Preserving Our Coastal Sites Written by Ann Sasaki July 15, 2004

A good day at the coast - photo: Andy Stocker

Two recent incidents at the Mussel Rock flying site (a.k.a. the Dump) have created concern about preserving access to our most popular coastal flying site. The Dump has been flown for about 15 years by paraglider pilots and it is a great coastal site. The terrain is varied, the flying conditions are changeable, the possibilities for ridge soaring, ground handling and doing touch and gos are endless. Pilots can fly high and admire the view of miles of coastline stretching into the distance. Pilots can also fly low on strong days and not worry about sinking out. The coast is an excellent place to practice kiting and launching and landing. Overall, the Dump is a very important site in the Bay Area.

But it's a problematic site as well. We have no official permission from the city of Daly City to fly at the Mussel Rock area. Thus far we have not tried to get a permit from the city of Daly City because they have indicated in the past in various ways that they are unlikely to grant one. In the meantime, they have ignored our flying for years so we have let this situation continue as is. However, this may change in the future.

The Dump is self-regulated and managed by our local paragliding club. We have lots of visiting pilots who come to fly, some of whom are fully-trained and USHGA-insured and some who are not. Things can get a little out of hand when pilots who are unrated and uninsured show up to fly. These folks sometimes have not taken any lessons with an USHGA instructor and they are not members of USHGA so they don't have the $1M liability insurance. Some folks have purchased a paraglider online and come out thinking they can teach themselves how to fly. This can lead to some pretty dangerous situations.

About one month ago, a new pilot (not a P2) launched at Walker's on a strong day when everyone else was staying low at Lemmings and got blown back and crashed into a power line. The pilot was lucky to be uninjured but his wing was destroyed and his crash caused some damage to appliances in some residents' homes at Westlake. Thankfully this pilot is taking full responsibility for reimbursing the residents and apologizing to them for the inconvenience he caused.

More recently, a visiting pilot crashed at the Dump while flying alone. This pilot says he was hit by a strong gust of wind shortly after launching, possibly had a collapse and hit the cliff on Walker Ridge. The pilot has a broken pelvis that will require surgery. This pilot for some unknown reason hooks in to his glider backwards and flies backwards. He says he has been doing this for five years at his home site in Morro Bay. This pilot was helicoptered out of the Dump. There were about four fire trucks, five police cars, an ambulance and several other emergency vehicles that showed up in response to this accident. The accident was on the radio in various Bay Area locations and in some newspapers. All the negative publicity is not a good thing for our community.

In the wake of these serious incidents, we would like to take several measures. We ask that all BAPA members help out in our efforts to preserve our access to the Mussel Rock flying site. These are the things we are doing and the ways that we need your help:

1. We will put up signs that provide important safety information about flying at the Dump. These signs will be at the launch areas.
2. We ask that everyone who flies at the Dump print out and carry a few copies of the Dump Checklist (at the end of this article and also on the www.sfbapa.org website). Please give a copy of the checklist to anyone you meet who is not familiar with the flying site.
3. Please also say "Hello" and introduce yourself to anyone you see who you don't recognize. This will give visitors and new pilots the opportunity to ask a few questions about the site and the flying conditions.
4. Instead of saying that the Dump is an "unregulated" site, please tell visiting pilots that the Dump is regulated and managed by our local club. The same safe flying practices that apply to USHGA-insured sites, apply at the Dump. We recommend at least a minimum of a P2 USHGA rating to fly at the Dump.
5. If you see someone doing something unsafe such as not wearing a helmet or trying to launch high up the hill on a very strong day, please feel free to say something to that person. It's hard to do this but if we all do it, then visitors and new pilots will get the idea that we have a strong, cohesive community that will not tolerate dangerous flying practices. You can be polite and non-confrontational but still get your message across. If several people say the same thing to a pilot, they will realize that unsafe behavior is not welcome.
6. If you witness an accident or serious incident, please file an Accident Report unless you are absolutely sure that the pilot is going to file one. It's better to have multiple reports on the same incident than not having any at all. To file a report, go to www.sfbapa.org and select Accident Report from the front page. Fill in the report and then press the SUBMIT REPORT button. When you submit the report it will be sent electronically to the BAPA Safety Director and to USHGA. You do not need to submit a separate accident report to USHGA; this is done electronically when you submit your report from the BAPA website.
7. Try to carry a cell phone when you fly. If possible, program in the following phone numbers so that you can quickly make a call in an emergency. Note that dialing 911 from a cell phone may result in a long wait or not getting through to the operator. It is probably better to call the direct numbers below -

Daly City Fire Department - (650) 991-8092
Daly City Police Department - (650) 991-8119

If you have any other ideas how we can work to make the Dump a safer site, please let me or any other officer know what your suggestions are. Thank you for your help. Please print the checklist and carry a few copies with you. Fly safely and fly often.

