Little Sur (Monterey)

Little Sur, on California's central coast about 20 minutes south of Carmel Valley on Highway 1, is essentially an embankment launch at the north end of a straight section of the highway. Winds are usually cross from the north; on lighter days they peel around the point and come straight in. It often stays sunny here while everywhere else is overcast, and wave clouds occasionally form off the point — sometimes fun, sometimes annoying. Watch out for ranchers and authority figures — don't launch or land if they're around, and never land on rancher property (they will prosecute).

Launch & conditions

The gap between the road and the fence line at the north end of the Highway 1 straight — check the Google Earth image. You're launching off a road embankment, so traffic is a real issue if you drop your wing or get pulled over the highway.

Getting there & local rules

20 minutes south of Carmel Valley, about 8 miles north of Big Sur on Highway 1. Landing: same spot — creep in super low over the fence line going north; kill the wing as low on the embankment as possible (you're landing in lift). Tight, so don't try this unless you're confident or there's no traffic.

Local rules & hazards

Getting pushed over the back and landing on the road embankment is a real risk when it's strong — stick to light days. The water looks calmer than it is because the swell is sheltered. The point to the north is called Hurricane Point for a reason. Do NOT land on rancher property (they prosecute).

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Little Sur (Monterey), read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Little Sur (Monterey) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.