Cloud9 Hang Gliding & Paragliding www.flycloud9.co.uk

Nice Bike!

2012-01-28T23:33:00.006Z

Tom gets set to go

Off and away on his first tow flight

Steve concentrates as he does his first flight

m'mmm new kick start :)

It was off to the tow field for us whilst the rest headed to Carbis Bay to play.

Against the forecast it was breezy to start with but did drop off nicely as the day went on. In the field we got going with Steve W (Truro) on day one of his EPC Paragliding, Tom G (Canada) who on a visit to the UK had done some hill work in Sussex and fancied carrying on whilst in Cornwall and Phil L (Redruth) on day 3 of his EPC/CPC course.

With Tom and Steve getting to grips with the basics and Phil practising some ground handling in the brisk enough conditions we hoped for conditions to mellow. Phil took time out to do his EPC exam and passed well with 100% correct and his timing was perfect as by the time he finished things dropped off nicely.

Kaz popped in a couple of demo'flights and it was all go. Phill had the lines to himself to start with and quickly finished off his EPC tasks towing higher and putting in the turns in preparation for going to the top. Steve and Tom soon joined in for their first tow flights and both did really well settling in quickly. By the end of the day they were both releasing and Tom with his previous experience had moved higher up the ling and was putting in turns.

Phil meanwhile got into his CPC tasks completing 3 super high flights and relaxing back into the harness. A super day all round congratulations to Phil on his EPC and to Tom and Steve on their excellent progress.

Tim looked happy on the motorbike complete with new kickstart, clutch cable and lever, daisy will just love it. Nice to see Bill N drop by on his way back from Carbis where they had had a fun time just in time to help us pack up, thanks Bill.

Playing Dodgems

2012-01-27T23:39:00.000Z

It was always going to be an interesting day based on the forecast for frequent heavy showers but on the other hand in between the showers it could be good so not to be missed.

On arrival at Perran Paul H was just popping his glider back on the roof having had some fun flying in bouncy but lifty conditions before heading to the shops.

We wasted no time in rigging the Tandem and tested the air with Fiona A as passenger. It was Fiona's first flight on a Hangy and we had a great time in the classic conditions giving her a chance to fly the glider. With a large cloud approaching we nipped back in on top just before the wind picked up and the rain came down.

Franceska C (Taunton) was along for a Hangy tandem flight as a Birthday present and arrived with the wind so was put on hold whilst we waited for the showers to clear. After a couple of big ones a nice sunny spell arrived and we were up and away. Amazingly the wind now eased back to Paraglidable levels and we were soon having to work hard to stay airborne. Twenty five minutes of fun flying up and down the ridge gave us plenty of time to look at the cliffs and even the seagulls nests before a sinky period made the decision to head to the beach.

We had a classic super soft landing on the wheels to round off a nice if not overly high flight. Franceska was delighted with the whole experience despite having to walk back up the dunes whilst i flew the glider back up in the now increasing wind.

Back on top and things looked much better so Fran' took the chance of another flight and we popped in a quick 10 minutes in again classic conditions allowing us to play with the glider a bit more. A nice landing this time back on top saw the end of play as the clouds returned.

A fun day even if it was a bit hard work to make it happen but when it did it was well worth it, light winds tomorrow ??

Magic on Monday

2012-01-23T23:30:00.013Z

Graham A flies high on the tandem hang Glider

Graham takes control as we soar the lift

Happy faces after a super flight

Kaz comes in for a super top landing

08.45 saw us at Perran where Mike C and Steve d were already in the air on Paras although it was top endy. As the wind eased a little Steve came in to finish off his tandem rating and in challenging enough conditions did a fine job of it taking me up for a couple of fun flights on his kit and making it all look nice and safe. Well done Steve hope you have lots of fun in the future taking up friends and family.

A good mixture of para's filled the air as conditions continued to improve but by late morning the wind began to fill and they began to land, it was time for the hangies. There were quite a few out including Paul H, Gay J, Kaz P, Graham A and Nigel W and all had fun in the super conditions although some landings were less than perfect .......