Coastal Soaring - photo: Andy Stocker

Summer BBQ and Beach Party Written by Chip Sheppard July 13, 2004

Sunset at the coast - photo: Andy Stocker

After a hiatus in official BAPA activities during July, we will have the annual BAPA Beach-BBQ and picnic extravaganza on Saturday August 7 at the Pacifica State Beach (AKA Linda Mar Beach). In years past, this has been a well-attended event (including friends and family) and lots of fun. We will start at about 5PM (or immediately after flying if itís a good day) and stay til the food, firewood, and energy run out. BAPA will provide some basics (burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, buns, basic condiments, paper plates, plastic utensils, cups etc.) but please plan to bring your favorite side dish, salad, chips, sodas, desserts, etc. Remember to bring camping or folding chairs to sit on and we need a few folks to bring folding tables for the food. Officially, no alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed at State Beaches. Dogs are OK if on a leash and a fire is OK in the established fire rings ñ someone will go early and reserve one. Guitars (or other instruments) are always welcome for after dinner entertainment. Hopefully the weather will cooperate but the fog can roll in any time of year so bring warm clothes and lots of firewood. Please let me know by Aug 1 if you are planning to attend and what you are planning to bring so I can plan accordingly.

Directions from the Dump: Starting at the Dump, turn Right on Palmetto Go past the Dunes, McDonald's and Safeway. Continue straight (South) through the intersection with Manor Drive. In about 1/4 mile, bear Left to get on Route 1 South. Stay on Route 1 South for about 2 - 3 miles, going straight through 3 Stop lights (Vallemar, Fassler, Crespi). About 1/4 mile after the third Stop light, turn Right into the beach parking lot. You will see the beach on your right and then the entrance to the parking lot. (If you are at the Taco Bell parking lot, you've gone slightly too far.) Walk to the north of the beach parking lot to find the BAPA picnic. The picnic will be at one of the fire rings on the beach.

See you at the beach and hopefully in the air beforehand.

Summer Solstice Fly-In at Alyeska Written by Ann Sasaki July 17, 2004

Takeoff is just behind this point - photo: Wayne Clingingsmith

"My favorite flight was at the glacier. It was the smoothest, highest, most scenic flight and it was at midnight! Launching on Friday and landing on Saturday was so cool."

That's one of the rave reviews that Wayne Clingingsmith gave about the Summer Solstice fly-in at Alyeska ski resort in Girdwood, Alaska.

Wayne and a large contingent of Bay Area pilots traveled to Alaska during the week of fourth week of June this year. Dave Cherne and Wayne sent me a few comments about the trip.

Dave said, "The glacier flight was great. It was a unique experience being helicoptered up to a glacier, hiking on it to get to the takeoff area, then flying off it and out over the valley at midnight and still having plenty of daylight."

Wayne also mentioned that having a ski lift take you up to launch was great. For $15 per day, you could take multiple trips up so it was fine to take sled rides before the conditions got lifty.

Dave said the flying on the first two days he was there was really thermic and really good. Pilots got about 3700' over launch and got to enjoy magnificent views of mountain ranges in the distance. Dave and others went on circle tours of Girdwood and Alyeska.

Wayne said that having so many hours of daylight meant for lots of flying. He also liked the very soft LZ surface where you could come in hot but would land softly on the tundra. He said it was like jumping on a bed.

If you go next year, both Wayne and Dave advised that you bring some good mosquito repellant. Dave suggested something without Deet in case the Deet damages your paraglider. In any case, something strong for the evenings when the mosquitoes are out in full force.

Wayne thought it would be good idea to rent a car so that you can explore the surrounding areas more on days when the flying isn't so good. And Dave suggested that you seek out locals for good flying and weather information. That way on a sled ride day, you can go do sightseeing.

It sounds like the Summer Solstice trip to Alaska was a great success and that everyone enjoyed themselves. The scenery, the night flying, the glacier ,and the mosquitoes are not to be forgotten.

To see other photos that Wayne took during the trip, please go to -

http://ImageEvent.com/wind2walk/glacierflight

Also, to read a detailed article by Kay Tauscher on the 2003 Summer Solstice, please go to -

http://www.midnightsunparagliding.com/tendays.html

Self-Portrait - photo: Wayne Clingingsmith

New Look and New Editors for the Newsletter Written by Ann Sasaki July 17, 2004

photo: Andy Stocker

By now you have seen the great new online version of the Ridge Dancer. In an effort to make our monthly newsletter more readable and attractive, we have redesigned the electronic version. The webpage presentation allows the reader to select the order in which they want to read articles and also, to read each article in its entirety without skipping from one page to the next. The new format also provides more room for photos to accompany the articles.

