A new Buzz on the Hill

In fact 2 new Buzz Z 4's on the hill to be precise :))  Hoping to catch an early breeze before the wind was forecast to drop off we headed to the hill early arriving at 07.15 just behind Sam a from Devon!!  It was already light but as we had Shaun S (Penzance) and Paddy B (Penryn) already on route for their first taste of the hill we opted to stay. A little bit of a breeze filled in seeing Sam and Kaz make the most of it as the guys arrived so at least showing them what hill soaring is all about!

Shauns new toy and we get our first look at the Buzz Z4

Ever optimistic we cracked on with a bit of ground handling and hill introduction before breaking out two new Ozone Buzz Z4's for the guys. This was my first look at them and they do look noticeably different from the Z3 with smaller cell openings and more cross bracing inside but fortunately still using sensible durable lines, nice.

Matt gets set for a go on the hangy whilst the guys play

Shaun kindly let me have a ground handle with his wing which confirmed the ease of inflation of the Z3 remained in a nice and controlled manner along with easy going ground handling charateristics.  So the guys spent a n hour or so getting used to the wings which to be fair are very different from the good old school Elements sharpening up their skills nicely.  The threat of rain finally materialised when a large cloud that had been out to sea made it's way in and you could see the gust front coming.  Ideal I quickly popped into Shaun's wing and gave it a test fly as the front approached bringing in the wind.  Once again super handling, very much like the Z3 but with a little more performance a perfect successor to such a good wing.  Five minutes was enough as the white horses were galloping in so it was back on top with a big smile.

Paddy, all dressed up and nowhere to go as we wait for the wind 

The rain never really made it to us passing by to the south and the wind came and went backing to the south as it dropped.  We waited it out and slowly the wind that could be seen out to sea made it's way in and came back onto the hill giving enough for the keener pilots scratch a little but slope landings were the order of the day.  However it was ideal for the guys to get more time in with their new toys and they made the most of it.  There was also just enough breeze for Matt (Plymouth) to get going on a Taster day on the hangy and soon he was floating along the top landing on the Condor making us run for a living.  Matt did really well relaxing bit by bit although his keenness to become airborne needed curtailing!

Matt gets his feet off the ground on an early run

Late afternoon saw Graham A (Devon) crack and go for a nice flight to the beach to keep his hand in. this inspired Shaun and Paddy and soon they were both set for their first flights off the hill.  In light conditions they both did cracking flights on their new wings doing themselves and us proud and even finding some lift on the way!  What's more they were back up on top in double quick time and joined graham A for another flight down, that's enthusiasm for you.

You can never do enough of this .....

So a fun day in the Sun and whilst not as flyable as we hoped still a very good and useful one, well done guys.

Just about summed it up !

Quote of the day "I'm in love with it already"  and that's someone who only tried one of the Z4's for 5 minutes on the ground:)) and then ordered one ........