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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
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
Additional
Information
Mori
Point Information
Directions
to Mori Point
History
of Mori Point
Kite
Aerial Photography of Mori Point
Map
This illustration was used in the proposal for
the PG permit.
Thanks to Dave Sondergeld and Chip Sheppard
for the information contained in this site description
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USHPA Advanced Paragliding
Instructor & Observer