For those who like to print the newsletter, there is a Print option. Articles will be printed in sequential order for easy reading.

I would like to say a big "Thank You" to Julie Spiegler for working with me to implement the new electronic Ridge Dancer. This is a change that is long overdue and I think all members will enjoy the new newsletter.

We also want to announce two new editors for the Ridge Dancer. Starting in August, Jeff Wishnie and Tim Kuenster will become the RD editors. Please send any articles or announcements to Jeff at jeff (at) pacskyways.com or Tim at tim (at) pacskyways.com by the 15th of the month.

I would also like to say a big "Thank You" to Patrick Townsend-Wells for holding the RD editor position for the last several years. Being the editor can be a fairly difficult job and Patrick put up with a complex editing process in order to get the newsletter out each month. Thanks for your help and contributions, Patrick.

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the new electronic Ridge Dancer, please feel free to let me know at annsasaki@sbcglobal.net

Finally, I would like to request that the 17 BAPA members who currently receive a hardcopy newsletter (you know who you are), please consider receiving the newsletter electronically. The new version is easy to read online and you can easily print it out if you prefer to read the newsletter on paper. Copying and mailing the hardcopy newsletters each month adds unnecessary overhead to the editor's job. Please take a look at the new electronic version and let me know if you are willing to switch to electronic. (In July we have notified everyone where to find the link to the new electronic version.)

Blue skies and smooth lift. Don't forget to contribute articles and photographs to the Ridge Dancer!

General Members Meeting

The July meeting was conducted by Ann Sasaki; President.Ý Officers present were Rolf Bienert; Vice-President, Stefan Schulz; Treasurer, Jeff Wishnie and Tom Moock; Site Co-Directors, Chip Sheppard; Activities Director, Wally Anderson; Safety Director and Pete Norlander; Secretary.Ý A total of 24 club members were present

New Members/Visitors

Two visitors were in attendance at the July meeting; Brian Menzies and Ryan Labarge.Ý Brian recently moved to the Bay Area from Southern California.Ý He flies an Ozone and has about 200 hours of airtime.Ý Ryan has been flying for 3-4 years.Ý He frequents the Mussel Rock/Dumps flying area.Ý Welcome Brian and Ryan!Ý We look forward to seeing you in the future.

Officersí Report

President ñ Meeting called to order by Ann Sasaki.Ý Ann led a discussion on whether now is the time (see safety report described below) to approach the city of Daly City about getting BAPA recognized as the representative of the flying community at the Dump/Mussel Rock area.Ý The pros and cons were discussed.Ý Concern is that accidents and injuries may eventually lead to the site being closed to flying. The ability of the flying community to police itself may avert such an out come.Ý As a first step, the installation of advisory signs noting safety procedures was suggested.Ý It was decided that at this point, without making an official request, representatives of the club would make enquiries to determine whom to contact and how best to proceed.Ý The city Parks and Recreation Department will be the starting point.Ý Additionally, a social event with the local residents is planned for the Fall.Ý The idea is that if local residents meet the flying community, problems or issues can be brought to the flying community itself for resolution.

Treasurer - Stefan Schulz reported approximately $5,000.00.Ý Two new members joined during the month of June.

Co-Site Directors ñ Tom Moock and Jeff Wishnie.Ý Tom informed us that the high school landing site at Dunlap is no longer available as an LZ.Ý The Principal of the high school requested that we not land there in the future.Ý An alternative site is being evaluated.Ý Tom said he would send out an e-mail notice informing members of the Principalís request.Ý Jeff said he would participate in the proposed "working group" of representatives of hang gliding and paragliding clubs who fly the St. John's/Potato Hill sites. Jeff forwarded an invitation from the Sonoma Wings hang gliding club.Ý The club is holding a bar-b-que later this summer near Potato Hill.Ý The paragliding community, with whom they share ëThe Spudí is invited.Ý Details to be announced.

Activities Director - Chip Sheppard reminded all the annual BAPA Beach Party is set for Saturday August 7.Ý We were reminded that last yearís party was a great success.Ý All are encouraged to attend and join in the festivities.Ý More of the same is promised for this yearís party.Ý The party will be pot luck with the club providing certain basics.Ý E-mail Chip with what you plan to bring.Ý Chip will provide guidance so that there is a good cross selection of food.Ý The beach party will start about 5:00 PM at Linda Mar State Beach a few miles south the Dump.Ý Fly during the day and party in the evening!

