Paragliding San-Francisco

Mussel Rock is located about 20 minutes SW of San Francisco, near the border of between Pacifica and Daly City. Below are directions from San Francisco.

There are 7 launch, more informations below:
https://www.bayareaparagliding.com/mussel-rock-paragliding-site/

Mussel Rock is an amazing flying site located in Daly City/Pacifica, USA. Behind the launches, the cliffs rise as high as 640 feet MSL. The soarable cliffs extend to the north and south for a couple of miles in each direction. On a good day, the winds are smooth, and you can enjoy breathtaking views of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. One of the greatest features of this site is the abundant landing area that is virtually rotor-free. This is because the plateau area near the launches lies behind a ridge that has a smooth edge without a sharp drop-off. However, the nature of the site is quite complex. The hazards vary based on the wind direction and velocity, as well as the rapid changes that can occur with the weather. On one day, the wind can be perfectly steady at 10 MPH at the low cliffs and not much more than 13 MPH up high with virtually no gust factor. On another day, the wind might be 10 MPH and W at the lower launches but blowing 20 MPH in another direction and extremely gusty at the upper cliffs. Clear, blue days are rare during the summer. On some days, the fog can be all the way down to the beach, blocking flying completely. On others, the fog can be up above cliff level, with frequent level changes. Continuous monitoring of the fog and winds should become second nature as you fly here. Landing in the water is not an option. There have been two drowning deaths of paraglider pilots at Mussel Rock. It is imperative to know where the tide is each day you fly. You can visually check the tides and how much beach is there from several vantage points between the parking lot and Walker Launch. Prior to heading to Mussel Rock to fly, you can look at this tide chart that is set for Pacifica’s beaches. For planning and checking on conditions, there is a useful page that I created about wind and weather conditions for the Mussel Rock area with the local weather stations. Different wind directions and velocities change how safety should be approached at the different launches and LZs. Vertical and horizontal edges act as triggers and create many hazardous rotors on the face of the Westlake cliffs and at the other connected ridges. Mussel Rock is often a busy site. On some days, paragliding pilots share the air with hang gliders as well as RC planes. In addition to the site being unregulated, not every pilot perceives the right-of-way rules the same. Being comfortable with such traffic and the standard rules is critical, but also being able to adapt to a breach of rules becomes necessary. All pilots should continuously fly in a predictable fashion and keep their eyes and attention proactive for other pilots and crafts. When you begin flying any new site, get in touch with the locals and gather information. This is even more important with Mussel Rock because of the complex nature of the site. This article, though it attempts to cover much, cannot come close to covering all of the hazards. Every day is different at a site like this, so understanding the effect of different wind directions, changing conditions, fog, and other variables takes time and firsthand observations. If Mussel Rock were regulated, it would likely be a P3 site with a P2 sign-off after an introductory period. When compared to other ridge soaring sites, Mussel Rock has unique factors that make it much more hazardous than others. The local club, the Bay Area Paragliding Association (BAPA), looks after the site to promote site safety. Never fly alone. Without another person’s awareness of anything happening to you during a flight, help will not be available. The other person does not necessarily have to be a pilot. Someone just needs to be there and be aware of your presence. Awareness of risks and risk management are the keys to flying here. This site guide will cover the prominent issues related to the site but cannot cover all of them. More important than reading this information is to get a thorough introduction to the site from a local pilot or instructor. After this, find some local pilots to join and help you grow your understanding of the site dynamics. There have been several fatalities at the site and many serious injuries. The major risks of flying here include: Water Landing and Possibility of Drowning: Sometimes the tides cover the entire beach. Other times the surf and water cover most of the beach. There are days where landing on the beach is possible, but landing at the bailout LZs above the surf zone is a much safer method. Every time you fly at Mussel Rock, prior to flying, check the beach and gain a perspective of how high the tide is. If you ever do land on the beach, immediately disconnect from the wing and then move the glider as far as possible from the water. If a wing is in the water, remember that it is only equipment and your primary responsibility is ensuring your safety from the water. Blowbacks: Mussel Rock has high cliffs above lower launches. The wind gradient can create huge differences in wind velocity between launch and flights to upper cliffs. Above and behind the high cliffs are houses, roads, and power lines. When the wind is strong, the mechanical turbulence in this area is extreme. Many pilots have become victims to the high winds above the top of the ridge and have been blown back. Prevention methods are far less complex than those required once a blowback begins. Read this article to learn methods for continual wind speed monitoring while flying at Mussel Rock. Rotors: Mechanical turbulence can be caused by various factors, and understanding where it is likely to occur is crucial. Class B Airspace: The departure path for San Francisco International Airport flies directly over Mussel Rock. The ceiling for ultralight craft is 1,600 ft. (changed in 2019, was 1,500 previously). Normally it is difficult to fly this high, but in a wind shear, pilots can exceed this altitude. Being in the path of a commercial jet would not only endanger you but the jet and everyone in it. If you are flying and have the skill to fly in a wind shear, find a way to stay below 1,500 ft at Mussel Rock. North of the Westlake cliffs, the ceiling lifts to 2,100 ft.

