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Description
King Eddy and Baldy are popular paragliding sites located west of Lumby towards Vernon, Canada. These sites offer a west-facing launch and are known for their excellent thermalling conditions, making them suitable for cross-country flights. The area is particularly favored for morning and afternoon flights, with potential for great convergence in the evenings.
The launch sites are accessible via a well-maintained road, but the final stretch requires either a rugged 2WD with high clearance or a 4WD vehicle. Alternatively, you can hike up from the main road, which takes about 10 minutes. The upper launch, known as Baldy, has been significantly improved and offers clear grassy slopes, while the lower launch, King Eddy, also provides good conditions for takeoff.
Due to the proximity to Kelowna International Airport, pilots must adhere to a hard ceiling of 6200' ASL. The site is regulated by the Okanagan Soaring Association (OSA), and HPAC insurance and a waiver are mandatory for all pilots.
The designated landing zone (LZ) is on the east side of the access road above the old gravel pit. Pilots are advised not to land in crops, break fences, or land in fields with cattle. There are alternative LZs available, including fields near the highway when crops are down.
For those interested in camping, there are several BC Recreation Sites in the Vernon area, such as King Edward Lake North Rec Site, Streak Lake, Damer Lake, and Oyama Lake. The club has also installed a picnic table on the bench below Baldy Launch for campers.
For more information, you can contact the local clubs and schools:
- Lumby Air Force: [Lumby Air Force](https://lumbyairforce.weebly.com/)
- FlyOK: [FlyOK](https://flyok.weebly.com/home/flyin-at-king-eddie-vernon-bc)
- Freedom Flight School: [Freedom Flight School](https://www.freedomflightschool.com/freedom-flight-park.html)
- Paraglide Canada: [Paraglide Canada](https://www.paraglidecanada.com/)
Primary contacts and gate key holders include:
- Glenn Derouin: Tel: 250-503-1962, Cell: 250-308-9389, glenn@paraglidecanada.com
- Doug Nitchie: Tel: 250-308-9854, dougtnitchie@gmail.com
- Greg Penner: Cell: 250-306-1325, skydawg_73@hotmail.com
- Borge Host: Cell: 250-503-7285
- Fred Wilson: Cell: 250-309-6651, ftlwilson@shaw.ca
- Yosef Podanowski: Cell: 250-558-8775
For additional information, you can also contact the British Columbia Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association: [BCHPA](http://www.bchpa.ca/contact-us.html)
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