Victoria > West Coast
Bells Beach - Winkipop
| Type | Coastal Cliffs |
| Conditions | SE - E |
| Height | 100' / 30m asl |
| Rating | HG Adv / HG Int supervised by HG Adv / PG forbidden |
Located overlooking the famous surf beach near Torquay. Melways Map 93, F7.
Landowners
Council.
Contact
Dynasoarers , Rob van der Klooster (0408 335 559), Peter Hannah (0422 148 545), Jan Bennewitz (0423 139 923)Responsible
DynasoarersSee also
Description
The place to go in a firm Easterly for advanced HG, this is the starting point of the Coast Run. Beautiful, varied coastline with a sizable flyable stretch in the right conditions.
Takeoff
HG only. The local foreshore committee does not permit PGs to take off or land on Winkipop launch. The vegetation here is sensitive to trampling. Hang gliders must set up on the west side of the road then carry across. Do not set up on launch as this will jeopardise the site! It is your responsibility to ensure the gate is closed after you. Please ask spectators to keep out of the fenced off area. It is not advisable to takeoff at Winkipop in a light wind. There is no beach ... ever!
Note: This launch is closed from one week before until one week after Easter Sunday while the Easter surfing competition is in progress.
Landing
In an emergency you can topland on Winkipop launch (in front of the road and fence). Otherwise, land on the beaches. Southside (past Bells to the right from Winki) is the closest, but can disappear in a high enough tide. Jan Juc at the surf life saving club to the east, and Pt Addis to the west offer somewhat larger beaches. Generally you would aim to get to at least Anglesea, often with sizeable unlandable sections on the way.
Flight
The first flights to Apollo Bay were achieved in early 1990. These are now a regular occurence in most firm Easterlies. Not yet achieved in paragliders although each season the local distance record is being broken. The flight is very difficult in various places and your first try should be with another flyer already experienced with the run.
Hazards / Comments
There are minimal landing areas available along the entire coast run, and even less at high tide, so treat this run with extreme caution. Be aware that these popular beaches will always have people on them regardless of the weather conditions. It is recommended that all pilots fly with instruments and UHF radio on channel 16. Be warned, highly experienced inland XC pilots have come to grief on this run.
Weather station: Graph and near-instantaneous readings.