Cuesta Grade
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Location
What we look for at Cuesta Grade
Wind direction
WSW (240°) → W (280°)
The wind must blow from within this arc. Direction is the same for both wings.
Ideal speed
8–12 mph
Ceiling · Paragliding
≤ 19 mph base · gusts ≤ 23
Top of the range for paragliding (any rating). Switch wings up top to compare. Hang gliders hold roughly 10 mph more than paragliders.
Thermal ridge on Cuesta Ridge west of Hwy 101, run by SLOSA with an explicit guide. Working wind is W to WNW (240-290), ideal around 10 mph for PG (HG up to 25). Primarily thermic - cycles usually start around noon but the wind often gets too strong for PG by mid-afternoon; climbs over 5000 ft are possible though an inversion near 3500 ft often caps it. Watch for rotor behind ridges and at gully transitions, and rapidly building afternoon wind that can push you back into it. P3/H3 minimum with USHPA + SLOSA membership, reserve, and a 7:1 glide.
Window data compiled from slosoar.org, public site guides and club resources.
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