Praia das Bicas
Parakite and paragliding site

Flying conditions

The main directions used for flying Parakite and paragliders at Praia das Bicas are West (W) and North-West (NW).

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 cliff 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:

• discipline — Parakite or paragliding
• the model and characteristics of the wing
• 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 equipment, or may assess the conditions differently.

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

Wind speed must therefore be considered together with all of these factors, and never used on its own as the criterion for deciding to fly.

Take-off

Praia das Bicas has a take-off area at the top of the cliff, about 5 minutes’ walk from the car park.

That proximity makes access relatively straightforward, but the conditions must be assessed at the take-off itself before any decision to fly.

Flying Parakite and paragliders at Bicas

The cliff at Bicas makes it possible to use the dynamic lift created when the wind meets the coastal terrain.

When the direction and the remaining conditions are suitable, soaring along the coast is possible with Parakite and paragliders.

Constantly reading the wind, the terrain and the way conditions are developing is particularly important in this kind of flying.

How the wing behaves, and which conditions are appropriate, depend on the type of equipment, the wing size, the all-up weight and the pilot’s experience.

Flying north towards Meco

When conditions are good, it is possible to fly Parakite and paragliders north from Praia das Bicas to Praia do Meco, extending the flight along the coast.

Whether that route is possible depends on the conditions at the time and on the capability of the pilot and the equipment being used.

A site that demands reading the conditions

At Bicas, small changes in conditions can significantly change the quality of the flight.

It is not correct to establish simple rules such as “with North this happens” or “with West that happens”. The outcome depends on the combination of several factors and on the conditions present at that moment.

Wind behaviour can also vary along the site itself, because of the orientation and the characteristics of the terrain.

The beach and the cliff

Praia das Bicas lies in an area of coastal cliffs, in a wide natural setting facing the Atlantic.

Access to the sand is by a stairway from the upper area.

The beach is also known for its swell and for surfing and bodyboarding.

When flying Parakite and paragliders, not only wind and terrain must be considered, but also sea conditions, tide, the space available on the sand, the presence of people and the activity of other pilots.

A shared space

Bicas is a site used by Parakite and paragliding pilots, and it is also a beach used by swimmers, surfers, walkers and others.

The difference in speed and behaviour between different types and sizes of wing has to be taken into account when several pilots share the same flying area.

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

Respect for the site

The cliffs and the coastal environment at Bicas are part of a natural landscape that should be preserved.

Parakite and paragliding should be practised so as to minimise the impact on the site, to respect the existing accesses, and to avoid behaviour that could damage the terrain or create conflict with other users.

Respecting the site helps keep it open to everyone.