Paragliding Portsea

The site is located within the Mornington Peninsula National Park in Australia. Pilots must respect the environment by taking off cleanly from the ramp, landing on the beach, and returning via the main access track. Avoid scrambling up and down the cliffs or dunes to protect the natural habitat. Takeoff is from a synthetic turf ramp, with a maximum wind speed of 20 knots from the south to southwest. The path from the carpark leads to a glider set-up area on the right and the take-off ramp on the left. Pilots should aim to be airborne about 1 meter before the edge of the ramp. For paragliders, this means standing about 3 meters back from the edge before inflating the glider and ensuring the canopy is fully above your head to avoid being dragged back into the scrub. Landing is on the beach in front of the launch area. Be cautious of sloping sand, especially at high tide when landing areas may be limited. The total flyable distance is 8 km. When flying below the point to the left of takeoff, be aware of the slight rotor that has caused issues for many kites. Flying to the Rip should only be attempted when the wind is from the south at takeoff. Dangers to watch out for include: - The rotor behind London Bridge, which has caused crashes. - Limited landing areas on the beach at high tide. - Hazardous points between the bays, especially if the wind is not from the right direction at takeoff. If you need to land during the run, expect a long walk, and assistance may be delayed if you are injured. On an average day, pilots can expect to reach heights of around 300 feet above launch. The site record is approximately 1000 feet, achieved by Ken Hess in an Icarus V in the late 1970s. Additional hazards include spectators crowding around the takeoff and landing areas, and power lines near the life-saving club. For more information, you can watch this video: [YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB2OVHiSzeU).