Mussel Rock, located in Daly City/Pacifica, USA, is a frequently used paragliding site known for its soaring opportunities and some cross-country (XC) potential. This site is exclusively for paragliding, and the emergency frequency is 147.495 MHz (as of June 2020). Mussel Rock is one of the most popular flying sites in the Bay Area due to its easy access. However, it is also one of the most complex. While you can enjoy long, relaxing flights with sea breezes and beautiful ocean vistas, you must be cautious about changing wind strength and direction, rotors, high tides, and traffic from other paragliders, hang gliders, radio-controlled planes, and general aviation. Blowbacks are a common occurrence at Mussel Rock, often leading to serious accidents, including fatalities due to electrocution, drowning, and crashes. The site is unregulated, making it a frequent choice for inexperienced and visiting pilots. Paragliding at Mussel Rock is not officially sanctioned but is currently allowed. The future of this site depends on its safety record. It is strongly recommended to get a site introduction before flying at Mussel Rock. Experienced pilots are usually present on soarable days and can provide valuable insights. For wind direction, velocity, and temperature at nearby Fort Funston, call 415.333.0100 or 415.584.9891. In case of emergencies, the local '911' number is 650.355.4151. For more detailed information, you can visit: - [Wilder Adventures](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/839/mussel-rock-daly-city) - [Fly Zephyr](http://www.flyzephyr.com/the-dump.html) - [Air Time Mussel Rock Site Guide](https://www.paragliding-lessons.com/mussel-rock-flying-site/) - [Avoiding Blowbacks at The Dump](https://www.paragliding-lessons.com/avoiding-blowbacks-at-mussel-rock/) - [Pacifica and Daly City Wind Conditions](https://www.paragliding-lessons.com/pacifica-and-daly-city-wind-conditions/) - [Bay Area Hang Gliding Club](http://www.bhgc.org/sites/#site_the-dumps-mussel-rock-ca) - [Weather Forecast](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.672164&lon=-122.493943&site=rev&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text#.Y1mWnz1Bypo) - [Mussel Rock Site Guide](https://www.paragliding-lessons.com/mrsg/) The cliffs behind the launches rise as high as 640′ MSL, with soarable cliffs extending north and south for a couple of miles. On good days, the winds are smooth, offering views of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. The landing area is abundant and virtually rotor-free due to the plateau area near the launches lying behind a ridge with a smooth edge. However, the site is complex, with hazards varying based on wind direction and velocity, as well as rapid weather changes. Continuous monitoring of fog and winds is essential. Landing in the water is not an option, and there have been drowning incidents. Always check the tide levels before flying. Mussel Rock is often busy, with paragliders sharing the air with hang gliders and RC planes. Understanding and adapting to traffic and right-of-way rules is crucial. Always fly predictably and stay aware of other pilots and crafts. For new pilots, getting in touch with locals and gathering information is vital due to the site's complexity. The Bay Area Paragliding Association (BAPA) promotes site safety. Never fly alone; having someone aware of your presence is essential for safety. Primary hazards include water landings, blowbacks, rotors, and Class B airspace restrictions. The ceiling for ultralight craft is 1,600 ft, and exceeding this altitude can be dangerous due to the proximity to San Francisco International Airport's departure path. For more detailed safety information and site dynamics, refer to the provided links and seek guidance from local pilots or instructors.

