Page 84 - Cross Country Travel Guide 2019

HONG KONG

You might not think Hong Kong with its
skyscrapers and street bustle would have
any room for paragliding, but in fact this

city of 7.5 million people is home to a small
but thriving scene. Under the auspices of
the Hong Kong Paragliding Association the
territory has half a dozen regularly used sites,
as well as a couple more that require a bit of a
hike. Beyond the waterfront skyscrapers, the
territory is actually 75% countryside, including
many forest parks, hills and sandy beaches.
From downtown Hong Kong you can reach
most sites from within 90 minutes by public
transport and walking – congested traffic
means going by car will probably take longer.

Although pilots have been flying in HK since
1991, the sport was only officially sanctioned
by Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department in
2017. That means all the sites are “official”
and there should be no problem for visitors –
simply sign up as a guest member through the
website before you arrive.
hkpa.net
Photo: Marcus King

Ma On Shan

The flying in Hong Kong is dictated by what
season it is. The winter northeast monsoon
season from October to March brings E/NE
winds and good flying weather. Ma On Shan
is a signature site with the easiest access, the
biggest ridge and lots of room to play. It’s also
the most scenic. Launch is a 30-min walk.
Although mainly ridge soaring, on good
days – light easterlies and clear skies – there

is potential for limited XC. Top-landing is
also possible, although be careful in strong
wind – the trick is to approach from below
hill height and be lifted up, rather than fly
from behind through possible rotor.
There is a height limit of 760m (2,500ft)
and radio-controlled models also fly the
same site. In good lift you can easily fly

above them. When landing, take care to be
accurate; grass in the adjacent fields hides
metal fence posts! A short walk away is a
former fishing village, a nice place to hang
out for a post-flight beer.
Photo: Martin Kostiv

84 CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL GUIDE 2019 HONG KONG