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The Dump (AKA Mussel Rock)
Unfortunately, blowbacks are a common (but preventable -- see article, below) occurrence at The Dump. Four paraglider pilots have died at The Dump due to electrocution (being blown back into the power lines), drowning and crashes. Many very experienced local pilots, as well as new and visiting pilots, have had serious accidents at this site. Because The Dump is the only unregulated site in the Bay Area, it is the site most frequently used by inexperienced and visiting pilots. Paragliding at The Dump is not officially sanctioned, but it is currently allowed. The future of this site depends upon its safety record. We strongly recommend that you get a site intro before flying at The Dump. The BAPA safety director, Phil Neri (650.737.7926), is at The Dump almost every soarable day. Please call him ahead of time and arrange a site intro if you have never flown at The Dump. To find out the wind direction, velocity and temperature at Fort Funston (near The Dump), call 415.333.0100 or 415.584.9891.
BAPA Site Guide for The Dump (Required Reading!) Air Time Mussel Rock Site Guide Avoiding Blowbacks at The Dump Ultra Low Flight (Excellent video -techniques for flying low sand dunes, with 3D graphics to help explain complex airflow concepts) Historical References Mussel Rock is a "Franciscan" rock, which are only found on the East side of the San Andreas fault, except for Mussel Rock. Mussel Rock got pushed out by another fault farther south, 2-3 million years ago. Around 1993, Pat Morrisey and Ann Sasaki made up names for the various launches and landmarks at the Dump. At that time there weren't many people who flew at the Dump, so they took the liberty of making up their own names for the various launch locations. Little did they know that those names would stick -- and they are still used today. Tomcat was a combination of Pat, cat and part of a friend's last name (Thompson). Trashcan was because named for a trash can that used to be outside the railing on the north-facing slope of the parking lot. Lemmings was named when they saw a student launch and fly straight down into ankle-deep water without seeming to give it much thought. Walkers was named because, in those days, it was almost always soarable from Tomcat, but when pilots started coming in greater numbers, they would walk all the way out to Walkers. Pat and Ann couldn't understand why they would walk rather than fly. Samsonite 500 is a lost landmark, because the suitcase is no longer there. The Jungle Launch was named, because it was quite overgrown and you had to work your way through the vegetation to get launched. Dave's Perch was a site where "old timer" Dave would launch from. The Death Bowl was named for ... you can figure that one out! |
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Because
of its easy access, the Dump is one of the
most popular Bay Area flying sites. It is also one of our most complex sites.
Although you can experience long, relaxing flights, enjoying the sea breezes and
beautiful ocean vistas, you have to be especially cautious about changing wind strength
and direction, rotors, high tides and traffic from other paragliders, hangliders,
radio controlled planes and general aviation.
The
Local
"911" Emergency Number is 650.355.4151.
USHPA Advanced Paragliding
Instructor & Observer