Graham A from Plymouth (a magician amongst other things) came along for a Tandem on the Hangy with a view to taking up the sport. We had a super flight playing in the lift, Graham had a go at flying the glider and seemed to switch onto it pretty quickly. A nice landing rounded off the flight and judging by his smile and enthusiasm we may well see him again soon, check out his flight here .Rain stopped play by late afternoon. A super day to be out and good for all :)

Fabulous Friday

2012-01-13T23:40:00.020Z

The Guys get rigged at the start of play

Phil L impersonates a startled Rabbit

Phils L gets in the air and looks good

The loneliness of a HG instructor as Dave D goes prone

Simon L sets off in fine style for his first flight

Keith B begs forgiveness for his sins before flying

It plainly worked as his performs a faultless launch

Who would have believed it, after a breezy day yesterday which saw some excellent Hang Gliding at Perran and Chapel the wind dropped off again and the sun came out to make a cracking towing day.

It was almost like Wednesday apart from the fact that we were towing in the opposite direction. Whilst Kaz got Simon L (Plymouth) started on day one of his Paragliding course along with Phil L (Redruth) on day two of his I took Dave D (Newquay) to the tow line to make the most of the conditions.

Dave had a cracking time (again) popping in the flights and made good progress into his CPC tasks over his 9 flights for the day converting to the the base bar and prone whilst perfecting his 180 turns and spot landings.

Phill L joined in on the tow and was soon releasing the line and putting in turns as we towed him higher and higher putting him well into his EPC tasks by the end of the day.

After the hard work having been done by Kaz Simon L came over to launch for his first ever flight on a Paraglider and made my life easy by popping in 4 perfect flights ending with a super release flight to set him up nicely for his next day out.

Kieth B (Dartmoor) was also along and after a bit of ground handling refresher popped the Paramotor on his back and went for a nice flight around the field. His take off and landing were super not putting a foot wrong so proving despite having not flown since October he has not forgotten what we taught him.

With everyone full up we packed up in the sunshine, what a nice day :)

Playing at Perran

2012-01-12T23:00:00.001Z

After working at home in the morning we headed at to Perran porth for some fun flying in the afternoon . On arrival it was leasantly breezy but not too breezy.

With the guys who had been at Chapel porth in the morning where they had some super flying packing up as the wind veered we rigged. A quick blast on my T2C proved conditions as perfect and soon the rest were rigging quickly.

Andy R Kaz and Nigel W (newly qualified HG) all had super flights in the abundant lift and all had super landings to boot. It was a very nice afternoon and a good time to practise for the Frostbite comp' coming up at the end of the month fingers crossed.

Wonderful Wednesday

2012-01-11T23:59:00.008Z

Dave d heads off up the line for his first high flight

Paul W gets his hand back in after a long break

Top of the tow for Paul

Taking turns the guys share the lines

Michelle comes back to land on the tandem

Adi and Michelle after some fun flights and still smiling!

What a super day and hopefully the start of things to come in the Tow field. On arrival the field was covered in mist but by the time we had the kit out it was burning off and the sun was shining.

It was a relaxed day, a good thing after a bit of a break due to the weather, allowing us all to get back in the groove. Dave D (Newquay) was back for his second day in the field on a Hanger and he was joined by Phil L (Redruth) for his first day on a Paraglider. After a little bit of line untangling we got going and soon Dave was popping in the flights. In super conditions he made great progress working through the turns and building height until by the end of play he towed to the top of the line having completed all his EPC flying tasks.

Meanwhile Phill worked away with Kaz going through the basics in preparation for his first flights. Mid afternoon saw him arrive at launch and he was soon off on his first flight. Phil did well with each flight smoother than the previous and every landing on his feet and nice and gentle. The whole experience was good enough for him to sign up for a course so keep an eye on his progress.

In between flights Michelle (Suan W better half) and Adrian (Suan W's friend) came up on the tandem to experience some stunning views along the coast and over the county. Both were great passengers and had a good time enjoying the whole experience from start to finish. The colours of the grass and sea along with the sunshine made it more like summer than January.

Good also to see ex student Paul W out for some ground handling practise and a couple of tows to get his hand back in after long break before heading back to the hills.

The end of the day saw our new trainee winchman take the sticks out of daisy's hands to give me some running exercise on the hangy. A bit more practise and I am sure he will be fine ..........

Thanks to Suan W for the lovely piccies, put one in for the KHPA comp they are cracking

Making up for it Monday

2012-01-09T08:43:00.000Z

After Sundays disappointment we pinned our hopes on Monday and with the forecast / tides we opted to head to Chapel Porth where we hoped to catch the low tide for Charlies first flights.

