Page 40 - Cross Country Travel Guide 2019

DENMARK

Flying the coast
The wind never stops in Denmark. Pilots fly
the coast here, often in strong wind on low

dunes. Sites start to work at 6m/s (20km/h),
which is lucky as average wind is 7m/s-10m/s.
This all demands certain skills. You must
have excellent strong-wind groundhandling,
and be precise in the air while flying in strong
wind. Master groundhandling by playing on
the long sandy beaches.
In strong wind, pilots inflate at the bottom
and walk backwards up the dune: a “beach
start”. In the air make lots of eye contact
and follow rules of the air. Signal if unclear.
Remember, if the wind is off, then expect a

fast downwind leg and a narrower lift band.
In summer you can fly from sunrise to
sunset – 18 hours. Watch the sea for signs of
changing wind, it gives you 2-5 mins advance
notice. Finally, don’t climb sand cliffs: use the
stairs to avoid erosion. Sand dunes and grass
banks, no problem. Best time: Apr to Sept.
airwave.dk
Photo: Essie Saadi

Løkken

This is the most popular soaring place in
Denmark for visiting pilots. It’s a beautiful
white-sand beach with 25m-90m sand cliffs
as far as you can see. Play low, or soar 10km
from end to end. Best in WNW, although
works fine from W to NW too.
Take off on top anywhere in the public
area, or launch from the beach north of the
campsite. Always be aware of the danger

of rotor: don’t top-land on the flat tops
unless you see locals doing it; even then,
ask for advice before. The best option is to
land easily on the beach. Watch inland for
building clouds. When CBs build this can
create much more wind as they suck in; you
don’t want to be caught out and blown back.
Løkken can get busy: please respect the

people who live here, listen to the local
pilots, use the stairs on the sand cliffs, and
don’t, whatever you have seen on video,
climb the lighthouse! Have fun.
pgnord.dk
Photo: Essie Saadi

40 CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL GUIDE 2019 DENMARK