Kvarner bay paragliding
Weather you’d like to experience paragliding or you’re looking for new great flying sites, check what we have to offer:
Imagine a beautiful sparkling spring day. Look around, allow the wind to raise the canopy - and launch off into the air. This is paragliding! A sky filled with fluffy cumulus clouds provides abundant lifting currents which pilots use to gain altitude. Enjoy Paragliding in Croatia and book paragliding holiday.
Tandem flight
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Tandem flight means flying passengers with
experienced tandem pilot or instructor. Take off and landing is not
demanding so in tandem can go to anyone from 8 to 88 years of age.
Passenger and the pilot sit in comfortable seats which makes the flight
comfortable as well. Passenger does not need have any previous
experience.
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Chech the weather forecast. Paragliding is highly dependable on weather conditions
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Try tandem flight!
Everything is very simple and safe. It is
possible to take pictures and record videos from the air. Flights are
performed in calm weather conditions. Basic flight lasts between 20 -25
minutes. Flying in thermal lasts an hour or more. Usually tandem
flights are performed on Tribalj or SuSnjevica because of good weather
conditions. Upon request we can go to other flying sites but with extra
charge.
Required equipment: glasses, wind jacket, stronger hobnailed shoes or sneakers
Once you try it fly you'll fall in love with The Free Flying! Paragliding in Croatia.
Basic flight price: 60 €
Special! : Flying in termic 90 € Warning: People who have motion sickness for
instance on the boat, plane or driving in your car can have motion
sickness during flight. For very sensitive people it is not recommend
flying while others may take anti-nausea pill (Dramina, etc.)
Paragliding is a recreational and competitive flying sport. A paraglider is a free flying, foot-launched aircraft. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing, whose shape is formed by its suspension lines and the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing. Besides the wing and harness variometer, radio and GPS are absolutely necessary.
In June 1978 three friends Jean-Claude Bétemps, André Bohn and Gérard Bosson calculated that on a suitable slope, a ‘square’ ram-air parachute could be inflated by running down the slope and Bétemps flew 100 m. Bohn followed him and glided down to the football pitch in the valley 1000 meters below.‘Parapente’ (pente being French for slope) was born. The first World Championship was held in Kössen, Austria in 1989.
The paragliding history in Croatia is a bit more recent but our paragliders achieve high results at international competitions, such as 9th place at Paragliding World Cup Superfinal 2009!
Paragliding sites:
There are 9 great paragliding sites in the Kvarner region. Take a look at all the essential information you’ll need for your flight. An experienced guide can accompany you to the site and give you some excellent advice on take off and landing spots, air streams and other details which might prove to be invaluable.
TRIBALJ
MAIN TAKE OFF
To arrive to main take off just follow main road from Tribalj, over Kostelj, Baretic and Antov. After the last house narrow road climbs the steep serpentine through the rocks and continues through to plateau (high voltage cables) where the take off is. Hang gliders take off is 1km further by road.
Starting elevation is 770 meters, and altitude difference to the landing is about 680 m. The start is the covered with small stones and sand. On clean plateau 3 wings can spread but more gliders could be in the air. Take off is for the southeast, south, southwest and west wind, and you can take off on the thermal (due channeling) even with the eastern wind. Main characteristic is that take off is in the saddle so that air flows channeled. When stronger wind blows mixed with thermals, take off can be demanding, especially for beginners. During summer it is possible to take off from early morning till evening, and flying to until the sunset.
TOP LANDING
Top-landing on the upper start can be quite dangerous. The rotor that occurs because of the configuration of terrain is dangerous. If, however, you decide on the top-landing, it should be done at the large grass area which is located between the start and hang glider's take off. It is best to land on the hill above the meadow.