Mussel Rock is an amazing flying site. Behind the launches, the cliffs rise as high as 640′ MSL. The soarable cliffs extend to the north and south for a couple of miles in each direction. On a good day, the winds are smooth, and views of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area can be achieved. One of the greatest features of this site is the abundant landing area that is virtually rotor-free. This is because the plateau area near the launches lies behind a ridge that has a smooth edge without a sharp drop-off. At the same time, the nature of the site is quite complex. The hazards vary based on the wind direction and velocity as well as the rapid changes that can occur with the weather. On one day, the wind can be perfectly steady and 10 MPH at the low cliffs and not much more than 13 MPH up high with virtually no gust factor. On another day, the wind might be 10 MPH and W at the lower launches, but be blowing 20 MPH, some other direction, and extremely gusty at the upper cliffs. Clear, blue days are rare during the summer. On some days, the fog can be all the way down to the beach, blocking flying completely. On others, the fog can be up above cliff level, with frequent level changes. Continuous monitoring of the fog and winds should become second nature as you fly here. Landing in the water is not an option! There have been two drowning deaths of Paraglider Pilots at Mussel Rock. It is imperative to know where the tide is each day you fly. You can visually check the tides and how much beach is there from several vantage points between the parking lot and Walker Launch. Prior to heading to Mussel Rock to fly, you can look at this tide chart that is set for Pacifica’s beaches. Below is a full section on avoiding landing in the water and where the bailouts are. For planning and checking on conditions, there is a useful page that I created about wind and weather conditions for the Mussel Rock area with the local weather stations. Different wind directions and velocities change how safety should be approached at the different launches and LZs. Vertical and horizontal edges act as triggers and create many hazardous rotors on the face of the Westlake cliffs and at the other connected ridges. Mussel Rock is often a busy site. On some days, paragliding pilots share the air with hang gliders as well as RC planes. In addition to the site being unregulated, not every pilot perceives the right-of-way rules the same. Being comfortable with such traffic and the standard rules is critical, but also being able to adapt to a breach of rules becomes necessary. All pilots should continuously fly in a predictable fashion and keep their eyes and attention proactive for other pilots and crafts. When you begin flying any new site, get in touch with the locals and gather information. This is even more important with Mussel Rock, because of the complex nature of the site. This article, though it attempts to cover much, cannot come close to covering all of the hazards. Every day is different at a site like this, so understanding the effect of different wind directions, changing conditions, fog, and other variables takes time and first-hand observations. If Mussel Rock were regulated, it would likely be a P3 site with a P2 sign-off after an introductory period. When compared to other ridge soaring sites, Mussel Rock has unique factors that make it much more hazardous than others. The local club, the Bay Area Paragliding Association (BAPA), looks after the site to promote site safety. Never fly alone. Without another person’s awareness of anything happening to you during a flight, help will not be available. The other person does not necessarily have to be a pilot. Someone just needs to be there and be aware of your presence. Awareness of risks and risk management are the keys to flying here. This site guide will cover the prominent issues related to the site, but cannot cover all of them. More important than reading this information is to get a thorough introduction to the site from a local pilot or instructor. After this, find some local pilots to join and help you grow your understanding of the site dynamics. There have been several fatalities at the site and many serious injuries. The major risks of flying here include the following: Primary Hazards Water Landing and Possibility of Drowning: Sometimes the tides cover the entire beach. Other times the surf and water cover most of the beach. There are days where landing on the beach is possible, but landing at the bailout LZs above the surf zone is a much safer method. Every time you fly at Mussel Rock, prior to flying, check the