DESCRIPTION

Name of the site is also just Graaff-Reinet. Launching site is in a National Park, please protect the environment and therfore the priviledge to launch here. Beware of SW winds when going over the ridge to land in Graaff-Reinet, if lower than say, 50m, do not go directly towards the landing zones, rather fly a bit more south before heading towards landing.

ACTIVITIES

- paragliding
- hanggliding
- soaring
- thermals
- xc

weather

Wind can get quite strong, there is a risk of getting blown over the back, you do NOT want that! Thermals usually come through in intervals, in order to get up you need to launch into a thermal. Ridge on the left of launch usually does not have thermals. Beware of south-easterly winds, if strong the gully to the right of the launching site can get turbulent. South east winds are best flown on the south east facing ridge, ie. directly after take off, fly SE until the ridge drops away, you will then be in a bowl which develops very nice lift, including thermal.

access

Drive to Graaff-Reinet. Then goto NW part of town, drive past the camping site and past the dam, behind the mountain. After 4km the entrance to the park is on your left. Pay a small entry fee and drive up the asphalt road untill you see a small parking. Park and walk a few meters up the steps. Take-off on either side. The north take off is suitable for NE winds, which are very rare. Other north winds place you in rotor potential.

regulation

The arrangement with ATC Cape Town is that we will inform them if we do fly.Tel nr is 021 9371116.Stay clear of the airport as we do not want any close incidents.