Paragliding Laguna Lake, CA

This site is located in the hills just southwest of the City of San Luis Obispo, within Laguna Lake Park. The park entrance is accessible from Madonna Road, which can be reached via Highway 101 or Los Osos Valley Road. Upon entering the park, keep right until you reach the parking area, which includes restrooms and a dog area. From there, proceed on foot westward around the hill to the southern edge of its west face. Local flyers typically kite midway up the hill to launch. The site offers a mix of thermal and ridge flying, with conditions that can be quite strong. The ridge extends half a mile northwest. Due to the proximity of the San Luis Obispo airport's approach control zone, flights are restricted to 600 meters above sea level or below. Flying on the large hill (Madonna Mountain) to the northwest is not recommended as it is private property and the owner does not permit trespassing. Favorable conditions for flying Madonna Mountain are rare. Mandatory Site Protocol: - Pilots must be members of SLOSA and USHPA. - Intermediate (P-3) rating or higher is required. Novice (P-2) pilots must be accompanied by an instructor and pass a ground skill test. - Sign-off by the Site Monitor or a listed instructor is required, demonstrating the ability to keep the glider above your head for two minutes and perform a successful reverse launch technique. - Helmets and reserve parachutes are mandatory. - All flights must comply with FAR Part 103. - No dangerous maneuvers or flying above/across electrical power lines. - A signed waiver and proof of medical and liability insurance are required by the City of San Luis Obispo. Before flying, check the SBP ATIS on 120.600 MHz or call (805) 545-9638 to see if permission has been granted for paragliding activities. If not, contact the Airport Tower Administration office at (805) 781-8753 to request permission for paragliding activities at 600 MSL and below, 4 miles northwest of the airport. Site Hazards: The hill and landing areas are strewn with sharp volcanic rocks and boulders, sometimes hidden by vegetation. There are also two barb wire fence-enclosed ecological study areas within the flying zone. One is south of the normal landing zone in front of the launch, and the other is several hundred feet north of the launch in the mid to lower portion of the hill. Be aware of their locations before launching. Additionally, stay clear of high voltage electrical power lines forward of the hill/ridge. Best Flying Conditions: This site is good year-round, though not ideal in winter. The best winds are from the WSW to WNW at 8-16 mph, typically in the mid to late afternoon. Strong rotor can form off the hill-ridge to the northwest of the launch area when winds are northerly. Site Specifications: - Minimum Required Rating: P3 (P2 with Instructor Supervision) - Wing Strength (MPH): Minimum 5, Ideal 11, Maximum 15, Gust 5 - Wind Direction (Degrees): Ideal 280-300, OK 270-310 - Minimum Required Glide Ratio: 10.8 - USHPA Membership, SLOSA Membership, and SLO Laguna Lake Waiver are required. For more information, visit the local club's page: [Laguna Lake Site Information](https://slosoar.org/laguna-lake-site-information/) Watch a flight video here: [YouTube Video]( )