłodzko, and Jeseniky. In northerly winds, pilots can fly left to Wołowa Góra and continue to the main Karkonosze range, either towards Śnieżka or the Orlickie Mountains.
Common mistakes include continuing a problematic take-off run instead of stopping and overestimating the wing's glide ratio when flying close to the mountainside. Be cautious of light east winds, which can create misleading wind sleeve indications. Ensure the wind is blowing from the northwest before take-off.
For more information, visit:
- [Paralotnie Sudety](http://www.paralotnie-sudety.pl/startowiska/opis/rudnik/)
- [Karkonoski Klub Paralotniowy](http://kkp-paragliding.pl/startowiska/rudnik.php)
Watch a video of the site here: [YouTube Video](
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