Cannot believe it had been over 30 years since I had last visited the Torrey Pines Glider Port in La Jolla 
California. Things have changed a lot, now with a very well developed facility. Large set-up area for Hang Gliders and Paragliders. Also present now was a concession stand, as well as a pro shop where you register for flying, buy your souvenir coffee cups and T-shirts and videos.
Winds were light when I arrived with my long time friend and California native, Kenny Westfall, and Jason Gray, my fellow Arky traveling buddy. We set up our gliders and watched the Paragliders floating around on the light breezes coming up the cliffs. We would certainly need a bit more wind before we launched. Eventually some Hang Gliders were launching, so we registered and paid the very reasonable day fee of $7.50, and committed ourselves to the cliffs.
Had a great time, and recommend this facility for all pilots. A well managed flight park with great facilities and friendly and helpful people on site.Launches were very casual into 12-14 mph breeze, and within minutes we joined the other few dozen gliders in the smooth coastal air. We had amazing views of the multi-million dollar mansions that line the cliffs. At the base of the cliffs is the famous Blacks Beach, where clothes are optional. We all made several launches and landings, landing back on top. Jason has some nice Bacon to take home with him after his last late evening landing finished with a belly landing.
Torrey Pines Flight Park also appears to be the perfect location for that first introductory Tandem flight. They had 2 or 3 tandem flights going at a time and they really gave them a good flight for the money.
California. Things have changed a lot, now with a very well developed facility. Large set-up area for Hang Gliders and Paragliders. Also present now was a concession stand, as well as a pro shop where you register for flying, buy your souvenir coffee cups and T-shirts and videos.Winds were light when I arrived with my long time friend and California native, Kenny Westfall, and Jason Gray, my fellow Arky traveling buddy. We set up our gliders and watched the Paragliders floating around on the light breezes coming up the cliffs. We would certainly need a bit more wind before we launched. Eventually some Hang Gliders were launching, so we registered and paid the very reasonable day fee of $7.50, and committed ourselves to the cliffs.
Had a great time, and recommend this facility for all pilots. A well managed flight park with great facilities and friendly and helpful people on site.Launches were very casual into 12-14 mph breeze, and within minutes we joined the other few dozen gliders in the smooth coastal air. We had amazing views of the multi-million dollar mansions that line the cliffs. At the base of the cliffs is the famous Blacks Beach, where clothes are optional. We all made several launches and landings, landing back on top. Jason has some nice Bacon to take home with him after his last late evening landing finished with a belly landing.Torrey Pines Flight Park also appears to be the perfect location for that first introductory Tandem flight. They had 2 or 3 tandem flights going at a time and they really gave them a good flight for the money.
Torrey Pines Glider Port Web Site:
YouTube Video our fun day at Torrey Pines Flight Glider Port:
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