Skydiving & Gliding
Lumby is a must-fly area for paragliding and hang gliding enthusiasts. The dry climate, numerous safe launch sites, abundant flat landing sites and constantly excellent thermals make for a great experience.
The British Army has repeatedly chosen this area for training programs and Lumby has frequently hosted the regional, provincial and Canadian National hang gliding and paragliding championships.
Where to Take Off
Maintained by the Lumby Air Force, Cooper's Launch, northwest of Lumby, is ranked among the most secure flying sites in Canada. Open to visiting pilots, conditions here are best in the morning and early afternoon. Across the valley at Saddle Mountain, start flying around noon, but this launch is restricted to flyers accompanied by a local pilot.
West of Lumby, the King Edward site (managed by Paraglide Canada) and Vernon Mountain also offer grassy take-off slopes and plenty of open landing zones.
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Versatile Terrain
The topography of the Lumby area is well suited to multi-sided course layouts for GPS navigation rather than simple straight line downwind flying. From May to October conditions are best.
Tandem Flights
No experience necessary. Check out the sport or just rev up for some airborne adventure on a tandem flight. Jump off a mountain with a highly qualified instructor and literally soar with the eagles. Two area companies offer tandem flights and instruction, Raven Aviation in Lumby and Paraglide Canada in Vernon.
Lumby Air Races
For three days in June, the skies above Lumby host a rainbow spectacle of colourful paraglide sails and hang gliders at the annual Lumby Air Races. Pilots sail the closed circuit triangular course with GPS scoring for top honours and prize money.
Stop by the Lumby Visitor Centre at 1882 Vernon St for brochures and ask the staff about details on paragliding and hang gliding in the Lumby area.
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Things To Do
Outdoor Activities