Groundworks

After such a good day on Saturday we were looking forward to more of the same on Tuesday with light winds and sunshine forecast.  Waking to a bit of mist and a bit more breeze than forecast it was no worries as we were not due to start until after lunch so surely it would clear by then??

Paul B (Oakhampton) arrived to start his paramotoring course and we went through the theory and paperwork side before heading to the field where we met up with Kieth W (N.Devon) and Ollie C (Plymouth) both on CPC Paragliding  courses .  It was still a bit misty and the breeze was still there but we decided to get the most out of it so after a few PLF's we cracked out the Paragliders for some ground handling.

Nice technique, you can't get enough ground handling practice

Whilst Kieth and Ollie paired up Paul (who had a little before) got going with myself.  We had a fun time learning to deal with the glider in the fresher breeze which proved a huge confidence builder for the guys and pretty soon the fear of being dragged uncontrollably was over come and they played with the wings.  Progressively the wind eased back allowing some forward launches and finally the hand tows getting Paul all set for his first tow on the winch.

Looking good as the mist returns

Unfortunately the mist did not go away so we called it a day. Whilst no flying everyone learnt a lot and it will come in particularly useful when the guys go to the hill :)

Quote of the day "I think i can see the gate"