Paragliding Tappen, BC

This paragliding site, located west of Salmon Arm in the North Okanagan Valley, offers a medium-difficulty launch at an elevation of approximately 1479 meters (4775 feet). The launch direction is North East, suitable for both paragliding (PG) and hang gliding (HG). The site is characterized by thermal and ridge flying, with a good to excellent cross-country potential of over 50 kilometers. The launch area requires maintenance, so bringing brushing equipment is recommended. The launch site is shallow and intermediate to advanced rated until an escape route is cleared through the tree line below. The hang gliding launch is a 100-meter hike from the parking spot, and the paragliding launch is another 100 meters east of the hang gliding launch. Access to the site requires a high-clearance 2WD vehicle due to deep cross ditches and thick brush along the roadway. The launch road is accessed by heading west from Salmon Arm on Highway 1, turning left at Tappen Valley Road, then left on Skimikin Road, and finally left on Platt Road. Follow the #700 road for a total of 9 kilometers to reach the launch. The best flying times are from morning through mid-afternoon, with limited wind conditions favoring N-NE winds at a minimum of 10 KPH. The landing zone (LZ) is a kilometer-long grassy field along the lakeshore from Tappen towards Sunnybrae. The site is regulated by the Okanagan Soaring Association (OSA) and falls under Class 'E' airspace above 2200 feet AGL, with several Victor Airways overhead. Pilots should reset their altimeters to the accurate launch altitude before flying. For more information, contact the British Columbia Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association: [BC PG + HG Association](http://www.bchpa.ca/contact-us.html) Primary Contacts: - Tim Staal: 250-833-4349, tim_staal@REMOVE.THIShotmail.com - Cliff Rempel: 250-571-3620, csrlt1@REMOVE_THISsunwave.net - Rick Carr: 250-836-0276, rnj22@REMOVE.THIStelus.net - Fred Wilson: 250-309-6651, ftlwilson@REMOVE.THISshaw.ca - Ken Steiner: 250-833-4568, kensteiner1@REMOVE_THISgmail.com - Doug Nitchie: 250-308-9854, dougtnitchie@REMOVE.THISgmail.com - Greg Penner: 250-869-2681, skydawg_73@REMOVE.THIShotmail.com For additional site information and weather updates, visit [Fly OK](http://www.flyok.ca).