Planning a Torrey Pines slope soaring vacation
 

I'm thinking of taking 2 weeks at the end of June to go to Torrey Pines for some "real" slope soaring. Talking to some guys from the area about what is best; lot's of really good sites in that area, not to mention it's California.

Re: Planning a Torrey Pines slope soaring vacation
 

WOW! Have a great trip if you go LC. What are you taking down there with you to fly?
https://www.rccanada.ca/rccforum/atta...ine=1363479433
http://www.torreypinesgulls.org/

Re: Planning a Torrey Pines slope soaring vacation
 

I was lucky enough to pay a visit to Torrey in the 90's. A local was flying a Climax Pro, conditions at the time were light. I introduced myself as a sloper from Canada, he calmly passed over the transmitter to me.
Hope you have a great time, Torrey is one of the great sites in the world.
Bob.

Re: Planning a Torrey Pines slope soaring vacation
 

I just purchased the Eraser that was advertised on this forum, so that will be going, plus some lighter wing loading stuff for less windy conditions and a Cularis with a motor to scout out some more remote sites or to learn the air before I put something expensive in the air.

Re: Planning a Torrey Pines slope soaring vacation
 

Lorne, I'm excited for you, this sounds like a trip of a lifetime.. hitting all the great slope sites in California, meeting some of the modern-day legends, and soaring on smooth ocean slope lift.
Be sure to post your experiences (photos and video too) on these forums when you get back!
Bob

Re: Planning a Torrey Pines slope soaring vacation
 

I hope I am wrong, but I heard "somewhere" that the Torrey Pines site was no more for slope soaring.

Re: Planning a Torrey Pines slope soaring vacation
 

A paste....
Club & Board Meeting Auto Museum March 12


SC2 Thermal Contest @ vvrc March 17


TPG Classic Slope Race @ Torrey March 23 & 24


Thermal Duration Contest @ Encinitas April 14; Scott Condon CD


I believe the full size soaring was discontinued years ago. Perhaps that is what you heard. Google is your friend.

I have enjoyed several drives down the coast and stays in the area, always pausing at Torrey Pines for a look. Great place and like has been said it IS California.
Mustang GT convertible down the coast and top down in downtown LA and Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines, (70+ deg. in December)was a trip I won't forget and will always regret selling that vehicle!!!! :(:)
Hope you have fun.

Re: Planning a Torrey Pines slope soaring vacation
 

You have to pass a test, sign a waiver and pay a daily fee at TP.
Heard some locals are snobby.

The site isn't so good in June.
http://inlandsloperebels.com/

I know CA residents drive 19 hours to fly at Eagle butte in the Pacific north west, so much for 'world class slope'.


Cheers
Thomas

Re: Planning a Torrey Pines slope soaring vacation
 

Well, I could travel from Utah, (it has many great sites) through Vegas (always fun) and then end-up at Torrey. In June, I've been told, the air is light at Torrey (6-12 mph)...but it's easy to see if there is enough lift...just wait for the baggies to fly and then you know you can stay up.

Having sloped mostly at Riverdale Park (a small, grassy hill in Toronto), I actually like light conditions and TD ships on the slope ...very relaxing. I used to soar back and forth over that hill (and still do) for hours. It is that type of relaxing soaring that I crave, but this time with an ocean backdrop.

I have spoken to a few members of the TP executive, and they are anything but snobby; they are however, quite rightfully, concerned about safety and preserving their field, as it shared with a lot of full scale users.

They have also shared a few interior sites, where the air comes in off the desert and creates tremendous lift.

Part of the allure, is not knowing exactly what I will encounter, but there are worse places I could be stuck in than Southern California. And of course, having something with a motor on front, can turn marginal conditions and long retrieval walks into an enjoyable afternoon.

Re: Planning a Torrey Pines slope soaring vacation
 

Thomas, where is Eagle Butte...which State? ... I only get South Dakota or some inland areas when I Google it.