On arrival the wind was ideal and with a couple of hours to go there was as yet no beach. By the time i had tested the air on Charlies glider the beach was opening up and by the time Charlie was ready there was plenty. With Kaz already up on her hangy and a couple of Paras hanging in the breeze Charlie went for it.

A cracking take off was followed by a couple of slightly wobbly beats the she settled in and was up and away getting smoother by the minute. Charlie had some lovely soaring before coming in and performing a classic top landing as smooth as you like, nice one. By the time the tide was on the return she had popped in a toal of three flights and accrued nearly an hours airtime and a big smile.

Next it was off to Perranporth where although the wind would be off there would be beach. Sure enough it was off and there was beach! I did a quick test flight finding it surprisingly lifty before Charlie gave it a shot. She did well in the challenging conditions soaring up and down but unable to get enough height for a top landing. A good decision was made to head to the beach where she performed a fine landing near the steps.

Tim and Kaz helped her up and with a second site under her belt Charlie cracked her hill endorsement. Great to see a 16 year out with her dad having so much fun. Keep an eye out for her on the hills and in the air. That's the first qualification of 2012 :)

Soaking on Sunday

2012-01-08T23:12:00.000Z

Early birds catch the worm and so it was at Perranporth with Kaz getting rigged and ready before most people arrived. Kaz popped in a nice flight on her hangy between a couple of mist banks before top landing as the next one approached.

Charlie was now ready and with conditions looking good it was just a matter of letting the next bank clear before she took off for her first soaring flight. In came the mist down came the drizzle and after a couple of hours we concluded it was in for the day.

Shame as once again there was a good turn out of both hangies and paras (some of which did manage to fly) and a shame because we have a lot of wet kit!

Tomorrow, fingers crossed.

Hanging in the wind

2012-01-07T23:53:00.000Z

Checking conditions or sniffing armpits ??

Gliders rigged and ready

A brisk NW saw us head to Perranporth for some hangy work and again it was good to get out. There was a good turn out of hangies with pilots arriving in a steady stream and the rigging area filling up. Charlie k (Winchester) was down to start her hangy Hill conversion having learnt on the tow with us at the end of last year. The plan was to get her used to the hill with a bit of tethering before letting her loose over the next couple of days.

We had a fun time flying her on the ropes and Charlie got the hang of it very quickly in ideal conditions which saw her floating nicely on her Wills Wing Eagle 145 giving her the chance to practice prone conversions along with "soaring".

Finally the wind eased back a tadge and with Tim K (Charlies dad) leading the way on his Atos and putting in his first flight since an interesting launch in St Andre gliders began to get airborne. It is fair to say that it was windy enough and as the direction moved more to the north conditions became more challenging.

Not everyone flew with the lighter pilots giving it a miss but those that did all landed safetly and enjoyed themselves. Hats off to Shad for driving from London for the day and thanks to Nigel W and Shad for their help on the tethers.

Lets hope tomorrow is a better day .

Dualling and Dolphins

2012-01-06T18:10:00.000Z

Amy soars high and spots Dolphins whilst Andy R rigs

Coming into land with Benan on board

Happy faces after some cracking flying

After such a long spell of windy and wet weather It was great to get out and up in the air again. Whilst the masses headed to Perranporth we chose Chapel as the forecast was for the wind to increase and back so as we were hoping to get some hangy tandems in that is where we went.

On arrival conditions were fine for paragliding although there was a little north in the breeze. By the time I rigged the Tandem the wind was on the increase and backing to come smack on as forecast, ideal. Whilst waiting for the tandems to arrive i took the opportunity of test flying a Rush 3 and was soon up around the 400' mark having fun, such a lovely wing. Spotting the tandems arrive it was back to earth where by now it was breezy enough.

Amy who had had her Dual flight bought for her as a birthday gift by her good friend Benan back in March was along and surprised her friend by returning the honor with a flight as a gift for Benen who's birthday is in two days time.

Amy was first up and after a good launch we were soon cruising the ridge in the smooth lift. With her eyes wide open Amy soon spotted something in the sea and to both our delight a pod of Dolphins (well possibly Porpoises) appeared and began playing in the surf. It was a real privilege to watch them surfing the waves and doing full front flips clean out of the water, amazing. For the full 20 minutes we had not only a cracking flight but also the best seats in the house for their aquatic show. Coming back to planet earth Amy bubbled with enthusiasm , she had waited a long time for the flight but what a cracker it was.

