The Oceanside Open, which started as a hang gliding event in the 1970’s, has evolved into an annual paragliding and hang gliding competition.
Around 80 pilots from Seattle, Medford, Canada, and local areas travel to the coast each year to launch off the traditional lot on Oceanside’s hillside, event director Mark Sanzone told the Headlight Herald. The lot is not only an ideal place to launch for a paragliding or hang gliding flight, but the beach below makes for a great landing zone.
This year, the competition will be held on April 26. Hang gliders and paragliders will compete for prizes in longest flight, farthest distance, and spot landing (a tourist favorite to watch), Sanzone said.
For spot landing, a bull’s-eye is placed in the sand and pilots attempt to land as close to the middle as they can; several over the years have successfully landed directly in the center.
Jay Zollinger of Portland won the spot landing event last year.
On Saturday, competition will begin at 11 a.m. and last til 6 p.m. with free flying all day on Sunday. Rain will cancel the event for pilots are not recommended to fly in wet conditions.
For more information, visit oceansideopen.com or contact event organizer Mark Sanzone 503-679-0962.
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