Small TAKE OFF
To come to a small start take the same road for main take off, but stop after serpentines. On the right side you'll see a large and not very steap meadow. Otherwise, a small start is used when there is a stronger wind at main takeoff, or in the winter months when the path towards the main take off is covered in snow. Safe take off is done from top of the meadow, which ends in a high vertical cliff. It is mandatory to launch from the top of the meadow to avoid the possibility of ending up in the huge rotor (the author tried how it looks - not good). Launch is suitable for: SE, S, SW, W
LANDING
You can use two places for landing, one is a lawn in the center of Tribalj, near the football grounds, and the other is a spacious lawn west of the lake in Tribalj, next to a pine forest along the road. There is more than enough space for landing, but you should pay attention to wires near lake that goes along the edge and through the valley. During the thermally active day landing in central Tribalj will pose a problem due to turbulence created by the houses and thermals, and the lawn is split by fence in the middle.
ABOUT FLYING AT TRIBALJ
Many who come to fly on Tribalj, fall in love with his spell and return again. A large number of flyable days, solid altitude, sea and mountains, good roads are arguments for good flying in the area. About 20 km long ridge and its rocky slopes provide good thermals, mid-day sometimes strong, but usually quiet afternoon, so that beginners can enjoy. You will be flying on thermals or dynamics. In good days you may fly over the front ridge and fly over Crikvenica, Dramalj and Jadranovo but avoid it because it is in CTR. Also do not fly across the sea because there is a big airport.
ACRO & SIV
The reason why some prefer Tribalj is the lake, which allows pilots to safely perform extreme manouvers. After two minutes of take off you are above the lake with about 600 meters difference in altitude, which is enough to test extremes. It is an ideal place to test new wing.
ATENTION
Do not do ACRO when there is a strong wind, because there is a possibility of falling on the wire plant instead of the lake. The lake is deep just near the dam. The western part may be shallow during droughts but it will still be enough.
TAKE OFF
Grobnicko polje is situated near town Rijeka and you can reach it by highway Rijeka - Zagreb. It is favorite flying place of local pilots due to good road connection and the skill needed to fly there. There is no ridge so thermal flying must be skilled. Terrain is flyable whole year, but best thermals are in early spring when there is still snow in the mountains and the fields in front are clear.
Grobnicko polje has three take offs: Zbelac, Mrtvak i Hahlic. Zbelac & Jazvina are situated NE of the sport airfield and are most often used. The road to the ski resort Platak will take you to the take off. You will leave your car on macadam road, on a curve near the crossroad. Macadam road will take you left to Jazvina and right to Mrtvak.
Higher TAKE OFF
Mrtvak (big take off START 2) is the higher take off at 908m ASL. Take off is long enough and oriented from SE to SW. At good days you can climb instantly but the main thermal activity is in the lower take off. For western winds it is best to use lower take off and for more southern wind, the higher takeoff.
Lower TAKE OFF
Zbelac has the altitude of 845m ASL. The start is short with few obstacles and the take off is not for beginners. It is best to wait for thermal and then you are up in one second. The take off is big enough for parallel take off of four gliders. There is 10 minutes on foot from main road.
LANDING
Landing is at 310 m ASL.
Pilots should announce their flights to:
Airfield operator:
+385 (0) 51 250 114 (airfield)
+385 (0) 98 720 170 (Mr. Miljenko)
It is not allowed to enter the airfield landing zone below 600 m ASL. To land you have to go over small hill Turcin (behind the hangars). Nearest alternative landing is a shooting range below Zbelac, but should be avoided because it is under military jurisdiction.
TAKE OFF
Mountain that dominates the Kvarner Bay is Ucka. Mountain ridge is twenty kilometers long and stretches to the south to Plomin. The west side of Ucka descends toward the interior of Istria and passes into the low hills. The east side of Ucka crashes towards the sea, in the Kvarner Bay and the Opatija Riviera.
Ucka is the favorite flying site because good thermals provide opportunities for good and long flights. Besides thermal flying, it also gives the opportunity to soar pressed on the slopes of Ucka when the west wind blows. Paragliders often fly on the dynamics till sunset. Ucka is a nature park, so you are asked to take your part in preserving the nature and to obey local rangers.
TAKE OFF Sadle
Take off on the west wind. It lies on the south side of the peak Ucka two hundred meters below the very top. An ideal place for a safe take off is the big meadow that allows us to spread a greater number of wings. There is a good wind for take off. This take off is preferred for security reasons.
