Lagoa de Albufeira
Parakite site

Flying conditions

The main directions used for flying Parakite at Lagoa de Albufeira are North-West (NW), West (W) and South-West (SW).

However, the direction given in a weather forecast is not enough to determine whether conditions are good for flying.

Strength, gusts, cross component, the quality of the flow and the way the wind interacts with the dunes and the coastal terrain all have to be assessed together.

How much wind is needed?

We do not give a minimum or maximum wind figure, because there is no figure that can be safely applied to every pilot and every piece of equipment.

The strength required depends on several factors, including:

• the model and characteristics of the Parakite
• wing size
• all-up weight
• the pilot’s experience
• wind direction
• gusts and the quality of the flow
• the conditions present on site

Two people at the same site with the same wind speed may need different wing sizes.

The differences between models, sizes and wing loadings can significantly change what conditions are appropriate for each pilot.

Take-off

Whenever conditions allow, take-off is done from the beach, avoiding walking over the dunes.

The take-off is about 10 minutes on foot from the car park.

As well as making access easier, using the beach to reach the take-off area helps reduce the impact on the dune system and its vegetation.

Flying Parakite at Lagoa de Albufeira

Lagoa de Albufeira offers a flying environment different from a cliff site such as Praia das Bicas.

The dunes and the coastal terrain shape how the wind behaves and make it possible to use the dynamic lift created when the flow meets the ground.

When the direction and the remaining conditions are suitable, coastal soaring and proximity flying along the dunes are possible.

The presence of people on the beach and near the dunes must be taken into account during the flight, keeping adequate distance and margin.

Landing

The beach is used for landing.

The space available can vary with the tide, the state of the sea and the presence of other people.

The lagoon, the beach and the dunes

One of the particular features of this site is how close the Lagoa de Albufeira, the dune cordon, the beach and the Atlantic Ocean are to one another.

The lagoon is separated from the ocean by a dune cordon and is periodically opened to the sea. When the connection to the ocean is open, strong currents can form in the channel.

This has to be taken into account when choosing the landing area, particularly when flying close to the lagoon’s opening.

On the ocean side there is a long stretch of sand exposed to the Atlantic swell. Inland, the waters of the lagoon are generally calmer and are used for various water activities.

Lagoa de Albufeira is also known for kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, surfing and other activities linked to the sea and the wind.

A shared space

Lagoa de Albufeira is an area used by swimmers, walkers, surfers, kitesurfers, windsurfers and others.

Responsible coexistence between Parakite pilots and the other people using the site is essential, particularly in the areas used for preparing, flying and landing.

At the busiest times on the beach, the presence of people must be given particular attention.

Respect for the site

The dunes at Lagoa de Albufeira are part of a sensitive coastal environment that should be preserved.

Parakite should be practised so as to minimise the impact on the site, to respect the existing accesses, and to avoid treading on or damaging the dune vegetation.

Respecting the site helps keep it open to everyone.