In recent weeks the flying at Shek O has been somewhat different from that which I experienced during the past three years. Those that have flown the site for more years may have seen similar situations, although I gather that most of us are finding conditions strange. In this short article I attempt to distil the observations I've made and comments I've heard from others. I hope this information will be useful to other pilots.

Shek O normally works best in ENE or E wind, with most of the ridge proving soarable with wind strengths averaging between 16 kph to 25 kph. Even in an ESE the ridgeline to the north of the Trig Point works if some thermal activity is happening. For SE winds the ridge to the South of the Trig Point is your best bet for soaring.

The various gullies along the ridge act to funnel the wind, whether it is thermal or dynamic, and hanging near these can provide good lift. The spot just 50 metres north of the Trig Point is usually guaranteed to produce lift if you're not too low.

This winter we've seen strong NE winds that produce virtually no lift and when you get south of the Trig Point you sink out big time. We all know that with more north component in the wind then we should stick to the northern end of the ridge. But why, in even strong condition, we see so little lift is baffling. I've heard that a wave effect in the area, caused by ridges in front of the Dragons Back, may be descending as it hits the ridge. Hence, sinking air from above is mixing with air attempting to come up the ridge with a resulting damped lift band.

Nonetheless, it does appear possible to fly Shek O is NNE winds if you are prepared to rock and roll in the turbulence. I've seen pilots fly with a wind direction of 010, although I'm more comfortable at 030. On this score it is important to point out that Cindy does give less accurate reading the more north the wind and a call to the observatory is recommended to a get a better assessment of the direction.

The Trig Point itself can produce some nasty turbulence as I found out two weeks ago when I experienced my first serious wing collapse at Shek O. If the wind is very north then flying to the south of Trig places you in the lee side. I understand others have experienced similar conditions and it is perhaps important for us all to take heed of this effect.

I've also seen days when the wind was NE to the north of the Trig Point and SE to south. Attempting to take off at the Trig Point under these conditions can prove very difficult indeed as the wind mixes at this point and tends to collapse your canopy.

As regards landing on Rocky Bay, I've found that even in strong NE winds an approach from the west over the Golf Course is possible as long as you remain some distance from the small hill. On this score it is probably better to encounter turbulence over the golf course, with the option to turn north for an emergency landing on the course, then have the same happen over the village whilst trying to come into the beach from the south. Of course if you've got enough height then its not an issue, but turbulence over the village means you've got no options for changing direction unless you're planning a roof landing.

The other issues about flying at Shek O are the model gliders and the occasional kite over the main beach. The model gliders represent a real danger to us paragliders therefore I suggest you adopt a very cautious approach and assume these guys don't know your around. Give them a wide berth and shout to them if you feel they are getting to close.

Kites are a problem when transiting to DA. On a good day the kite could be flying higher than us up in the gap with it lines invisible. The only answer is to keep a good look out and inform others if a kite is seen.

Also remember that when attempting to cross to DA the main beach is not a landing site. It should only be used in an absolute emergency.