Paragliding Cooks Terrace Mona Vale Beach

Cooks Terrace is a regularly used, relaxed coastal paragliding site near Sydney, located in the Northern Beaches region. This spot is particularly popular among novice pilots due to its large grassy park and non-metered parking right next to the site. The site record is 6.9 km, and you can find more details on the Northern Beaches Flyers website: http://www.hgfa.asn.au/~nbflyers/index.htm. The site features a grassy takeoff and landing area atop a sandstone cliff facing almost due east, with a turn towards the northwest at the northern end. It can get crowded, especially when the breeze is favorable for paragliding. Before flying, it's advisable to contact a club member for guidance. For hang gliders, cliff launches were traditionally the only option, but conventional launches are now possible with advice from local pilots. Paragliders should avoid stepping on the low wooden fence and should unload their canopy right on the edge. In light conditions from the north of east, pilots often fly a pattern close to the ridge upwind and out to sea downwind. Landing options include Mona Vale Beach, Warriewood Beach, or the flat grassy area north of the launch. Top landing is straightforward; approach from the appropriate direction for the wind and land in the front half of the launch area. Be mindful of spectators and drop your wing promptly after landing to clear the area for others. The lower level of controlled airspace is at 2500 feet. Hazards include turbulence behind the tree near the wooden bench and rotor behind the bush on top of the cliff near the northern end. The site can be busy with both paragliders and hang gliders, so always monitor wind direction and avoid flying the northeast-facing part of the ridge when the wind is from the south. Radio-controlled aircraft often operate on the northern end of the ridge, and there are power lines near the surf club and toilet block on Warriewood Beach. Additionally, the park is an unleashed dog area. The site is located near the intersection of Narrabeen Park Parade and Cook Terrace, about a fifty-minute drive from Sydney's city center. From Pittwater Road, turn right at the hospital into Coronation Street, follow the road to the beach, and then turn right up the hill. Parking is available along Narrabeen Park Parade. For more information, visit the Sydney Paragliding & Hang Gliding Club's website: http://www.hgfa.asn.au/~nbflyers/cooksTerraceParaglider.html. You can also watch a video of the site here: .