Las SAlinas

Located in the state of Baja California Norte, Mexico about an hour and a half from San Diego, this site is a beautful 750' ridge that is set back about two miles from the coast.  It can be a really good site with a combination of  coastal ridge soaring with a thermal trigger happy area in front.  Another thing that makes this site enjoyable is that you have the option of nice primative camping at the launch or luxurious accomadations on the beach.  Add cheap food and beer to this and you will probably have a great time--but a word of caution--this is Mexico and you can't afford to be a clueless tourist.

Local Weather

Raul's at K-39 (helps to join iwindsurf.com--it's free)

Located about 20km north on the coast

Site Description-UNDER CONSTRUCTION

North Launch:  This is the first launch you will come to (either by foot or drive-up) and faces more WSW.  The area is very rocky and fortunately there is carpet laid down over most of the rocks (but the exposed rocks are very grabby).  There is only room for one glider to launch here, but there is ample room up on the road for set-up

South Launch: This is a much bigger launch area, but it faces more WNW, which can help you get off on the more cross days.  Be careful launching here if the wind is from the SW, because there can be some rotor off of the large rock outcropping to the left.  Both of the launches can be top-landed if you don't put yourself to far back and try to set up for a landing on the dirt road paralleling the ridge--don't venture much deeper than the road or you might find some rotor.

The Ridge:  There is no mystery about flying this place as there couldn't be a more obvious layout.  Once you are up, you can soar the ridge and work the themals that come up the face (if they're not broken apart by strong winds).  There are a couple of nice triggers in the form of rockpiles to the north of the launches.

The Gap:  Just south of the South Launch, there is a break in the ridge that is about 500' wide.  If the conditions are good and the wind direction a little more SW, you can jump this gap and have a lot more ridge available.  Just be careful, if the conditions are strong and you find yourself low during the crossing, that you don't find a venturi focusing through the gap.

The Crosses:  If you fly way to the north end of the range, you will find a series of white wooden crosses.  There is a more NW facing slope over here which could be fun on the slightly cross days, if you can get there.  There is even a little hill lower down that you can jump to and then work your way back up back at the NW slope. 

LZ:  There is a pretty big LZ out in front, and there is ample room to land out, but beware of the cacti.

Driving Directions:

Some Tips for Travelling in Mexico:

1) Don't be a fool-- if you get in trouble, the Policia will bust your ass and take your money.  In other words, exercise some restraint and try to stay low-profile.  Any attention you draw to yourself will probably be undesired.

2) Get Mexico Car Insurance--If you get into a wreck in Baja and you don't have the proper insurance, you will be miserable.  On the other hand, if your beautiful SUV gets stolen with all your gliders and camera equipment and you do have insurance, you will be covered (including the stuff in the car).  It's only ~$20/day and it's probably a wise expenditure.

3) Watch your stuff, especially if you park in the LZ at Las Salinas.  There have been incidents of younger kids on motorcycles looting cars while you are up on the ridge.  I personally avoid this by parking on the top.