grue 1 #1 February 24, 2006 It's right out near the mall, popular place to sled when there's snow. Can't decide if it's steep or long enough for a ground launch (even a short one), so I figured I'd ask the experts. http://spiceweasel.net/bottomview.jpg http://spiceweasel.net/topview.jpgcavete terrae. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #2 February 24, 2006 Quoteso I figured I'd ask the experts I'm no expert. But I'm guessing (based on my brief experience at the GLC and some launches I tried in CO last summer) that the slope is not big enough and not steep enough (the steep section is very short and it doesn't look all that steep). But that could all change with the right winds. If there is consistent head winds in the 10 mph range, try kiting the canopy from there. But make sure you kite out of the harness in high'ish winds before you try and kite in the harness. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyflylife 0 #3 February 24, 2006 There's only one way to find out!! But as already said, be careful and seek as much advice as possible. I'm not experienced at GL at all but the picture is of my local site that i've launched off once and intend to do more of this year. The slope was meant for grass skiing but is never used. Despite its size, the landing area is tight!!! (behind the trees!!) The landing area at your site looks massive Have fun, blues "swooper 24/7, 365!" ME on Myspace My Project playlist Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhys 0 #4 February 25, 2006 Now I have to be careful what i say because i have not had Formal/regulated training. but i do have over 100 flights now. This slope looks perfect to me for you to start playing with G/L. I started on a simimar yet a bit steeper and longer more consistant in angle slope. at paragliding training hill! practice kiting your canopy first (on the flat)once you are kiting, keep your body under the centre of the canopy use rear riser input AND step sideways to keep you canopy flying above your head. practice keeping the canopy above your head play with your risers, play with stall points on your rears to see how far they will go. and when you have that sussed kite it NEAR the top of the hill not on top because there is a rotor there!?!? you will need a nice wee breese on your nose. otherwise don't bother. you may need to use toggles to get it kiting but once it's there only use your rears. you can do it facing forwards or face the rear get it up and twist (or should i say, untwist) to face the wind. when all that seems a bit too easy and you can collapse it all and get it there again straight away then keep it kiting. have your hands on your rears and run!!! you will feel the drag of the canopy so really push and slowly.... as you feel the canopy want to take off....put gradual input on the rear risers. you may or may not take off on that slope depending on its actual angle, your weight, the canopy, wind speed, and your skill. anyone reading this rember only a slope like the one shown on the original post are safe to try this. meaning, mellow, NO obsticals, good runout and not too high. toggles are for getting you out of the shit. meaning Don't use them unless you have to! keep the pace on. obviously you use them for landing you want to keep that power there when you need it. REMEMBER you will not have as much flare as you are used to because you are generally using some of that flare to fly. This can be very frustrating and very fun! look in your yellow pages see if there are any paragliders around and go and watch them! talk to them. they know heaps. REMEMBER ground launchung is the same as paragliding only untill the feet come off the ground. after that you are in a different ballpark! Don't rush, this shit can be VERY dangerous. taking off is a commitment. be aware. HAVE FUN? If the wind is bumpy as all hell then Go Home. If you are getting dragged , Go Home "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will see peace." - 'Jimi' Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanopyPiloting 0 #5 February 25, 2006 Get some training from someone you can trust and knows what they are talking about. It is a fair site depending on the prevailing winds and such... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crewkeith 0 #6 February 27, 2006 heres one for all you californians .The skies are no longer safe I'm back Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
