MEMBERSHIP:
All pilots must present a current USHPA card and sign a waiver when they check in. This is a USHPA requirement for the event insurance which was required by Oregon State Parks. Temporary USHPA memberships are available for $5. Helmet stickers will be issued.
Radio:
151.925 – Flying 151.625 – Retrieve (if needed)
151.955 – Emergency 151.505 – Alternate
Parking: There is NO Pilot Parking at Oceanside launch. We must reserve the space for pilot drop offs and locals who come up to watch. Please fill cars and arrange drop off or utilize designated shuttle vehicles. There will be an official directing traffic, please do as he/she instructs. And please respect the Oceanside residents who put up with us on this crazy weekend.
Event Phone: 503-679-0962 (Mark Sanzone). Coverage is sporadic at Oceanside so leave a message if you can’t get through, or try texting.
Pilot Meeting (mandatory): 10 am Saturday, Community Center.
Training: No training is allowed. P1 and H1 pilots will not be allowed to fly during the event.
Tandems: Unfortunately due to FFA changes and insurance requirements we are not allowed to fly tandems at the event. Tandem pilots are free to fly before and after the event.
Launching: There will be a gate to enter launch with a volunteer checking pilots in, and a launch director in a safety vest. Please follow their instructions. They will be checking for helmet stickers which you get at at the community center. They might ask you a skill testing question too… Please queue up for launch and if you can’t get off in two attempts let the next person go. If you are not familiar with the site get a site orientation from an experienced pilot!
Ridge Rules: Know them. Short version: pass oncoming gliders on the right, if a pilot can’t go right they have the right of way! (usually because the ridge is on their right, but also if you try to overtake on their right, so instead pass on the ridge side or turn away), and most importantly keep your head on a swivel and always clear your turns. More detailed version here (editor’s personal favorite write up, Google for others): http://www.paragliding-lessons.com/paragliding-and-right-of-way-rules-2/
Landing: There will be a safety officer in the main LZ, on the beach. When landing please avoid the crowds, choose an approach to not frighten, spectators, land safely, and quickly ball up your gear. Watch for kites and kids. Do not land within 100’ feet of the walk out. Do not land in the parking lot. No top landing. Do not land in a tree. Do not land in the ocean. Do land on your feet. Do not kite if other pilots are landing. Spot landings will only be scored if they. are deemed SAFE.
Weather: Please don’t fly in the rain. We will have some indoor seminars if needed. Be aware that the super-consistent conditions we love and enjoy can go from super-good smooth and sunshine, to super-bad rain, squalls, wind, whitecaps, whatever the Ocean decides, in a matter of minutes and may or may not decide to change back. Pay attention, plan accordingly, fly conservatively, watch the locals, and don’t get caught! In 2022 the wind picked up and three pilots were blown back!
Rescue: We have tree rescue gear (and medical) available. Please get on the radio and ask if needed. Do not call 911. Let event officials make that call.
Tides: Sat: Low 8:30 am, High 3:00 pm. Sun: Low 9:00 am, Hi 3:45 pm
Site Guides:
Oceanside
Cape Lookout
The CPC website has information and maps as well as weather links for all the local sites: www.cascadeparaglidingclub.org