Big Sur - Wild cattle

• Wind directionSSW (202°) → W (270°)
• Ideal speed5–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 18

SW/W-facing Coast Ridge launch ~3,200 ft MSL above the Pacific; works on a sea-breeze/upslope flow off the ocean (SW through W). Primarily a thermal and ridge-soaring site: ridge-soar until a thermal cycles through, then climb and fly south down the Coast Ridge toward the Pacific Valley Bluff LZ on Hwy 1. Best in early-to-mid afternoon when thermals and the onshore breeze combine; often a sled ride otherwise. HARD LIMITS: whitecaps on the ocean = strong onshore flow, do NOT fly; avoid moderate-to-strong wind at launch or strong wind/ocean wind in the LZ. Light cycles can come from all directions on launch, with occasional stronger cycles from behind (lee/rotor risk on the back side). Long ~45 min 4x4 access via Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd then the dirt Coast Ridge Trail (narrow, blind turns, cliffs, poor signage). Suitable for Novice (P2/H2 w/ instructor) and above; unregulated site, H3/P3 recommended. No club guide gives explicit speed numbers — speeds inferred from orientation and qualitative onshore-flow guidance.