LANDING
The only landing is the small meadow, about 200m down, so if there is no thermal or dynamics, the flight will be very short. Altitude starting is 1200 m ASL.
TAKE OFF Vojak (Ucka peak at 1396 m)
Take off on the west wind, departing from the steep hillside about one hundred meters south of the tower at the top. Take off from this site demands a specific amount of experience, because there is no room for error, so please start using the lower take off in order to avoid possible accidents.
ABOUT FLYING AT UCKA
Take off is regularly on the western slopes of Ucka, facing toward the interior of Istria. Good conditions arise only in the afternoon. If you want to do a cross country flight, you can try to follow the ridge to the south (Plomin), or set out westward toward Buzet. If you come to start later, decide to fly south because you will have bigger chance of longer flight.
DIRECTIONS
If you’re coming from Opatija go towards the tunnel Ucka. Turn 5 km before tunnel for Veprinac and continue to the top just following road (hotel, restaurant). At the pass is a crossroad where you turn left. You will notice a fence which is closed during winter. Road will take you towards the top of mountain Ucka. If you wish to start from the lower take off "Saddle", turn left on the macadam road about 1 km before the top or you can get to the top and walk south and you'll get there for 10 minutes at the start. Paragliding in Croatia.
Pilots should announce their flights to:
Jean-Pierre Kovacevic, operator start (Homo Volans Opatija)
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PP Ucka
tel. +385 51 293 753
tel / fax +385 51 293 751
e-mail:
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TAKE OFF
Kvarner bay paragliding: Flying site Brgud is best for afternoon flights until the sunset. It is located on the west side of a mountain chain that extends from Ucka to Plomin. Flying site works better in the afternoon, when the sun starts to shine western slopes. In the summer months when we have west wind, it is possible to fly until sunset. Typically Brgud is used for the second flight of the day or when you do not have the possibility to take off in the earlier hours. Site is not demanding, and late afternoon produces fine thermals.
Start is located at about 900 m ASL. Take off is from a large but not steep meadow.
LANDING
Landing is at meadows in Cepic fields, at 50 m ASL. The landing site can be reached by car following macadam road downhill to place Nova Ves.
GPS coordinates: take off : 45°14'24" (45.2402)N; 14°11'47" (14.1964)E
ATTENTION
Stronger west wind presents potential danger at the take off, so it is recommended to wait until late afternoon until it decreases. Even in the late afternoon you will not lose the chance for the long flight. Height limit is 2100 m ASL.
DIRECTIONS
If you’re coming from Opatija go through the tunnel, turn right at the gas station and go uphill to Ucka. When you’ve reached the village of Mala Ucka turn right. You will find yourself on macadam road and will have to drive for another 20 minutes. Follow marked signs to the take off site.
Pilots should announce their flights to:
Jean-Pierre Kovacevic.
Tel. +385912012752.
TAKE OFF
Terrain, which is used to fly make two mountain ridges Hlam 461m at north and Great Hlam 482 m on southern side of Baska and the whole valley which is aggregated in the western part of the valley and produces strong thermals. South ridge is used for flying on the northern wind with the take off on the north side of the ridge while the southwesterly wind direction use on the south side of the northern reefs. In most cases, the thermal drifts to the ridge where it climbs to the heights, but also you can find excellent thermal in the middle of the valley and on the small plateau reefs. Vultures are excellent indicators of thermal activity because the terrain is also used for large flights from Island Prvic to the Julian Alps.
NORTH WIND TAKE OFF
Flying in Baska is the most popular for flying on weak northern wind, burin. To take off leads goat trail and you have to go by foot. You have to climb 300 m up to the top of the ridge and you need app 45 minutes to do it. Take off is easily recognizable by the beautiful green grass that cuts out in a bare rocky ground at the top of the ridge, a nicely maintained lawn by local sheep, which guarantees that the grass remains ideal length. Take off is little more challenging in cases where there is no wind for a short space to take off while the broad enough for three gliders to spread out.
