Shek-O (Dragon's Back)
1 km
1 mi
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| takeoff | Various possible takeoffs along Dragon's Back ridge. Most popular site is a relatively steep grassy slope with a windsock that is located about a 5 minute walk north of the Trig Point. (Trig Point is marked by a black and white concrete post - it's the highest point on the Dragon's Back trail.) Can also takeoff from the Trig Point itself, or a small grassy slope just 1 minute walk south of the Trig Point. Use these two takeoffs if the wind has a more southerly component. Excellent detailed site briefing at: http://hkpa.net/index.php/main-menu/flying-information/site-guide?id=39 |
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| landing | Rocky Bay Beach between golfcourse and Shek-O main beach. Requires inspection before your first landing. Take the path between the Shek O bus stop (there is only one) and the golf course. You'll walk past a basketball court to get there. If you end up at Ben's Backstreet Surf Bar (good place for after-flight drinks!) you are on the right beach, but landing area is at north end of this beach. Landing on the Shek O main beach or on the golf course is PROHIBITED unless it's an emergency situation. Again - *mandatory* - see the excellent photos, videos and site briefing at: http://hkpa.net/index.php/main-menu/flying-information/site-guide?id=39 |
| weather | Be aware of strong winds which can blow you over the backside of Dragon's Back ridge into strong rotor. Winds can also gust during top landings, blowing you back into bushes. A small hillock at the north end of the landing beach can generate rotors in north wind. |
| rules | Maximum height: 1,300ft (425m) Flight zone indicated at: http://hkpa.net/index.php/main-menu/flying-information/site-guide?id=39 |
| access | MTR to 'Shau Kei Wan', then take Bus No.9 or red minibus to Shek-O. Get off at Dragon's Back trail head (about 15 mins - all drivers and passengers will know where this is.) Then walk up main Dragon's Back / Hong Kong Trail (staying high wherever there is a fork). You will arrive at the Trig Point (see Takeoff notes above) in about 25 minutes, and the main takeoff about 5 minutes after that. Alternatively, there is a steep and quite overgrown but short trail directly from the road to the main takeoff (about 15 minutes hike.) Get off the bus or minibus above at a parking area on the right side of the road prior to Dragon's Back trail head and opposite a BBQ area (N22.23749 E114.23777). Walk up the stairs to BBQ area. You will see a small trail (there is only one) going uphill. Follow this trail uphill (crossing a main trail along the way) all the way to the takeoff. Zooming in on google maps satellite view will give you a good view of this trail up to the takeoff. |
| comments | One of the most beautiful soaring sites anywhere and HK's most popular site. The ridge is in two sections: a NE facing part and a SE facing part. The two parts are joined by the Trig Point marker at Shek-O Peak (284m). Top landing is possible almost everywhere along the ridge and is easiest achieved on the south side of the Trig Point. If conditions permit you can also fly across the gap to the south to Cape D'Aguilar. Be aware of venturi effect between the Dragon's Back ridge and Cape D'Aguilar. Lift at Cape D'Aguilar is smooth and strong when it is working. Make sure you can get back to main ridge or landing site when winds have north component. For wind information, go to Hong Kong Observatory website and look at 'Waglan Island': http://www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/ts/index_wind_e.htm Click on Waglan Island wind barb to get detailed information on past 24 hours. Beware: Helicopter traffic is allowed in the Shek O area. The heli pilots are theoretically aware of paragliding activity, but be ready. |
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