Compared to other forms of soaring, ridge soaring is an easy concept to understand. In practice, ridge soaring involves maneuvering at low altitudes, in close proximity to terrain, in challenging weather conditions; it demands respect and care to perform safely. ### Optimum Lift Zones The region of best lift, or "optimum lift zone", varies with the wind and specific features of a particular ridge, but is generally within a few hundred feet of the ridge below ridgetop height, and tilts upwind with altitude. ![[GFH OLZ.png]] ![[GFH ridge lift.png]] ### Techniques Entering areas of ridge lift are discussed in [[Terrain and Collision Avoidance During Ridge Soaring#Approach the ridge from a 45° angle on the upwind side]]. Pilots should fly **well above** minimum sink speed during ridge soaring; how much faster depends on the glider, terrain, and turbulence. Minimum sink provides an inadequate margin from stall at such low altitudes, and inadequate controllability and response when encountering turbulence at such low altitudes. To remain within areas of lift, pilots will fly parallel to the ridge, on the **upwind side only**; strong downdrafts and sink are to be expected on the downwind side anywhere near the ridge. To do so will require the pilot to use a wind correction angle, or "crab"; the degree of correction required will be determined by wind speed and the speed of the glider. ### Hazards By nature, ridge soaring carries inherent risks. To mitigate these risks, pilots implement rules and procedures to ensure [[Terrain and Collision Avoidance During Ridge Soaring]].