A short break then it was Benans go. Another lovely take off soon saw us up and away and having fun. Whilst the Dolphins had moved on the wind had filled a little giving better lift and the chance to play around with the glider. We had a fine time flying over the area where Benan has spent many hours but now seeing it from a very different aspect. A cracking landing rounded off the flight and it was big smiles all round.

Super to meet the girls and Richard their friend and super to see youngsters (18) out having fun and really appreciating their environment .

Andy R sneaked in a quick fly on his hangy as the forecast drizzle approached making our timing perfect. Lets hope for a few more days like this :))

Quote of the day "There's something you don't see every day!"

Like the old days !

2011-12-18T23:56:00.000Z

It was breezy at Perran, in fact very breezy! However thinking back 20 years ago it was the kind of conditions we used to fly regularly on gliders a lot less capable and harder to fly so I decided to give it a go. Sure enough it was a fun take off and picking the right moment was important, as was Big Gray's duck out of the way. Once up and away the T2 C handled conditions easily getting around at will and actually feeling pretty relaxing to fly despite it being bouncy.

Having floated about for a while and assessed the top landing options I decided to either beach land by the main Perranporth car park or to fly back over the camp and land by the entrance off the main road, that is the beauty of Perran it gives you options.

Forsaking the less windy beach landing I played with a a bit of lift and circled back over the camp arriving at the entrance 150' higher than I left the cliff. "S" ing off the height things got a little exciting near the ground, a combination of wind gradient and gorse bushes i think but the actual landing was fine.

It cast me back to when that is the kind of thing we would do at the end of the day just for fun along with giving some easy practise at both thermalling and out landing without having to commit to XC. So next time you are out and the end of play is coming think about it and get a little more out of your days flying.

Fitting it in at Perran

2011-12-10T23:50:00.001Z

Chris H gets to try out the Element

Steve M gets to try out his new Rush 3

Who is this man ??

Bunker Buddies

Coming back to earth, eventually !

It was an interesting day at Perranporth where the wind was up and down and switching around throughout the day, bit like the flying.

With such conditions timing was of the essence and luckily we got it pretty much on the nail through the day. Chris H (Sennen) was along to start his hill work to get him sorted into the BHPA having done various bits abroad and with some other schools. Chris managed to pop in four flights in total including 3 top landings and one slope landing. His first two flights were on his own wing which saw him zooming around the sky not very high making me a bit suspicious of the wing size. Not having a placard on it made me more suspicious so we popped him onto the Large Element which saw him floating around with everybody else making his life a lot easier. By the end of his flying he had got soaring nicely sorted and even managed to try out Big Ears a couple of times.

Russell s (Torquay) turned up after work by which time the wind was on the increase and by the time he was ready it was also backing to the SW so once again he will have to wait a bit longer.

There was a good turn out of pilots having fun and nice to see Simon C back in the air along with Mark F. Steve M got to try out his new Ozone Rush 3 which saw him way up there having a ball with the only problem as how to get down! Looks like his new wing has got the thumbs up already :)

Knocking it on the head in mid afternoon Chris took the chance for a bit of theory input and rounded off with his EPC exam so setting him up for the CPC next time out.

Birthday wishes come true!

2011-11-27T23:29:00.008Z

Lyndsey gets airbourne on the Tandem HG

Up and away as we head out into the blue

Cruising the ridge and chasing seagulls

A rare site as I get to fly my T2 C

Nigel gives his birthday present the thumbs up :)

We took the forecast on face value and headed to Sennen Cove despite it blowing nearly 40 mph when we left home. On arrival it was still brisk but ob the drop and by the time we had rigged it was perfect with lots of lift and a good direction.

A quick test of the air on my T2 C confirmed conditions were good so we wasted no time in getting Lyndsay A (Polzeath) up into the air on the tandem hanger, a birthday present he had been bought by his wife. We had a great flight using the whole of the ridge, playing with the seagulls, and generally putting the world to rights. Whilst up we could see others arriving and by the time we landed there were eight 8 other hangers rigged and ready to go. Lyndsay had a fab' time and proved to be the perfect passenger making life easy and the landing tippy toe.

With Kaz leading the way the others began to take to the air and soon several wings were up there having fun. Nigel W who's birthday it was and who had wished for a 18 to 22 NNW wind and sunshine as a present got just what he wanted and made the most of it. Nigel popped in three super flights on his Wills Wing Sport 2 looking far more settled than on is first flight on Tuesday and by the end of the day had added another hour to his airtime and gained his CPC hill rating. Congratulations and I am sure it was worth the wait.

