Paragliding North Lake Court Dune

Sand City/Marina Beach is a seven-mile coastal ridge located off Highway 1, north of Monterey, USA. This site is known for its consistent onshore wind flow, funneled into the Salinas Valley by Monterey Bay. The wind direction typically ranges between 270° and 290°. This is an insured site under an agreement with Marina State Beach. Understanding ridge soaring and ridge rules is essential. You should have your speed system ready and be prepared to use it. The ridge is relatively low, so the wind must be fairly strong (around 12-15 MPH for paragliders) to generate soarable lift. Excellent ground handling and high wind launching and landing skills are required. However, with consistent wind and soft sand, Sand City can be a good place for novice pilots to practice ground handling skills. Local pilots can advise on the best practice spots. Before flying, you must sign in at Marina State Beach. A site introduction from a local pilot is recommended to understand how to stay up, cross gaps, and avoid trouble spots. They can also inform you if the wind conditions are suitable. Launches: - **Marina State Beach (Reservation Road)**: This flat, dune launch is primarily used by hang glider pilots. All pilots must sign in at the kiosk near the wind sock. If you launch from Lake Court, you still need to sign in here first. You must be a rated USHGA member, and P3/H3 pilots need a local instructor's sign-off before flying. Carry a sheath knife on your harness for water landings. - **Lake Court**: This higher (~150’ MSL) launch is about a mile south of Marina State Beach. USHGA membership and signing in at Marina State Beach are required. Follow Reservation Road, turn right on Lake Drive, and park by the fence. Walk up the dune path to the launch area. - **Sand City**: The most popular launch, located five or six miles south of Lake Court. This site is unregulated, but you should sign in at Marina State Beach if you plan to fly north and land there. Primary Hazards: - **Water Landings**: Avoid landing in the water as it can be lethal. Always carry a hook knife on your harness. - **Blow Backs**: On high-wind days, stay low and out front to avoid being blown back over the ridge. - **Scratching**: Flying close to the terrain is hazardous. - **Getting Dragged**: Always wear a helmet and ensure you can quickly disable your wing in high winds. - **Debris**: Be cautious of natural and man-made debris on the beach and launches. Snowy Plover Habitat: The Snowy Plover is a tiny shorebird that nests and forages on sandy beaches. California State Parks have erected fences to protect their nesting area during spring and summer. Do not walk, launch, or land inside the fenced area. Be especially careful at high tide as landing options are restricted. Directions and Access: - From Highway 1 South, take the Reservation Road exit for Marina State Beach and turn right to reach the parking lot. - For Sand City, take the Fremont Boulevard exit, park on the street or in the nearby shopping center, walk back under the freeway, and follow the railroad tracks north briefly before heading toward the ocean. The primary launch is at the north end of the flat area, about 100 yards north of the big dune. For more information, visit [Coastal Condors](https://www.coastalcondors.org/). Flying at Marina requires a current H3 or P3 USHPA rating or higher. For additional details, check out: - [Fly Zephyr](http://www.flyzephyr.com/sand-city.html) - [Coastal Condors Club](https://www.coastalcondors.org/new-page-1) - [YouTube Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xasd_VB_Ws) - [YouTube Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQrkg0JQa0U&t=6s)