SAFA Skysailor Magazine

29 AUTUMN 2025 | March-April-May SKY SAILOR Safety The Sunny Coast Free Flyers have pointed out some safety hazards to be aware of at Teewah Beach when launching and landing. • Keep an eye out for the matting on launch as it is prone to catching lines during launching. • When taking off, if winds are cross to the north-east, the launch is in slight rotor, causing uneven wing inflation. Be cautious of this as you could get dragged across launch into the bushes. • If there are light winds, make sure you have enough height to make the glide to the beach. • On busy days with high vehicle traffic and a straight onshore wind, consider landing crosswind to avoid flying across the path of vehicles travelling along the beach. Getting there As access to the site is by 4WD only, you will need to allow some time to get there. Pilots need to cross the North Shore Vehicle Ferry at Tewantin which is $15 each way. Tickets can be purchased in advance here . In order to drive on the beach, a recre- ational vehicle permit is also required and this can be purchased annually or daily. Vehicle permits can also be purchased on arrival at the National Parks office. Launch While Teewah is an easy beginner launch when the wind is straight on, when the wind shifts to the NE, intermediate skills are required for launch, and it is wise to have an experienced pilot assist with take offs. Launch etiquette on busy days is to make sure you get set up before arriving at the launch, and at any other time when it’s not too busy, set up at the far back of the launch. Photos: Tex Bec