Michel K dropped by and we took the opportunity to go up tandem so he could get back into hang Gliding and he did a fine job flying me around the sky giving us both much more confidence for his return to the sport.

A total of 10 hangers finally got to fly and nice to see Sam A back in the harness having fun along with the more experienced guys and gals.

As predicted at 15.00 hrs the wind eased back and out came the Paragliders so we took the slot to get Russel S up for his second soaring flight in what proved to be variable conditions. Russel did well managing to"top land" on his first flight whilst a sink cycle saw him on the beach on his second one, still he moves closer to his hill conversion. Several of the hangies got out their paras and had a fine time so getting to fly both in the same day as the conditions changed, ideal.......

Chris H showed us what he can do with his Paraglider on the ground and we look forward to getting him sorted into the system over the next few weeks and flying with him.

I rounded off the day with a final fun flight on the T2 C in nice gentle sea thermic conditions as the sun set having the whole ridge to myself . So nice to get back on that glider :)

A Carlsberg day!!!

Hanging out at Sennen

2011-11-22T23:30:00.004Z

Carez gets set to go at Sunny Sennen

For a change the forecast was spot on and we made the most of it. Arriving at Sennen at mid day it was still breezy enough and a bit north but by the time we had rigged it had eased a little and backed a tadge so being nice and flyable.

With three students along for hill soaring joined by Kaz and carez and myself it was again nice and sociable and even sunny and not too cold.

Paul l from Plymouth was first off on the student front putting in his fourth soaring flight having already done three at Chapel porth a few weeks ago. he made a fine job of it and had a great time flying the ridge before coming in for a nice top landing in the now empty car park, luxury.

Martin h (Bristol) who had made a long trip was rewarded next again with a lovely soaring flight on his Wills Wing Eagle and whilst it took him a few beats to settle in he made a fine job of it especially as it was only his second soaring flight the first of which was nearly a year ago. he did a good top landing which gave him plenty of practice at "S"ing off in the floaty conditions.

Nigel W (St Just) then got the chance to fly his local site on a Hangy for the first time and popped up on th Wills Wing Falcon to get his hand back in this being his second soaring flight on a hangy and again after a bit of a break. I guess he enjoyed it as we could hear him from the ground chuckling to himself as the sea thermals added to the fun. Not to be out done he also did a super top landing and looked very chuffed with himself .

Kaz and Carez were also having a fine time flying the whole ridge in classic conditions which saw Carez top out at 1000' ato with the help of the odd sea thermal. They both had a couple of flights and looked very pretty in the Autumn sunshine.

Back to work and the guys all went up for a second flight. Paul L this time had a go on the Calypso and took a while to settle into it but soon got it sorted allowing it to fly instead of racing around the sky, his top landing was a cracker and we look forward to getting him onto his own wing soon.

Martin H was far more relaxed on his next flight and had a great time as he clicked into seathermals seeing him well high and again giving him some useful practice on his top landing.

Finally it was Nigels turn to take up "Arrie" his 'ang glider (Wills Wing Sport 2) for the first time. A swift take off saw him away and some swift flying saw him scooting up and down the ridge. Bit by bit he relaxed into Arrie and was soon climbing p and away in the fun conditions. Despite a moment of excitement Nigel had a good time and redeemed himself with a super landing.

A nice day out with plenty done and congratulations to all especially Paul and Martin on completing their Hill CPC ratings and Nigel for finally flying Arrie. Looks like we may be back there on Friday :)

Vickle At Vault

2011-11-21T23:25:00.001Z

After a fun day yesterday we headed back to Vault to hopefully get Russel s sorted on his Paragliding hill tasks. As predicted the wind was lighter and as expected it was in a fickle mood which saw some pilots soaring and top landing, "just" and some soaring then "enjoying" a walk up from the beach.

The wind moved from the east to the south and whilst there was some fun flying to be had it was never good enough to put Russell up so he settled for some useful ground handling whilst the rest of us scrapped our backsides along the gorse!

Nice to see plenty out and a very socialble day.

More Varying at Vault !

2011-11-19T23:11:00.001Z

Vault bay held on to its reputation as not only being one of the most scenic of sites but also being one of the most unpredictable.

