General Info |
Sand City is seven-mile coastal ridge, off of Highway 1, north of Monterey. The site offers a relatively consistent onshore flow, as the Monterey Bay funnels wind into the Salinas Valley. When the wind is “straight-in,” it is between W and WNW. This is an regulated site that is flown under permission of Marina State Beach through an agreement with Coastal Condors.
Like Sand City to the south, the wind must be fairly strong (~12-15 MPH for paragliders) to generate soarable lift.
Note: You are required to sign in online with Coastal Condors when you fly either Marina or Lake Court. You should get a site intro from a local pilot before launching. They can advise you on how to stay up, cross the gaps and avoid trouble spots.
Like Sand City to the south, the wind must be fairly strong (~12-15 MPH for paragliders) to generate soarable lift.
Note: You are required to sign in online with Coastal Condors when you fly either Marina or Lake Court. You should get a site intro from a local pilot before launching. They can advise you on how to stay up, cross the gaps and avoid trouble spots.
Launches |
Marina State Beach (Reservation Road) – This is a very flat (nearly sea level), dune launch, used primarily by hanglider pilots. All pilots must sign-in to launch and land at this site. The sign-in sheet at Reservation Road (for pilots flying either here or at the Lake Court paraglider launch) is located at the kiosk/signboard near the wind sock. If you launch from Lake Court, you still need to sign in here first. If you're flying at Sand City, you don't need to sign in (unless you plan to fly north and land at Lake Court). The kiosk has other info, including a map of how to get to Lake Court. You must be a rated USHGA member and, if you are a P3/H3, you are required to have a local instructor give you a site intro and sign you off before you fly here. You are also required to carry a sheath knife on your harness, in the event of a water landing, although a hook knife is currently considered acceptable for paraglider pilots.
Lake Court – This is a higher (~150’ MSL), walk-up launch, about a mile south of Marina State Beach and is a regulated USHGA site. USHGA membership, and signing in at Marina State Beach (see above), are required for flying here. Go inland on Reservation Road (Reservation Road turns right, but the name stays the same). After a short distance, turn Right on Lake Drive and make an immediate left jog. Follow Lake Dive to the end, where it becomes Lake Court. Park by the fence and walk up the dune path. The launch is the highest smooth area on the top and to the right. Lake Court can offer good soaring on a light, south day, but it can also be dangerous if the wind is too strong.
Lake Court – This is a higher (~150’ MSL), walk-up launch, about a mile south of Marina State Beach and is a regulated USHGA site. USHGA membership, and signing in at Marina State Beach (see above), are required for flying here. Go inland on Reservation Road (Reservation Road turns right, but the name stays the same). After a short distance, turn Right on Lake Drive and make an immediate left jog. Follow Lake Dive to the end, where it becomes Lake Court. Park by the fence and walk up the dune path. The launch is the highest smooth area on the top and to the right. Lake Court can offer good soaring on a light, south day, but it can also be dangerous if the wind is too strong.
Primary Hazards |
Water Landings – There is usually plenty of beach below the entire ridge, but sinking out is common, so stay clear of the water as you land. Water landings can be lethal.
Blow Backs - On high-wind days, stay low and out front (ready to apply your speed bar), to avoid being blown back over the ridge. You should land immediately if you are having trouble penetrating.
Getting Dragged - Always wear a helmet when you’re hooked in and make sure that you can quickly disable your wing in high winds.
Debris – Unfortunately, there is a variety of natural and man-made debris on the beach and launches and the dunes are covered with ice plant. Although this is usually only a nuisance, and it can damage your wing, you should be especially careful that you don’t launch with twigs or other debris in your lines.
Blow Backs - On high-wind days, stay low and out front (ready to apply your speed bar), to avoid being blown back over the ridge. You should land immediately if you are having trouble penetrating.
Getting Dragged - Always wear a helmet when you’re hooked in and make sure that you can quickly disable your wing in high winds.
Debris – Unfortunately, there is a variety of natural and man-made debris on the beach and launches and the dunes are covered with ice plant. Although this is usually only a nuisance, and it can damage your wing, you should be especially careful that you don’t launch with twigs or other debris in your lines.
Snowy Plover Habitat |
The Snowy Plover is a tiny shorebird, just over six inches long. Plovers nest and forage for food on sandy beaches. You'll see them along the water, finding small crustaceans and marine worms in the wet sand. Unfortunately for the plovers, people and pets can step on their nests, interrupt their foraging and threatening their fledglings.The plover has been on the National Audubon Society's Blue List of declining species, since the list began in 1972, and in 1997, it was listed as an Endangered Species. In an attempt to protect the plovers, California State Parks has erected metal fences, approximately three feet high and 20-30 feet from the base of the dunes, to protect their nesting area during the spring and summer months. These fences, mostly in the northern half of the Sand City/Marina ridge, are very hard to see from the air. Do not walk, launch or land anywhere inside the fenced area. If you accidentally find yourself in the fenced area, get out as soon as possible.
Be especially careful at high tide because the fenced area is so extensive, your landing options are significantly restricted at high tide. Make sure you have safe and legal landing options at all times.
This entire area (except for the launch at Sand City) is a State Park and they take the plover habitat restoration seriously. You will jeopardize our ability to fly this ridge if you don't take it seriously. The site at Montana de Oro, in San Luis Obispo County was closed during this half of the year for plover protection and significant fines are imposed for violations.
Be especially careful at high tide because the fenced area is so extensive, your landing options are significantly restricted at high tide. Make sure you have safe and legal landing options at all times.
This entire area (except for the launch at Sand City) is a State Park and they take the plover habitat restoration seriously. You will jeopardize our ability to fly this ridge if you don't take it seriously. The site at Montana de Oro, in San Luis Obispo County was closed during this half of the year for plover protection and significant fines are imposed for violations.
Directions and Access |
From Highway 1 South, the exit for Marina State Beach is Reservation Road (turn right to reach the parking lot).
Weather |
Wind Talker: 831.384.3184
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