beach and gain a perspective of how high the tide is. If you ever do land on the beach, immediately disconnect from the wing and then move the glider as far as possible from the water. If a wing is in the water, remember that it is only equipment and your primary responsibility is ensuring your safety from the water. Blowbacks: Mussel Rock has high cliffs above lower launches. The wind gradient can create huge differences in wind velocity between launch and flights to upper cliffs. Above and behind the high cliffs are houses, roads, and power lines. When the wind is strong, the mechanical turbulence in this area is extreme. Many pilots have become victims of the high winds above the top of the ridge and have been blown back. Prevention methods are far less complex than those required once a blowback begins. Read this article to learn methods for continual wind speed monitoring while flying at Mussel Rock. Rotors: Class B Airspace The departure path for San Francisco International Airport flies directly over Mussel Rock. The ceiling for ultralight craft is 1,600 ft. (changed in 2019, was 1,500 previously). Normally it is difficult to fly this high, but in a wind shear pilots can exceed this altitude. Being in the path of a commercial jet would not only endanger you, but the jet and everyone in it. If you are flying and have the skill to fly in a wind shear, find a way to stay below 1,500 ft at Mussel Rock. North of the Westlake cliffs, the ceiling lifts to 2,100 ft. For more information, you can visit the following links: - [Mussel Rock Video](https://www.facebook.com/100001900679184/videos/g.302200181593/1199157910625706)

Mussel Rock is an amazing flying site located in Daly City/Pacifica, USA. Behind the launches, the cliffs rise as high as 640 feet MSL. The soarable cliffs extend to the north and south for a couple of miles in each direction. On a good day, the winds are smooth, and you can enjoy breathtaking views of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. One of the greatest features of this site is the abundant landing area that is virtually rotor-free. This is because the plateau area near the launches lies behind a ridge that has a smooth edge without a sharp drop-off. However, the nature of the site is quite complex. The hazards vary based on the wind direction and velocity, as well as the rapid changes that can occur with the weather. On one day, the wind can be perfectly steady at 10 MPH at the low cliffs and not much more than 13 MPH up high with virtually no gust factor. On another day, the wind might be 10 MPH and W at the lower launches but blowing 20 MPH in another direction and extremely gusty at the upper cliffs. Clear, blue days are rare during the summer. On some days, the fog can be all the way down to the beach, blocking flying completely. On others, the fog can be up above cliff level, with frequent level changes. Continuous monitoring of the fog and winds should become second nature as you fly here. Landing in the water is not an option. There have been two drowning deaths of paraglider pilots at Mussel Rock. It is imperative to know where the tide is each day you fly. You can visually check the tides and how much beach is there from several vantage points between the parking lot and Walker Launch. Prior to heading to Mussel Rock to fly, you can look at this tide chart that is set for Pacifica’s beaches. For planning and checking on conditions, there is a useful page that I created about wind and weather conditions for the Mussel Rock area with the local weather stations. Different wind directions and velocities change how safety should be approached at the different launches and LZs. Vertical and horizontal edges act as triggers and create many hazardous rotors on the face of the Westlake cliffs and at the other connected ridges. Mussel Rock is often a busy site. On some days, paragliding pilots share the air with hang gliders as well as RC planes. In addition to the site being unregulated, not every pilot perceives the right-of-way rules the same. Being comfortable with such traffic and the standard rules is critical, but also being able to adapt to a breach of rules becomes necessary. All pilots should continuously fly in a predictable fashion and keep their eyes and attention proactive for other pilots and crafts. When you begin flying any new site, get in touch with the locals and gather information. This is even more important with Mussel Rock because of the complex nature of the site. This article, though it attempts to cover much, cannot come close to covering all of the hazards. Every day is different at a site like this, so