Parapente Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove, Victoria - Australia Ocean Grove offers a lovely coastal flying site with sand dunes stretching from Collendina to Point Lonsdale. The height of the dunes ranges from 2 to 15 meters, making it a good spot for coastal soaring and some cross-country (XC) flying. Takeoff: Access to the takeoff area is along the old road below the Ocean Grove lookout. Assistance on launch is recommended, and a positive takeoff is required. The site may look small, but staying within the lift band can get you high over the lookout. If the wind is strong, paragliders may choose to take off from a shelf below the path. Landing: Landings are on the beach. Do not walk up the face of any dunes. Use the concrete ramp next to the Life Saving Club for access to cars, or the steps back up to launch. This site has been lost before, and we do not want to lose it again. Flight: The Point Lonsdale Run is approximately 10 km one way, and you will rarely get over 100 feet. There is one very long gap, about 1 km east of Collendina, and three or four smaller gaps along the way. The view of 'The Rip' at the Point Lonsdale end is excellent. Pilots flying this trip should be at least intermediate level, able to self-launch, and should fly in pairs since there are not many people on this area of the beach. Hazards/Comments: Be cautious of people on the beach, especially near beach access points. The beach can be narrow or non-existent when the tide is in. Turbulence can occur when the wind is off, especially if it is around 20 knots. Location: From the Ocean Grove surf lifesaving club, the takeoff is east on the old road directly below the Ocean Grove lookout. Refer to Melways Map 94 A6 for detailed directions. The site is located 90 km southwest of Melbourne, via Geelong. Contact: Dynasoarers, Rob van der Klooster Phone: (03) 5222 3019, Mobile: 0408 335 559