Safety Director ñ Wally Anderson discussed 2 recent events at the Dump.Ý A blow back occurred in which a pilot crash landed in the residential area at the top of the Westlake Bluffs.Ý The pilot was not injured but power to a house was affected which resulted in appliances that became non-operational.Ý The second incident was more ominous and resulted in an injury to the pilot.Ý Although it sounds incredible, the affected pilot purposely clipped into his harness backwards and flew in reverse!Ý He was observed doing this on several previous occasions.Ý His injuries required hospitalization.

Ann Sasaki reported that BAPA is taking various measures to try to prevent such incidents.  Signs with safety information at the launches are one step.  In addition, all pilots are asked to carry a one-page site introduction sheet to give to new or visiting pilots.  Pilots are encouraged to say "Hello" and introduce themselves to unfamiliar pilots so that the visitors have an opportunity to ask questions about the site or flying conditions.  Please read Ann's article in the July Ridge Dancer for more information.  We need the help of our entire community to spread safety information on flying at the coast.

Old Business

Minutes From Past Meeting

The May and June minutes as published in the June Ridge Dancer were approved.

Individual donations and BAPA club matching funds ($250.00) to the Dixon White Memorial Fund totaled $1,100.00.Ý The funds have been forwarded in accordance with the wishes of Dixonís surviving spouse and children.Ý A thank you to all those who so generously contributed on behalf of the paragliding community to Dixonís memory and the legacy of his contribution to the sport.

Tom Moock was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for the thermal clinic he conducted.Ý Thank you Tom!Ý ÖÖ..how about another one next year?

There is hope that the Mt. Diablo Wind Talker can be repaired for $100.00 to $200.00.Ý Original estimates were placed in the range of $4,000.00 for a completely new system.Ý Bob Clem is working to implement repairs.Ý Susan Kent noted that Sand City/Marina Wind Talker has been experiencing problems with accuracy.Ý Caution should be applied accordingly when using its readings.

New Business

Jeff Wishnie and Tim Kuenster have graciously agreed to be the new co-editors of the Ridge Dancer.Ý We thank you Tim and Jeff for your commitment of time and talent.Ý You have accepted a big job!Ý Patrick, I would like to thank you for the hours of time (not to mention your unique sense of humor!) that you put into the Ridge Dancer every month.

Ann Sasaki reported that the LZ at Bear Back in Tehachapi is no longer available.Ý A new LZ on the other side of the rode is available.Ý Also, the walk up launch is no longer available.Ý El Rancho launch farther up the hill is available.Ý Unfortunately it is located within a gated community.Ý If you are planning to fly Bear Back you should get in touch with a local person for the latest changes.Ý Ann can put you in touch with some one familiar with the changes.

Rich Leggett announced that a silent air show is planned for September 17, 18 and 19 at Ed Levin County Park in Milpitas.Ý In addition to hang gliders and paragliders other forms of silent air craft will be on hand.Ý This will include hot air balloons, sky divers and sail planes.Ý Competitions will be held, including speed gliding, spot landings and more.Ý The third and last day will be open to the public.

Jug Agarwal noted that 3 XC Social Competitions have been held to date.Ý Participation is encouraged and welcomed.Ý Donít miss out on the fun!Ý Numerous prizes have been donated.Ý Who knows?Ý Perhaps you will be one of the next winners!

A motion was made to allocate club funds for the purpose of buying Dr. Jackís Blip Maps.Ý Dr. Jackís are useful for predicting flying conditions.Ý They are helpful in evaluating XC conditions.Ý As such, they would be of use for the XC Social Competitions.Ý The motion was not carried.Ý More information was needed.Ý Jug is to investigate and report.

Stefan Schulz requested the allocation of $125.00 for insurance to cover the survey team that will be flying Mori Point.Ý The request was approved.

Chip Sheppard motioned for the allocation of $150.00 for the August 7 beach party at Linda Mar beach.Ý Jeff wishnie seconded the motion.Ý Approval was unanimous.Ý

A motion was made to donate $100.00 of BAPA funds in memoriam to the family of Reese Martin who recently died as a result of injuries suffered while paragliding at Chelan in Washington State.Ý The motion was approved.

Wayne was nominated as the contact person for next years BAPA calendar photos.Ý Please send your best-of-the-best to Wayne.Ý Twelve photos will be selected for the calendar.

Entertainment

Jeff Greenbaum provided the evenings entertainment.Ý The first part was a review by Jeff of the Bionic 2 wing.Ý Jeff covered both its outstanding performance in certain respects and what eventually led Jeff to decide not to be a US importer and distributor of the wing in its current version.Ý The Bionic 2 review was followed by a new video, Farengi Amori, which has won film awards in Europe.Ý The movie follows a small group of French pilots on an 11 day hike and fly, by paraglider, across the country of Ethiopia.Ý We thank you Jeff for sharing your evaluation and of the Bionic 2 wing.Ý Well done.Ý The adventure movie was inspirational.