On arrival it was ideal hangy weather and whilst Carez enjoyed its delights I rigged the Tandem in preparation for Maria d who having had a taster day on a hangy had decided to find out what its like several hundred feet up. A good turn out of hangies arrived including several from the D&SC club along with some locals and ex students and all rigged. Paul L was along to hopefully complete his soaring tasks and with his wing ready to go I gave the air a quick test before popping back in on top.

Maria arrived and by the time we togged up the gliders in the air were scratching as the wind dropped and moved to the east, within a few minutes it was too light and off!

So change of plan and out came the Paragliders, we had a fun afternoon and Steve T took the chance of having a tandem with me along with Adam J (not at the same time) who had one as a birthday gift. They both had a great time in cracking conditions which by the end of the day, despite the forecast, had filled in again to become top end paragliding but by now all the hangies had long gone.

A bit frustrating but then again typical Vault and after 30 years i am getting used to it!

Something to fill the time

2011-11-19T09:40:00.000Z

Check out this link to get a brief idea of what the guys got up to in Algo' on the first week. Thanks to Andy Shaw for the editing and Simon for the footage. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcPZ6LcLk_0

Varying at vault

2011-11-12T11:54:00.001Z

Mon Hang Checks

Run Run Run

Off and away

Back on the ground Mon looks pretty happy with it all

The strange weather persists and after a bit of a break since our return from Spain it was good to get out and about again.

Arriving at Vault Bay Steve D had just landed his paraglider after a short flight during which the wind went fromjust soarable to too windy over a matter of minutes or so. However with the Orographic cloud coming and going the wind was as well so we decided to hang on.

Whilst Steve tested conditions again and got the Tandem Paraglider ready I rigged the tandem hangy to cover all bases. With conditions slightly mellower and Steve M up to test the air Steve D continued with his Dual rating on the Paraglider taking me up for a series of flights in what were challenging enough conditions. Steve did a fine job even managing to protect his passenger (me ) from the cow pats on landing, such thought and much appreciated.

With the wind picking up it was time for the hangy to go up and with Mon on board for a flight we had a great time playing with the lift, the seagulls and the clouds. Mon was totally amazed at the whole experience soaking in every aspect of the flight. We rounded it off with a nice landing along the road although we did have to wait for a gap in the clouds to find it!

Mon is booked in for a taster day next time out and it will be good to see how he gets on at the controls. Nice to see a few other faces out although a shame it was to top end for Russell to finish off his hill flights.

Algodonales Day 15 End of Play

2011-11-03T23:12:00.003Z

With Bill , Chrissy and Mike on an early flight they were up early for breakfast, on the other hand it may have been because Bill wanted to eat as many Golden Grahams as he could, the thought of leaving them behind was just too much for him!

They got away smack on time leaving things a little quieter and with the weather having broken the rest of us took it easy packing our kit. Heading to Malaga we took a detour into Olvera where we had a super bite of lunch and Michel mixed up hairdressing with being sterilized, not a mistake you would want to make!

Arriving in Malaga with plenty of time to spare we made the usual trip to the beach for coffee and chilled before heading to the airport. There were some pretty stunning but scary clouds around and once on the plane we made sure our seat belts were tight enough. As it turned out it was pretty uneventful and we all arrived at Gatwick in one piece.

So ended Algodonales Paragliding 2011 trip and yet another good one. We had plenty of flying from ridge soaring through evening floating to super thermalling. Everyone had a good time (well at least seemed to) and no one abused themselves (not that we noticed) and most achieved far more than they thought they would.

Thanks to all who came for both your company and your custom and it was great to meet and fly with some new faces who joined the "regulars". Next years trip is already booking up so make sure you get in early if you would like to join us. Adios ...................

Algodonales 2011 Day 14 Caves and Birds in Bathrooms

2011-11-02T23:29:00.017Z

The flag flies for the final time this trip

playing in the north landing field

Mike eyes up Bills breakfast

Not sure what this sign means

The girls and the cave

Chrissy explores the caves depths

Great dam shame it never worked

Bird in the bathroom

The forecast was almost a dead ringer for last wednesdays with a southerly wind picking up quickly to strong by mid day. We were up the hill early, first there but already it was blowing so we had some fun with Chris's power kite being dragged around and with the catapult trying to shoot the kite.

Others arrived and a challenge ws thrown down to the Fly Spain team on a shoot out. It went right to the wire and a "lucky" shot by Rob M from Fly Spain knocked the rock down, unfortunately I could not respond so we went one down in the comp' stakes.

