WHERE IS
THE GROUND LAUNCH CENTER?
The Ground Launch Center® is located in Lake Isabella,
California in the incredible Sequoia National Forest. It is
the gateway to the giant Redwood trees, Red Rock Canyon,
King Canyon and Yosemite National Park.
WHAT IS
THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO THE GLC?
Bakersfield Municipal Airport (BFL)-Most major airlines
fly into Bakersfield and its only 30 minute drive from the
Ground Launch Center®.
WHAT CAN
I EXPECT?
You will get initial ground instruction and watch video
footage of launching & flying techniques. You will then go
to "Storm" hill to get some hands on "kiting" instruction
and then over to "Pioneer" hill to practice some basic level
I launches. Next day you will move to level II launches and
learn how to set up/launch from a static position. On day
three we will move on and learn high wind kiting techniques
and ridge soaring. Some pilots will get the opportunity to
try some basic Blade running® on this day. On the final day
everyone is taken to a level IIII launch site where pilots
get to choose their flights based on their experience and
comfort level.
WHAT KIND OF GEAR WILL I NEED?
It is possible to use a normal skydiving rig and harness
but not ideal. You will not need to pack but just stuff the
canopy in a container for your next launch. Some pilots get
by with using B.A.S.E. rigs with external stuff sacks to
carry up the mountain. Here at the GLC we use Ground Launch
Harnesses designed for the sport. These harnesses have packs
on the back to stuff the canopy so you just have to pull it
out at the launch site and you’re ready to go...no pins,
velcro or external flaps. The Ground Launch Center® keeps a
few harnesses available for use by clients on a first come,
first serve basis. You will need a canopy that you can fly
at about 1.2-1.5 loading.
Those pilots
currently skydiving with non-high performance canopies will
enjoy launching canopies like a Safire, Sabre or Spectra.
Pilots currently skydiving with high performance canopies
will enjoy starting out with canopies like a Crossfire,
Stiletto, Kantana or Rage. Our average pilot at the GLC
weighs about 175lbs and uses canopies between 104-140sqf.
The canopies most used at the center are GLX 130, GLX 104,
VX 111, FX 135, Crossfire 119, Space 130, Safire 129 and
Sabre 135. You will need a hard helmet and good tennis shoes
or hiking boots. Also recommended...digital altimeter with
clock, sunglasses, camelback (or similar hydration system),
front pack and small two way radio (wal-mart brand O.K.).
WHAT'S
THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is almost perfect 365 days a year at the
GLC. The average high temperature in November is 70° F and
the low at night can reach 38° F. The annual rainfall in
Lake Isabella, Ca is less than eight inches! Nestled in the
mountains at only 2,600 feet above sea level, Lake Isabella
has very mild winters for a mountainous area. There is
rarely snow in the valley. Dry, clear and invigorating, Lake
Isabella combines the cool breezes of the mountains with the
no-humidity environment of the high desert.
WHAT
ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
In
addition to the $500 camp fee some slots are available on a
first come, first serve basis at the base camp house for
$40 a day including all meals. Lake Isabella has local
hotels/motels available near the GLC for between $60-$100 a
night.
Contact us
HOW DO I
SCHEDULE MY TRAINING?
When you are
ready to schedule your training just drop us a E-mail and
let us know which camp you want to join or what your
proposed training dates will be. The contact info for the
Ground Launch Center is available in the main menu.
