New Jack City - East Ridge

From the back South corner of the New Jack City area, there is a small elevated parking area, just around the corner of the big rock formation is an old road or path at least heading SW up to the ridge. Follow this up (10 minute hike tops), and you'll find yourself at the South end of the ridge looking West. I had to kick out and cut down a few plants/cacti to make it suitable for launch but last time I was up there it still looked good, although it's still a very small launch. Rosette launch skills are desirable to avoid tangled lines on rocks or debris.

The launch is somewhat wind sheltered by a smaller ridge in front, so after launch be careful of turbulence until you get above the ridge and further North with better airflow. Also because of the wind shelter you may only get about 9-10 mph of gusty wind at launch but 20' over the ridge it could be blowing 20mph (max trim speed for my glider), so just because it seems light at take-off it may still be viable and by the same token don't wait for stronger conditions because up higher they may be badly blown out!

There is really only room for one paraglider to fly here as the ridge is only 50m high on the West side and the area of good flying is very small. If you head South to try and climb the ridge you will find you lose most of your good lift from the ridge in front and start to sink out.

As you head North to land you have to cross a spine into another bowl. This was pretty dicey but I just held my course and despite less lift I managed to fly out front of the bowl with enough height to setup for a good landing. The less lift in the bowl means more forward movement so you can squeak out of there.

Basically this location has some good rock climbing, and if you fly too then drag your glider along. If you are lucky you may be able to snag a flight at the end of the day and show off to all your friends how cool you are!

Takeoff altitude: 1217m