Parapente Stanwell Park-Bald Hil-The Point

Stanwell Park - Bald Hill - The Point Located in Sydney, Australia, Stanwell Park is renowned as one of the world's premier coastal paragliding sites. The site is best suited for hang gliders when the wind is between S and E at 10-20 knots and for paragliders at 5-15 knots. For accurate weather conditions, refer to the Bureau Of Meteorology's Bellambi observations. All pilots must be current financial members of both the HGFA and the Stanwell Park Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club. A 3-day membership is available for $10. Before flying, markers must be placed to designate intended landing areas. These markers (cones) are stored in the new lower toilet block, and the key can be obtained from the park kiosk. Takeoff: The Point is the main launch area of Bald Hill. Top landing is not allowed in this area. Pilots must avoid flying over the No Fly Zone depicted by the striped area in the photo. This means no flying over the top of the hill. Pilots may fly behind the hill but cannot cross over the Point to do so or to rejoin the seaward lift. Respecting this No Fly Zone rule is crucial. Landing: Pilots are requested to land in the area adjacent to the lagoon known as 'the chute' or the coned-off landing area on the beach. An alternate landing area is located at the south end of the beach if the regular designated area is unavailable. Pilots should avoid landing in the shaded area, although paraglider pilots may collapse their canopy there. The white lines indicate the usual approach routes to the landing areas. South Face Top Landing: Pilots intending to top land here should ensure that site markers are in place and that the duty pilot has opened the area for top landing on the day. Only suitably endorsed pilots may attempt top landings. Consult the safety officer for details. East Face Top Landing: Shaded areas designate the No Fly Zone. Pilots may not fly over this area of the hill at any altitude. Pilots are asked to fly only in front of or behind the Hill. This regulation is requested by Wollongong Council to prevent mid-air collisions affecting spectators below. Flight: Set-up is straightforward in front of the car park at Bald Hill, but it can get crowded. Make yourself known to the Safety officer on duty. If you're not a club member, obtain a temporary membership before flying. If you're an overseas pilot, get temporary HGFA membership before arriving at the site. On a good day, you can cruise up and down the coast from Garie to Bulli. Be aware of the conditions and your glider's limitations. There are emergency landing areas, but also hazards like rocks, trees, and the sea. Always avoid landing in the sea. The main landing area is on Stanwell Park beach. Watch for rotor if the wind is strong from the S or E/NE. The landing area must be marked with cones/flags, but beachgoers often stray into it, so approach with caution. Top landing is common for paragliders and possible for hang gliders when conditions are suitable. You must be suitably endorsed for this. Hazards/Comments: Katabatic Winds are especially prevalent during winter months along the escarpment from Bellambi to Bald Hill. These winds can stop a 20-knot S/E wind in its tracks. Pilots should be cautious and understand their abilities when approaching from the ocean towards the park. For those less experienced, the safest approach is to fly straight down the beach. These winds can sometimes provide smooth lift in the form of convergence, but be prepared for turbulence as you descend through the mixing layer. Contact/Responsible: Stanwell Park Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club (SPHGPC) Hang Gliding Instruction: Call Curt Warren at 0434.222.111 For more information, visit the official website: [Fly Stanwell](http://www.flystanwell.com) Tourism: Royal National Park and the scenic drive from Stanwell to Wollongong offer additional attractions.