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Description
Cawston is a designated cross-country (XC) paragliding site located in the South Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. The site is known for its thermal soaring and XC potential, but it is highly sensitive and requires expert flying skills and supervision. Visitors must be accompanied by designated club members as per the First Nations Band regulations.
Launch Direction: West to Southwest
Suitable for: Hang Gliding (HG) and Paragliding (PG)
Type of Flying: Thermal and ridge soaring, with convergence conditions
Elevation: Launch at 4700 feet above sea level (asl), Landing Zone (LZ) at 1200 feet asl
Flying Season:
- Late Spring: Excellent
- Summer: Good
- Fall: Moderate
- Winter: Not recommended
Ratings Recommendations:
- Mild conditions: Intermediate PG and HG
- Moderate conditions: Intermediate
- Strong conditions: Advanced PG and HG
Vehicle Requirements: Rugged 2WD
Launch Description:
The launch site can be difficult to find, so it is advised to go with a local pilot. The hang gliding launch is near a power line, while the paragliding launch is on a flatter slope just south of this area.
Flying Times:
Best times to fly are from early afternoon to late afternoon. Evening flights are not recommended due to challenging conditions.
Soaring Information and Weather Notes:
Cawston is known for its unique "Cawston Blast Off" effect, where lift can increase dramatically without warning. The site is leeside behind a ridge, which can result in variable winds. Pilots should be cautious of sudden changes in wind direction and strength. The best option in extreme conditions is to fly to the Osoyoos Airport.
Landing Zone (LZ) Information:
Contact local pilots before flying, as the site has strict regulations. Do not land in large fields on the road up or in the valley bottom, as these are part of the Indian Reserve. The designated LZ is on the Indian Reservation, and proper protocol must be followed.
Alternative LZ for XC flights is the Oliver Airport. Pilots should stay on the west side of the runway below 2000 feet and be aware of aircraft.
Other Information:
- Airspace: Class E above 2200 feet AGL
- Radio Frequency: 123.4 MHz (Aircraft) & 173.640 MHz (Family Radio Band)
- Restricted Area: CYR 115 White Lake Radio Telescope Observatory (do not fly below 1500 feet AGL)
For more information, visit the British Columbia Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association: [BC Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association](http://www.bchpa.ca/contact-us.html)
Local Contacts:
- Peter Ehlers: 250-462-0794, pedro158@REMOVE.THISyahoo.com
- Peter Rasmussen: 250-462-4270, pecosurf@REMOVE_THIShotmail.com
- Jeff Cook: 250-809-8836, jeffmegancook@REMOVE_THISgmail.com
For lodging and camping options in Keremeos, visit:
- [Keremeos Lodging](http://keremeos.net/lodging.html)
- [Elks Motel](http://keremeos.net/elksmotel/rates.html)
- [Alpine Inn Motel](http://alpineinnmotel.ca/rates.html)
Nearby BC Recreation Camping Sites:
- Ripley Lake Forestry Rec campsites
For detailed site information and updates, visit [FlyOK](http://www.flyok.ca).
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