Cape Town South Africa launch covering approach

[jmcclave]

Karen asked me to post the following note I posted on the paragliding list server.
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I got back from three weeks in southern Africa this AM. It was a great trip but I only attempted to fly in Cape Town at the end of the trip (June 5 to June 9). I flew the Signal Hill launch one day and then did a technical climb up Table Mountain (the Arrow Route that tops out at the cable car) and also hiked Lion's Head. Signal Hill was fun with both a nice launch and landing area. I'll post some pictures later in the week.

Note that on all the launches in the area, they are using old fishing nets to cover the imperfections in the surface. They get the nets for free from the local fishermen when the nets are retired. They hold up very well, provide a textured running surface, and drain well. They are also easy to roll up at the end of the day but difficult to move from the site. They also look attractive when laid out and they are not an eye sore when rolled up.

I'll check with some of the commercial fishing operations on the Chesapeake Bay to see if they would be a source for retired nets and report back. The nets may provide a temporary solution at Woodstock. This would be presented to the club before moving forward.