Praia do Meco
Parakite and paragliding site

Flying conditions

The main direction used for flying Parakite and paragliders at Praia do Meco is 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 dunes 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.

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

Take-off

Take-off is from the dune, on high ground above the beach.

The area used for take-off is about 5 minutes on foot from the car park.

Because this is a dune environment, the approach should be made so as to minimise the impact on the dune and the vegetation on it.

Flying Parakite and paragliders at Praia do Meco

The dunes at Meco make it possible to use the dynamic lift created when the wind meets the coastal terrain.

When conditions are suitable, coastal soaring along the beach is possible with Parakite and paragliders.

Unlike other sites on this coast, the flight cannot be continued northwards from the area used at Meco.

Southwards, however, the flight can be extended along the coast.

Flying south towards Praia das Bicas

When conditions along the way are suitable, it is possible to fly south from Praia do Meco to Praia das Bicas.

That link makes it possible to extend the soaring beyond the main area at Meco, following the coast towards Bicas.

Whether the route can be flown depends on the conditions at the time and on the capability of the pilot and the equipment being used.

Landing

Landing is on the beach.

Unlike sites where it is possible to return to the top by top-landing, at Meco the beach is the area used for landing.

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

The beach and the dunes

Praia do Meco is characterised by its long stretch of sand, its dunes and its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean.

The dune landscape that makes the flying possible is also part of a sensitive coastal environment.

The beach is used for a range of leisure and sea-related activities, so conditions on the sand can vary considerably through the year.

A shared space

Praia do Meco is used by swimmers, surfers, walkers and others, as well as by Parakite and paragliding pilots.

The presence of people must be given particular attention during proximity flying and on the approach and landing on the beach.

When several pilots share the same flying area, the differences in speed and behaviour between types and sizes of wing also have to be taken into account.

Respect for the site

The dunes at Praia do Meco are part of a coastal environment that should be preserved.

Parakite and paragliding should be practised so as to minimise the impact on the site, to use the existing accesses wherever possible, and to avoid needlessly treading on or damaging the dune vegetation.

Respecting the site helps keep it open to everyone.