Tabasalu

Tabasalu is a ridge soaring site just outside Tallinn, Estonia, with a main ridge line oriented so that a wind around 30 degrees works best for takeoff. The ridge continues northwest at a slightly different angle, where the ideal wind shifts to around 20 degrees — that stretch is also lower than the main section, so keeping a close eye on wind conditions there matters more if you want to avoid sinking out. Getting to launch means driving as far as a large yellow house in Tabasalu nature park, the last point reachable by car, then walking about 100 metres through the forest to the takeoff itself. It's a quick trip from Tallinn via Rannamõisa road, and the site is also reachable on foot from a city bus stop roughly 1.5 kilometres away. One important rule before flying: the site sits inside Tallinn airport's control zone, so pilots need to check in with local pilots before launching to stay clear of any conflict. Landing is simple — a beach sits just 200 metres to the right of takeoff.

Launch & conditions

Main ridge is oriented for a roughly 30-degree wind; it continues northwest at a lower, slightly different angle favoring around 20 degrees, where wind conditions need closer attention to avoid sinking out.

Getting there & local rules

From Tallinn, take Rannamõisa road toward Tabasalu, turn into the nature park after the RIMI shopping centre, and drive as far as the large yellow house — the last driveable point — then walk about 100 metres through the forest to launch. Also reachable on foot from the Keskpäeva tee bus stop, about 1.5 km away.

Local rules & hazards

The flying area lies inside Tallinn airport's control zone (CTR), so check in with local pilots before launching.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Tabasalu, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Tabasalu with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.