Paragliding Stanwell Park Bald Hill-East Launch

Stanwell Park - Bald Hill, located in Sydney, Australia, is one of the premier coastal paragliding sites in the world. With an elevation of 184 meters, it offers excellent conditions for both hang gliders and paragliders, especially when the wind is between S and E at 10-20 knots for hang gliders and 5-15 knots for paragliders. The Bureau of Meteorology's Bellambi observations can provide a good indication of the conditions. All pilots must be current financial members of both the HGFA and the Stanwell Park Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club. A 3-day membership is available for $10. Markers must be placed to designate intended landing areas before any flying is undertaken. These markers are stored in the new lower toilet block, and the key can be obtained from the kiosk in the park. The main launch area is known as "The Point" on Bald Hill. Top landing is not allowed in this area, and pilots must avoid flying over the No Fly Zone depicted by the striped area in the provided photo. Pilots may fly behind the hill but cannot cross over the Point to rejoin the seaward lift. Landing is typically done in the area adjacent to the lagoon known as 'the chute' or the coned-off landing area on the beach. An alternate landing area is located at the south end of the beach if the regular designated area is unavailable. Pilots are requested not to land in the shaded area, but paraglider pilots may collapse their canopy there. For top landings on the South Face, pilots must ensure that site markers are in place and that the duty pilot has opened the area for top landing on the day. Only suitably endorsed pilots may attempt top landings. The East Face also has a No Fly Zone, and pilots are asked to fly only in front of or behind the Hill, not directly over it. Set-up is straightforward in front of the car park at Bald Hill, but it can get crowded. Make yourself known to the Safety Officer on duty. If you're not a member of the club, you must obtain a temporary membership before flying. International pilots must get temporary HGFA membership before coming to the site. On a good day, you can fly up and down the coast from Garie to Bulli. However, be aware of the limitations of the conditions and your glider. There are emergency landing areas, but also hazards like rocks, trees, and the sea. Always talk to local pilots and monitor weather conditions closely. The main landing area is on Stanwell Park beach. While not particularly difficult, many visiting pilots struggle with it. Watch for rotor effects if the wind is strong from the S or E/NE. The landing area must be marked with cones/flags, but beachgoers often stray into it, so approach with caution. Top landing is common for paragliders and possible for hang gliders when conditions are suitable, but you must be suitably endorsed. Note that the launch sites near the pie shop in the National Park are reserved for aero-model flyers and are off-limits for all SPHGPC pilots. Give these areas a wide berth when flying past. Katabatic winds, especially prevalent during winter months, can occur along the escarpment from Bellambi to Bald Hill. These winds can stop a 20-knot S/E wind in its tracks and are indicated by smooth water or glass-off along the waterline and lagoons in the landing areas. Pilots should be cautious and prepared for the spin and rinse cycle as they descend through the mixing layer. For more information, visit: - [Fly Stanwell](http://www.flystanwell.com/index.php/the-site) - [Adventure Plus Paragliding](http://www.adventureplusparagliding.com.au/homelocation.html) Contact the Stanwell Park Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club (SPHGPC) for further details.