One of the greatest hazards Paraglider pilots face is getting blown behind a ridge or mountain. Once you get into a blow-back situation, the penalties include power lines, extreme rotor turbulence, tree landings, and possible death or injuries from any of these. Prevention is the best way to avoid such a scenario. Avoiding launching on windier days is a good practice, but blow-backs occur from other situations and factors. At some sites, the launch is at a lower point than an adjacent cliff, ridge, or mountain and there can be a great difference in wind speed between different levels. In addition, the wind can change velocity at any time after you have launched. 🚩 Prior to launching, check to make sure the wind speed is within your ability level at the site you are flying. It is far better to use the more objective tool of a wind speed indicator (anemometer), as it is simply too difficult to tell with the feel of your skin. 🔍 Gathering site information is also vital. Are there any venturis to be aware of? Are there locations near the site where the wind tends to be stronger? What is the day’s forecast and what are the locals saying? If you are not in the habit of gathering this information before you fly, it is time to start. ⚙️ It should go without saying that if your glider has a speed system, always fly with it ready for use. This means the speed system is correctly adjusted and connected properly. If the winds were light at the time of take-off and later increase to the point where the speed bar is needed, there will not be time then to hook it up. 📈 After launching, it is essential to continue to use your senses and observations to monitor the wind-speed. At ridge soaring sites (including “combo” – thermal + ridge lift sites), there are two main observations you need: your crab angle and the speed at which you can traverse along the ridge. As the wind speed increases, two things will happen: ▶ Your Crab Angle will need to be increased (pointing more into the wind). ▶ Your ability to traverse parallel to the ridge will decrease.
Keeping tuned in to these two factors at all times will help you manage wind increases. ⛰️ At some sites, you will launch at a point well below higher cliffs or mountains. When ascending, you must continually monitor the wind speeds and your ability to penetrate. It is best to stay further in front of the cliffs when it is moderately windy. As you fly higher, increase your "padding distance" from the cliff. If the wind increases suddenly at a higher level, this extra distance will aid you in getting back below the stronger winds. Never fly above and behind the high cliffs; it simply is not a safe place to be.