understanding the effect of different wind directions, changing conditions, fog, and other variables takes time and firsthand observations. If Mussel Rock were regulated, it would likely be a P3 site with a P2 sign-off after an introductory period. When compared to other ridge soaring sites, Mussel Rock has unique factors that make it much more hazardous than others. The local club, the Bay Area Paragliding Association (BAPA), looks after the site to promote site safety. Never fly alone. Without another person’s awareness of anything happening to you during a flight, help will not be available. The other person does not necessarily have to be a pilot. Someone just needs to be there and be aware of your presence. Awareness of risks and risk management are the keys to flying here. This site guide will cover the prominent issues related to the site but cannot cover all of them. More important than reading this information is to get a thorough introduction to the site from a local pilot or instructor. After this, find some local pilots to join and help you grow your understanding of the site dynamics. There have been several fatalities at the site and many serious injuries. The major risks of flying here include: Water Landing and Possibility of Drowning: Sometimes the tides cover the entire beach. Other times the surf and water cover most of the beach. There are days where landing on the beach is possible, but landing at the bailout LZs above the surf zone is a much safer method. Every time you fly at Mussel Rock, prior to flying, check the beach and gain a perspective of how high the tide is. If you ever do land on the beach, immediately disconnect from the wing and then move the glider as far as possible from the water. If a wing is in the water, remember that it is only equipment and your primary responsibility is ensuring your safety from the water. Blowbacks: Mussel Rock has high cliffs above lower launches. The wind gradient can create huge differences in wind velocity between launch and flights to upper cliffs. Above and behind the high cliffs are houses, roads, and power lines. When the wind is strong, the mechanical turbulence in this area is extreme. Many pilots have become victims to the high winds above the top of the ridge and have been blown back. Prevention methods are far less complex than those required once a blowback begins. Read this article to learn methods for continual wind speed monitoring while flying at Mussel Rock. Rotors: Mechanical turbulence can be caused by various factors, and understanding where it is likely to occur is crucial. Class B Airspace: The departure path for San Francisco International Airport flies directly over Mussel Rock. The ceiling for ultralight craft is 1,600 ft. (changed in 2019, was 1,500 previously). Normally it is difficult to fly this high, but in a wind shear, pilots can exceed this altitude. Being in the path of a commercial jet would not only endanger you but the jet and everyone in it. If you are flying and have the skill to fly in a wind shear, find a way to stay below 1,500 ft at Mussel Rock. North of the Westlake cliffs, the ceiling lifts to 2,100 ft. 

Mussel Rock is an amazing flying site located in Daly City/Pacifica, USA. Behind the launches, the cliffs rise as high as 640 feet MSL. The soarable cliffs extend to the north and south for a couple of miles in each direction. On a good day, the winds are smooth, offering breathtaking views of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. One of the greatest features of this site is the abundant landing area that is virtually rotor-free. This is because the plateau area near the launches lies behind a ridge that has a smooth edge without a sharp drop-off. However, the nature of the site is quite complex. The hazards vary based on the wind direction and velocity, as well as the rapid changes that can occur with the weather. On one day, the wind can be perfectly steady and 10 MPH at the low cliffs and not much more than 13 MPH up high with virtually no gust factor. On another day, the wind might be 10 MPH and W at the lower launches, but be blowing 20 MPH, some other direction, and extremely gusty at the upper cliffs. Clear, blue days are rare during the summer. On some days, the fog can be all the way down to the beach, blocking flying completely. On others, the fog can be up above cliff level, with frequent level changes. Continuous monitoring of the fog and winds should become second nature as you fly here. Landing in the water is not an option! There have been two drowning deaths of paraglider pilots at Mussel Rock. It is imperative to know where the tide