Arambol
is popular as the best gliding site in Goa. Other sites include Anjuna,
Vagator etc. Arambol is best for beginners with its regular, smooth
and steady sea breeze perfect for easy, no break flying. The site has
ridges which are flyable in North-Westerly winds as well as South Westerly
winds. The winds set in by late morning right through the flying season
from October to June and some days its possible to fly all day- at least
5-6 hours till sunset.
There are three take off sites depending on the wind direction- 'Om'
rock face is flyable in the South West direction, Kerry take off and
the 1km long ridge to the right of the sweet water lake is flyable in
the West to North West winds. The ridge is about 100 ft high and is
normally used by beginners for top to bottom (TTB) flights and landings
are usually on the beach in front of the lake.
The problem with beach landing is the accumulation of sand inside the
glider which tends to reduce glider life and make it difficult to pack
the glider. Because of the strong, steady wind in Arambol, reverse
launches are preferable and pilots should have the necessary ground
handling skills for successful inflation and takeoff. Top landing is
also possible from the site and tree landings are common. Check out
the top landing area before itself and watch out for large rocks.
There are facilities available for training and tandem
(accompanied flights at about Rs.900/flight ) rides using imported paragliders,
from Arambol. Equipment also available on hire for qualified tourists
from the Relax Inn on the beach.