General Info |
UPDATE: Mori Point has been closed due to insurance costs. Wings of Rogallo managed it until closure in 2023. The site was rarely flyable and rarely used.
Mori Point is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and is a protected wildlife area. The site was closed for a long time due to environmental concerns but, thanks to the efforts of a few determined pilots, Mori Point is open again, with substantial restrictions. Special thanks goes to Dave Sondergeld, who worked hard to secure the permit to reopen this flying site. The GGNRA established strict rules and boundaries for paragliding activities at Mori Point.
Mori Point is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and is a protected wildlife area. The site was closed for a long time due to environmental concerns but, thanks to the efforts of a few determined pilots, Mori Point is open again, with substantial restrictions. Special thanks goes to Dave Sondergeld, who worked hard to secure the permit to reopen this flying site. The GGNRA established strict rules and boundaries for paragliding activities at Mori Point.
Site Information |
Location: Mori Point, Pacifica
Description: Coastal hill and ridge
MSL: 320’ Launch/LZ (hill top); 150’ Primary LZ (plateau); 10’ Secondary LZ (beach)
Best conditions: WSW to NNW (soarable mostly in the winter) Mori Point is a ridge soaring site that works best in the winter, when the wind is from the North. Unfortunately, the site is rarely soarable. It's a walk up site, but the hike is not long. The site faces North and Northwest. The LZ can be somewhat tricky to make.
Mori Point Site Regulations
Directions to Mori Point
Description: Coastal hill and ridge
MSL: 320’ Launch/LZ (hill top); 150’ Primary LZ (plateau); 10’ Secondary LZ (beach)
Best conditions: WSW to NNW (soarable mostly in the winter) Mori Point is a ridge soaring site that works best in the winter, when the wind is from the North. Unfortunately, the site is rarely soarable. It's a walk up site, but the hike is not long. The site faces North and Northwest. The LZ can be somewhat tricky to make.
Mori Point Site Regulations
Directions to Mori Point
Requirements |
- Mori Point is a P3 rated site.
- You must be a current member of USHPA or have proof of insurance comparable to USHPA’s coverage.
- You must have a helmet sticker.
- You must have a site introduction.
- You must complete an application/waiver.
- Dan Byrne ( 650.359.9001) is the primary contact and administrator for site introductions and helmet stickers.
- If you can't reach Dan, contact Dave Sondergeld (415.602.7847).
- The application and waiver can be filled out in advance and then countersigned by Dan or Dave after the site intro.
- Good landing skills, in restricted space, are highly recommended.
- As with any site, please observe the site regulations and be respectful of the neighbors, flora and fauna.
Required Equipment |
- A certified glider in good condition.
- A harness with quick release buckles.
- A helmet, boots and gloves.
- A hook knife.
Restrictions |
- BAPA obtained a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service for the activity of Paragliding at this site. The GGNRA established rules and boundaries for paragliding activities at Mori Point.
- The permit does not include hangliding, motorized power or commercial activities, such as instruction and tandem flying.
- Launching and landing is permitted only at designated areas. Landing is permitted only atop the Mori Point plateau, directly below launch. Top landings are permitted at launch and at the beach, north of Mori Point.
- Do not fly low over the houses.
- Do not hike or land in designated protected wildlife areas. Hiking is permitted only on designated trails.
- Dogs must be on a leash.
Flying Conditions |
- Wind speed and direction can change in a short period of time. Look for white caps on the ocean. This is a good indicator that the wind is too strong to fly. Check the wind direction as you fly and before you land. Do not land downwind.
- Rotors are the severe turbulence found on the lee side of a ridge, spine, trees or other formations. Rotors change location according to the wind direction.
- Shear turbulence is created when two air masses moving in different directions meet. Do not fly in strong shears.
- Fog can develop quickly, creating poor visibility.
Hazards |
- There is very little beach below much of the cliff around the perimeter of the primary landing zone.The ocean is extremely cold and often has large waves. Landing in the water can be fatal.
- There are concrete foundation walls next to the primary landing zone.
- During the winter and spring months there are often large puddles next to the primary landing zone.There are power lines that run along the north side of Old County Road (the dirt road).
- There are remnants of an old storm drain pipe on the beach north of Mori Point (the secondary landing zone).
- The airspace is limited and only two gliders are permitted to fly at the same time.
- There is no way out of the beach cove to the south of the primary LZ, so landing on the beach (if there is one) in the cove is not an option.
Emergency Contacts |
Pacifica Fire & Police: 911 or 650.738.7314
National Parks Dispatch: 415.561.5505
National Parks Dispatch: 415.561.5505
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