Paragliding Etacq (Ariels)

For SW winds. Best site at l'Etacq with a good-sized ridge that you can soar to a small quarry. Bottom-landing available on beach.

The southern edge of the L'Etacq area is flyable with a wind direction around 180° - 210°. Coastal soaring is possible here, with options for both toplanding and bottom landing. A small cleared launch site is available just northeast of the pinnacle, thanks to a small furze fire a couple of years ago. Hang gliders typically launch from an area further east along the ridge, but this site can be tricky for paragliders due to the presence of a few television aerials along the ridge. Side landing is possible, but with the wide open beach within gliding distance, it's not really necessary. The ridge is fairly shallow in places and does not produce a very wide lift band, so no more than two gliders can be up at any one time. Takeoff is best with a southwest to south wind. Lots of gorse has been cleared, making takeoff easier than it used to be. Top landing can be a little rough, but bottom landing is straightforward on the wide sweep of St Ouen's Bay. Flight regulation requires maintaining 150 feet above takeoff (ATO). For more information, contact Nick at 01534 86397