SOUTH WIND TAKE OFF
You should get by car to a local cemetery and church of St Ivan, which is located above the town of Baska. Leave the car and then walk slowly for about 45 minutes. When you arrive at the top must go through the iron gate and walk 300 more meters in the direction of the ridge and skip a stone wall. Asses the potential to flying extremely carefully cross over the stone walls (Gromaca), and if you make any of the stones fall, return it to its place and close all the wooden doors.
Best time to take off is between 13 and 15 hours when a thermal "slightly stronger" because if shortly after you lift off you do not find thermal air, your flight will be disappointingly short in comparison to the efforts.
ABOUT FLYING IN BASKA
The first thing that will be one to remember when flying in Baska are griffon vultures. Each flight in Baska is marked by the excellent flyight in the company of sky kings . Another great thing when flying in Baska is usually a beautiful view of the whole island and the fact that the high-flying, but close to the sea, which is normally rare at the free flight. Achieved heights in Baska are 2500 m above sea level and it is above sea level if you get it. At this height islands of Krk, Prvic, Rab, Pag, Cres are standing in your hands. With a high of more than 1500 m above sea, you can switch from one to the other side of Baska from the south to the northern ridge without a problem. Baska also has a beautiful beach so when you’re not flying you can swim in beautifully clear sea.
TAKE OFF
Take off and flying area is behind town Opatina on the eastern slopes of mountain Ucka. If it is good and stable day and Bora is not strong, chances for good flight are great. Wind direction is east. When there is Bora (N wind) in Kvarner, on the eastern slopes of Ucka is a breeze which also produces thermals so you can take off on it.
There is enough space for one glider, barely two. Hill is steep and clearing is short. The wind is often very calm so take off can be tricky.
Take off : 45°19'9" (45.3193)N; 14°15'12" (14.2535)E - Elevation : 620 m.
LANDING
Barely only one place is the beach near marina Icici. Beware of obstacles on the beach. Do not use in summer when the beach is crowded.
Landing : 45°18'48" (45.3136)N; 14°17'14" (14.2875)E - Elevation : 2 m
LOCATION
To get there go with main road to tunnel Ucka. Just before tunnel stop on the parking place. On the eastern side there is a small hill and on the top is take off. There is a 20 minute walk to the top.
ATTENTION
This place is used when strong Bora is on other flying places. Sea breeze makes it suitable for flying. Sometimes, there is no wind on take off but at the beach can be more than 15m/s! After take off do not stay near the hill if you are not climbing because you will end up in power cables below hill.
Pilots should announce their flights to:
Marko Hrgetic Hrga
Tel: +385 95 814 39 76
TAKE OFF
Lic is located 3 km from the town Fuzine in Gorski Kotar, that is accessible by motorway from the direction of Zagreb in approximately 1 h and from Rijeka in about 25 minutes. Approach to take off is through village Vrata (asphalt roads, except the last part) or from the Licko polje (macadam). This flying area is with three big meadow take offs with perfect slope in front of which are no obstacles. Suitable winds W, SW, S.
• Small take off 750 m ASL (50 m height diff.)
• Middle 880 m ASL (180 m height diff.)
• Big 1030 m ASL (330 m height diff.)
• Landing field app. 700 m.ASL.
LANDING
Landing is in a big field in front of the take off site.
ABOUT LIC
Because of these characteristics Lic is extremely good place for the first flight, but caution, the field is very thermally active, and beginners can fly only in afternoon hours. Terrain provides the possibility of flight toward the direction Vrbovsko, Bjelolasica, then eastward Velebit, Novi Vinodolski, Tribalj to the south and west to Grobnik. When flying, always keep in mind a landing place due to high trees in that part of region. Terrain is suitable for thermal flying and ridge soaring.
Pilots should announce their flights to:
Prelac Goran (DES Adrenalin-Delnice)
+385 98 447943 (SLO, ENG)
Interesting flight sites are also on the islands Cres above the village Lubenice and on the island Rab. Your guide can fill you in on all the details. Should you have any questions or would like to hire the services of an experienced guide just fill out the form on your right, and will answer as soon as we can!
See you in the clouds!
Paragliding holiday | Paragliding in Croatia | Kvarner bay paragliding | Tandem flight
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