is each day you fly. You can visually check the tides and how much beach is there from several vantage points between the parking lot and Walker Launch. Prior to heading to Mussel Rock to fly, you can look at this tide chart that is set for Pacifica’s beaches. For planning and checking on conditions, there is a useful page that I created about wind and weather conditions for the Mussel Rock area with the local weather stations. Different wind directions and velocities change how safety should be approached at the different launches and LZs. Vertical and horizontal edges act as triggers and create many hazardous rotors on the face of the Westlake cliffs and at the other connected ridges. Mussel Rock is often a busy site. On some days, paragliding pilots share the air with hang gliders as well as RC planes. In addition to the site being unregulated, not every pilot perceives the right-of-way rules the same. Being comfortable with such traffic and the standard rules is critical, but also being able to adapt to a breach of rules becomes necessary. All pilots should continuously fly in a predictable fashion and keep their eyes and attention proactive for other pilots and crafts. When you begin flying any new site, get in touch with the locals and gather information. This is even more important with Mussel Rock because of the complex nature of the site. This article, though it attempts to cover much, cannot come close to covering all of the hazards. Every day is different at a site like this, so understanding the effect of different wind directions, changing conditions, fog, and other variables takes time and firsthand observations. If Mussel Rock were regulated, it would likely be a P3 site with a P2 sign-off after an introductory period. When compared to other ridge soaring sites, Mussel Rock has unique factors that make it much more hazardous than others. The local club, the Bay Area Paragliding Association (BAPA), looks after the site to promote site safety. Never fly alone. Without another person’s awareness of anything happening to you during a flight, help will not be available. The other person does not necessarily have to be a pilot. Someone just needs to be there and be aware of your presence. Awareness of risks and risk management are the keys to flying here. This site guide will cover the prominent issues related to the site but cannot cover all of them. More important than reading this information is to get a thorough introduction to the site from a local pilot or instructor. After this, find some local pilots to join and help you grow your understanding of the site dynamics. There have been several fatalities at the site and many serious injuries. The major risks of flying here include the following: Water Landing and Possibility of Drowning: Sometimes the tides cover the entire beach. Other times the surf and water cover most of the beach. There are days where landing on the beach is possible, but landing at the bailout LZs above the surf zone is a much safer method. Every time you fly at Mussel Rock, prior to flying, check the beach and gain a perspective of how high the tide is. If you ever do land on the beach, immediately disconnect from the wing and then move the glider as far as possible from the water. If a wing is in the water, remember that it is only equipment and your primary responsibility is ensuring your safety from the water. Blowbacks: Mussel Rock has high cliffs above lower launches. The wind gradient can create huge differences in wind velocity between launch and flights to upper cliffs. Above and behind the high cliffs are houses, roads, and power lines. When the wind is strong, the mechanical turbulence in this area is extreme. Many pilots have become victims of the high winds above the top of the ridge and have been blown back. Prevention methods are far less complex than those required once a blowback begins. Read this article to learn methods for continual wind speed monitoring while flying at Mussel Rock. Rotors: The departure path for San Francisco International Airport flies directly over Mussel Rock. The ceiling for ultralight craft is 1,600 ft. (changed in 2019, was 1,500 previously). Normally it is difficult to fly this high, but in a wind shear, pilots can exceed this altitude. Being in the path of a commercial jet would not only endanger you but the jet and everyone in it. If you are flying and have the skill to fly in a wind shear, find a way to stay below 1,500 ft at Mussel Rock. North of the Westlake cliffs, the ceiling lifts to 2,100 ft. For more information, visit [Paragliding Lessons](https://www.paragliding-lessons.com/mrsg/).

