Pacifica (Dumps – San Francisco)

Pacifica (locally 'the Dumps') just south of San Francisco is a well-loved but unregulated coastal ridge that has to be flown with real attention to blow-back risk and neighbourhood relations. There's a good local pilot community — ask for a site intro before flying; they're happy to help. Suggested radio frequency 147.495 — stay tuned in case of emergency. There's also a local Telegram group for real-time conditions. Read the Bay Area Paragliding Pilots' site advisory carefully before your first flight — the community works hard to keep this site open.

Getting there & local rules

In an emergency, land immediately, move away from the LZ, and pack your wing to keep it clear for emergency access.

Local rules & hazards

Unregulated site — get a site intro from a local, both in writing and in person, before flying. Conditions can be complicated. Suggested radio frequency 147.495 — stay tuned in case of emergency. Blow-back risk and neighbourhood friction are the two things that could shut this site down — treat both with real care.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Pacifica (Dumps – San Francisco), 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 Pacifica (Dumps – San Francisco) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.