Last updated on November 1st, 2024 at 7:24 am
Quick Overview:
The Stables is one of the premier coastal soaring sites in the country. Paraglider pilots can often fly while watching the sun setting over the Pacific, the Farallon Islands in the distance, and spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The area is owned by the GGNRA, and we are allowed to fly through a special use agreement. A P3 with site intro are required to fly here. Novice-rated (P2) pilots are allowed to fly with an additional requirement See the site procedures for additional information.
Site Committee Chairs: Morgan Veneble & Dan Zaslavsky
Hang gliding not allowed
Paragliding – P3 or P2 plus additional requirements *
Mini-wings – M1 special skill recommended
Pilot Requirements:
To fly at The Stables pilots must:
- Possess proof of a current USHPA Paragliding Intermediate rating or better, or a current and approved foreign equivalent.
- Sign the Chapter Affirmation Waiver
- Have in their possession an electronic Wings of Rogallo membership card that shows the membership expiry date, pilot rating and pilot eligibility to fly at Mori
- Receive a site introduction from other pilot who has significant experience flying at The Stables
- Be familiar with The Stables site procedures, rules and regulations and meet all of the requirements.
Please make sure to sign your Chapter Affirmation e-Waiver before getting your site introduction.
*Protocol for Novice-rated Pilots
In addition to meeting the requirements outlined in the Site Procedures, Intermediate-rated pilots must meet the following requirements to fly at The Stables:
After receiving a site intro, P2s must have their first flight at The Stables sponsored by a P3+.
Park Special Use Permit
WOR has obtained a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service for the activity of Paragliding at this site. The GGNRA established rules and boundaries for paragliding activities at The Stables. Hang gliding, powered paragliding, and commercial activities are not permitted. Hiking is only allowed on designated trails. Dogs must be on a leash.
Launch and Landing Restrictions
Launching and landing within the GGNRA space are permitted only at designated areas which will be pointed out during your site introduction. We are allowed to top land here or on the beach. It is illegal to launch or land any where else on GGNRA land. Any pilot found launching or landing outside the designated area can be cited by the Park Rangers and will endanger our permit with the GGNRA. Please help keep this site open by educating other pilots who may not be aware of these restrictions.
Launch is along the cliff, on a plateau, about 80′ above the beach.
Ideal wind: WSW – NW (soarable mostly between April and October)
Recommended Wind Limits:
Minimum: 7mph
Ideal: 12mph
Maximum: 20mph
Glide Ratio to LZ: Top landing is the primary LZ, but there is a beach below the cliff, about a 1:1 glide at most.
The Primary LZ is to top land just east of launch, about 80′ MSL.
The Secondary LZ is on the beach, just below launch.
Wind speed and direction can change in a short period of time. Look for white caps on the ocean. This is a good indicator that the wind is too strong to fly. Check the wind direction as you fly and before you land. Do not land downwind.
Rotors are the severe turbulence found on the lee side of a ridge, spine, trees, or other formations. Rotors change location according to the wind direction.
Shear turbulence is created when two air masses moving in different directions meet. Do not fly in strong shears.
Fog can develop quickly creating poor visibility.
Pilots must yield to people on horseback. Courtesy (especially toward spectators) is mandatory of all pilots at all times.
No flight within 200 feet of Westlake houses is permitted.
Paraglider pilots will not fly at golf course altitude when they are within 200 feet of a fairway.
When winds are less than 13 m.p.h. (as measured at Fort Funston launch), no more than 8 paragliders are allowed to fly on the ridge of the Olympic Club Easement.
When winds are less than 13 m.p.h. (as measured at Fort Funston launch), no more than 15 paragliders are allowed to fly the Westlake Cliffs.
HELMETS are required.
VISIBILITY REQUIREMENT: All pilots must maintain enough distance and visibility with cliff, clouds, fog, and other pilots so as not to endanger themselves or other pilots.
COMMERCIAL INSTRUCTION, STUNT FLYING and AEROBATICS, MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING and HANG GLIDING are prohibited in the permitted area.
In an emergency: Call 911
Additional Emergency Services numbers:
Pacifica Fire & Police- (650) 738-7314
National Parks dispatch- (415) 561-5505
The common radio frequency is 147.405 Mhz and should be used for safety and logistics with respect to other pilots and non-pilots as this is a simplex frequency that is available to all ham radio users.
Use the common radio frequency to alert other pilots of any related to a possible accident or imminent EMS situation.