Mussel Rock is an amazing flying site. Behind the launches, the cliffs rise as high as 640′ MSL. The soarable cliffs extend to the north and south for a couple of miles in each direction. On a good day, the winds are smooth, and views of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area can be achieved. One of the greatest features of this site is the abundant landing area that is virtually rotor-free. This is because the plateau area near the launches lies behind a ridge that has a smooth edge without a sharp drop-off. At the same time, the nature of the site is quite complex. The hazards vary based on the wind direction and velocity as well as the rapid changes that can occur with the weather. On one day, the wind can be perfectly steady and 10 MPH at the low cliffs and not much more than 13 MPH up high with virtually no gust factor. On another day, the wind might be 10 MPH and W at the lower launches, but be blowing 20 MPH, some other direction, and extremely gusty at the upper cliffs. Clear, blue days are rare during the summer. On some days, the fog can be all the way down to the beach, blocking flying completely. On others, the fog can be up above cliff level, with frequent level changes. Continuous monitoring of the fog and winds should become second nature as you fly here. Landing in the water is not an option! There have been two drowning deaths of Paraglider Pilots at Mussel Rock. It is imperative to know where the tide is each day you fly. You can visually check the tides and how much beach is there from several vantage points between the parking lot and Walker Launch. Prior to heading to Mussel Rock to fly, you can look at this tide chart that is set for Pacifica’s beaches. Below is a full section on avoiding landing in the water and where the bailouts are. For planning and checking on conditions, there is a useful page that I created about wind and weather conditions for the Mussel Rock area with the local weather stations. Different wind directions and velocities change how safety should be approached at the different launches and LZs. Vertical and horizontal edges act as triggers and create many hazardous rotors on the face of the Westlake cliffs and at the other connected ridges. Mussel Rock is often a busy site. On some days, paragliding pilots share the air with hang gliders as well as RC planes. In addition to the site being unregulated, not every pilot perceives the right-of-way rules the same. Being comfortable with such traffic and the standard rules is critical, but also being able to adapt to a breach of rules becomes necessary. All pilots should continuously fly in a predictable fashion and keep their eyes and attention proactive for other pilots and crafts. When you begin flying any new site, get in touch with the locals and gather information. This is even more important with Mussel Rock, because of the complex nature of the site. This article, though it attempts to cover much, cannot come close to covering all of the hazards. Every day is different at a site like this, so understanding the effect of different wind directions, changing conditions, fog, and other variables takes time and first-hand observations. If Mussel Rock were regulated, it would likely be a P3 site with a P2 sign-off after an introductory period. When compared to other ridge soaring sites, Mussel Rock has unique factors that make it much more hazardous than others. The local club, the Bay Area Paragliding Association (BAPA), looks after the site to promote site safety. Never fly alone. Without another person’s awareness of anything happening to you during a flight, help will not be available. The other person does not necessarily have to be a pilot. Someone just needs to be there and be aware of your presence. Awareness of risks and risk management are the keys to flying here. This site guide will cover the prominent issues related to the site but cannot cover all of them. More important than reading this information is to get a thorough introduction to the site from a local pilot or instructor. After this, find some local pilots to join and help you grow your understanding of the site dynamics. There have been several fatalities at the site and many serious injuries. The major risks of flying here include the following: Primary Hazards Water Landing and Possibility of Drowning: Sometimes the tides cover the entire beach. Other times the surf and water cover most of the beach. There are days where landing on the beach is possible, but landing at the bailout LZs above the surf zone is a much safer method. Every time you fly at Mussel Rock, prior to flying, check the beach and gain a perspective of how high the tide is. If you ever do land on the beach, immediately disconnect from the wing and then move the glider as far as possible from the water. If a wing is in the water, remember that it is only equipment and your primary responsibility is ensuring your safety from the water. Blowbacks: Mussel Rock has high cliffs above lower launches. The wind gradient can create huge differences in wind velocity between launch and flights to upper cliffs. Above and behind the high cliffs are houses, roads, and power lines. When the wind is strong, the mechanical turbulence in this area is extreme. Many pilots have become victims of the high winds above the top of the ridge and have been blown back. Prevention methods are far less complex than those required once a blowback begins. Read this article to learn methods for continual wind speed monitoring while flying at Mussel Rock. Rotors: The departure path for San Francisco International Airport flies directly over Mussel Rock. The ceiling for ultralight craft is 1,600 ft. (changed in 2019, was 1,500 previously). Normally it is difficult to fly this high, but in a wind shear, pilots can exceed this altitude. Being in the path of a commercial jet would not only endanger you but the jet and everyone in it. If you are flying and have the skill to fly in a wind shear, find a way to stay below 1,500 ft at Mussel Rock. North of the Westlake cliffs, the ceiling lifts to 2,100 ft.