Zapata

• Wind directionSE (135°) → S (180°)
• Ideal speed12–25 mph
• Upper limits≤ 30 mph base · gusts ≤ 35

Zapata is a flat-ground XC distance site (foot-launch/aerotow), not a ridge or cliff launch — it is world-famous for hang gliding open-distance world records (e.g., Martin/Durand ~761 km, 2012). The wind WINDOW is defined by the steady south to south-southeast flow off the Gulf-of-Mexico/Bermuda high that blows strong and straight for 500+ miles north. Pilots specifically want SSE-to-S winds; reports cite "20 to 30 mph out of the south southeast" as exactly what you want here, with hang pilots targeting the ~20 mph range. Because it is flat ground, cross/off directions are usable too (it is the downwind XC track, not lift-from-launch that matters) but SE/S is the productive arc per the orientation hint; ESE-to-SSW is marginal. IDEAL arc 135-180 (SE-S), MARGINAL ~112-202. These winds are unusually STRONG for foot launching — 20+ mph base with gusts, so this is an advanced/expert XC site requiring high skill, strong-wind launch ability, and good retrieve logistics; many fly via aerotow. HAZARDS: severe afternoon thunderstorm/cu-nim development ("8000 m lightning-shooting cu-nims") is the main danger and routinely ends flights; strong thermals and heat (pilot airsickness noted); turbulence from strong wind. BEST TIME OF DAY: launch mid-late morning to ride the day, with usable lift very late — climbs continued past 8:30 PM, final glides near sunset (~9 PM). Season is summer (Bermuda-high dominant). Cloudbase typically starts ~2,500 ft AGL and can climb above 10,000 ft up on the Edwards Plateau downrange. Access/rating: known XC/record venue; coordinate with local crews/retrieve — treat as expert-only.