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Whether you are a beginner paraglider or have already built up some good flying hours. Having some insider tips can be helpful for turning from Novice to Pro in no time. This is why we have created a series of blog articles in the hopes that we can educate all of our new and first-time paragliding pilots.
Lion’s Head is a mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Lion’s Head peaks at 669 meters (2,195 ft) above sea level. The peak forms part of a dramatic backdrop to the city of Cape Town and is part of the Table Mountain National Park.
Grading: BASIC + 4 guided flights (Hang-gliders : C) GPS : +- S33º5618 E18º2314
Altitude: Top-site 450m (asl), ceiling at 1200m asl
Description: Home of the Glen Paragliding Club, a consistent and beautiful site to fly, offering a panorama of Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles. In the afternoon, Lions Head heats up and generates a thermic, upslope breeze. Parking is on the back (Capetown side) of Lions Head, then a stiff hike is required up the gravel road and around to the front side. Because of the spire shape of the peak, the wind diverges around it, causing a strong increase in wind speed at both takeoff sites when it is soarable. The wind is usually crossed from the left (S) at the top site and is very strong and crossed from the right (NW) at the lower site. Don’t pioneer a new launch site somewhere else on the mountain.
Now I will try to explain in what type of weather conditions you can paraglide from Lions Head.
The South Easterly wind is a low-level wind with a reverse wind gradient (stronger on the ground and weaker at altitude).
Generally speaking, for a Wind Shadow to form, you need the following elements :
1) Wind forecast of not stronger than 15 knots
2) Surface temperature of 25C
We get the formation of a Wind Shadow mostly in the warmest parts of our weather season, but it is possible in the middle of Winter as well. The red lines indicate the direction of the airflow of the Southeasterly wind. South Easterly Winds are low-level winds and can be prevented/blocked from flowing over Lions Head by Table Mountain
The yellow area is where the wind shadow generally sets up. Looking out towards the ocean from Lions Head, a distinct line can be seen on the ocean with a slight difference in colour, indicating the presence of a wind shadow.
The white cloud that starts to form between Devils Peak and Maclear’s Beacon on the left and Llandudno and Judas Peak on the right now indicates that there is an increase in the strength of the southeasterly wind.
The cold South Easter flowing from False Bay starts to condensate as it gets pushed up against the back of Table Mountain. The size of the flyable area in yellow now starts to decrease, and whitecaps / white horses can often be seen outside of the yellow area.
1) White cloud forming
2)The Wind shadow line decreases in size
3) Whitecaps on the ocean outside of the wind shadow.
The increase in the white cloud indicates that the wind shadow is now almost broken down, and it is no longer safe to continue flying.
The decrease in the wind shadow size can be seen in the yellow circle. The distinct wind shadow line is now moving closer to the landing area.
All flying should now be stopped, and you should land at the designated landing areas as soon as possible.
1)Increase in clouds coming over Table Mountain and the Apostles
2) Increase in whitecaps on the ocean
3) Size of wind shadow decreasing
4) Wind shadow line coming closer to the landing area
The wind shadow is now completely broken down.
If you find yourself still in the air, then you are lucky!
The safest place for you to land is BACK ON THE MOUNTAIN IN THE YELLOW AREA.
Catch Part 2 of our series here.
For more information on paragliding or to book your next paragliding session, please feel free to contact us at Fly Cape Town, and we will be glad to help you.
The Fly Cape Town team are a group of highly experienced Tandem Paragliding Flight Instructors who can provide you with the best paragliding Cape Town has to offer. Come and experience the joy of a tandem paragliding flight in the beauty of Cape Town.
To have the experience of a lifetime. You can contact us either by email or contact number
Before launching from Lions Head, check the wind conditions carefully. You want a South Easterly wind that is not stronger than 15 knots. Look for a distinct wind shadow line on the ocean, which indicates safe flying conditions. Additionally, monitor for the formation of white clouds and whitecaps outside the wind shadow area. If you notice these signs, it may be time to land as conditions could be changing. Always prioritize safety and be prepared to land if the wind conditions worsen.
To reach the launch site at Lions Head, park on the Cape Town side of the mountain. From there, you will need to hike up a gravel road to the front side of the mountain. The hike can be steep, so ensure you are physically prepared. Once at the top, you will find designated launch areas. Remember to check the wind conditions before launching to ensure a safe paragliding experience.
Yes, Lions Head is a popular site for beginner paragliders, especially with guided flights available. However, safety is paramount. Beginners should always fly with experienced instructors who can provide guidance on weather conditions and flying techniques. It's essential to understand the local wind patterns and be aware of the signs indicating changing conditions. With proper instruction and awareness, beginners can enjoy a safe and exhilarating experience.
For paragliding, you will need essential equipment, including a paraglider, harness, helmet, and reserve parachute. If you are a beginner, it's advisable to use equipment provided by a certified school or instructor. They ensure that the gear is suitable for your skill level and the flying conditions. Additionally, wearing appropriate clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes for the hike is recommended. Always prioritise safety and ensure your equipment is in good condition before flying.
The Thrill of Paragliding from Lions Head Paragliding Lions Head is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular tandem paragliding experiences in Cape Town, South Africa.
In part 4, we will look at the locations of the “House” thermals. Knowing where they are could be the difference between one of those
The South Westerly wind is definitely the best wind direction to have to paraglide from Lions Head. The image above displays the general airflow in
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