Whidbey/ Fort Ebey

• Wind directionSSW (200°) → W (280°)
• Ideal speed10–18 mph
• Upper limits≤ 22 mph base · gusts ≤ 25

Coastal bluff site on the west side of Whidbey Island, above Admiralty Inlet; the soarable bluff faces roughly west, so the launch (the flat "parade lawn" grassy area beneath the historic gun batteries) works best on a SW-through-W onshore flow. Ideal arc ~SSW to W (200-280 deg), with the classic working condition reported as a steady west/southwest sea breeze around 10-18 mph (one local account cites ~15 mph from the west as good, ~10 mph as the sweet spot). S and just-north-of-W are marginal/cross. Reputation: one of the Pacific Northwest's premier ridge-soaring sites, run/used heavily by the Northwest Paragliding Club, and described as "probably the best wind tunnel in North America" with very smooth laminar air off the water. Because it is a wind-tunnel coastal site, it can build quickly and pilots need solid high-wind and ground-handling/kiting skills; risk of being blown over the back or parked. Best in spring/summer/fall afternoons when the sea breeze fills in. Access: Fort Ebey State Park; Washington State Parks requires annual paragliding registration to fly here (Discover Pass for the park). Hang gliding is NOT permitted at Fort Ebey (paragliding only). Treat as intermediate (P2/P3+) terrain given the wind-tunnel character; speeds above ~20-22 mph base or strong gusts become unflyable. Note: nearby Ebey's Landing is a separate bluff that favors more SE winter winds - do not conflate. Specific degree/mph limits are inferred from orientation, geography, and pilot reports rather than a published club numeric site card, hence medium confidence.