On the way down we dropped in at the north landing field where the guys and gals put in an hour or so of very useful ground handling practice before even there it began to get a bit breezy and gusty. Back to the house for a fry up courtesy of Kaz and Gary then we split in various directions depending on individuals choices.

Somewent to the big supermarket, some to Moron, some stayed in the square and letched and some to the caves and Ronda.

A farewell meal in JJ's was a noisy affair with Bill and Mike demolishing the last of the meatballs, Johan must have run out by now, and the rest of us sampling the menu. Fly Spain team arrived full of it and challenged us to a spot of pool which despite a shakey start saw Cloud 9 hit back with a stunning finsh from Chris H to put them firmly in their place, nice one.

Back to the house saw a bit a of a late night drinking session on the 43 before everyone tucked up in bed for the last night. Looks like we wont have to wash the cars tomorrow ................

Quotes of the day " My poles bent at 45 degrees and I cant keep it up much longer" and "Bill will knock me up in the morning"

Algodonales 2011 Day 12 Cloudbase and beyond

2011-11-01T19:02:00.000Z

Another light southerly forecast so it was off up to Lijar main launch. On arrival it was off to the west but launchable off the SW side. Some were going up some were gomig down and some were going round and around. Bill was first off and worked hard to stay up but gravity finally got the better of him making the others understandably hesitant. With one car already at the bottom volunteers were required to fly down and Michel, Chrissy , Barry and Nigel stepped forward. They all showed the Spanish how to take off and Michel showed them how to thermal.

With reports of someone having deployed and landed under canopy near the gulley we did a quick pilot check and fortunately it was not one of "ours". A good reminder not to fly to near the gulley.

Whilst car one drove up car twoheaded to the west launch where it was smack on and looking good. Mike, Gary, Chris and myself wasted no time in getting into the air and were already climbing out as the others arrived. Pretty soon we were joined by the rest and everyone had some super flying with thermals to cloudbase and good lift making getting around easy. In fact a little to easy for Michel who wandered off down the valley and could not find the landing field. He finally ended up on the way to Olvera from where he was rescued by an unwary retrieve vehicle. I had a stunning time putting a couple of hours and exploring the full capabilities of the Delta, very nice.

Some of the guys went back up for a second flight having landed in the notice board field which in Chris's case gave him his best flight ever as he flew with a Vulture nearly sitting on his lap for a full 10minutes, guess it had seen some of his landings and thought there might be an easy meal coming!

By the end of play everyone had had a ball and thanks to Bill even Kaz joined in the fun at the end of the day. With a very dubious forecast coming it was a good day just when we needed it.

The flag flies again this time at Lijar main launch

Bill makes new friends and possibly new students for us

Three stooges at Lijar

Gary sets off from the west launch

Mike joins him

...and finally Phippsy

Quote of the day " we will give you a 2 for your landing" followed by " thats more than I would give for your take off".

Algodonales 2011 Day 12 Airborne radio and radical launches

2011-11-01T08:22:00.000Z

Things begin to get busy on the main launch

Gary and Nigel make a fine pair off launch

Wheel chairs and Wave clouds

Chrissy looks forward to getting up there

The Circus moves to the west launch

Need I say more .......

Well what an interesting day, light SSW winds forecast and bright sunshine, yummy. As we headed up Lijar wave clouds were evident and the trees were blowing, hmmmm. On arrival at launch gliders were already flying and staying up although it was breeezy enough.

The guys got sorted and just as well as the Germans arrived in force and things got pretty busy. Taking up residence to the left hand side we got ourselves a good spot and one by one the group got going. Conditions were challenging resulting in a few miss fires from both ourselves and our neighbours one of which saw Bill ducking quickly to miss a pair of size 10 boots! Nigel joined the bush club piking one of his very one as opposed to visiting someone elses but was soon out and ready to play again.

By the time they had all gone bar Mike who decided it was all a bit manic and reports from the air and landing field did litle to encourage him to risk the take off I was a nervous wreck. However those that flew had a good time bouncing around in thermic/ wave conditions. In fact it got so bouncy for some that my radio that Chris had taken up with him in his leading edge fell out never to be seen again.

After about an hour or so the first ones decided to head down to land and we went to pick them up. Gary stayed airborne and had a fun 3 hours before a large cloud got to friendly with him making it all a bit rock and roll and uppy so he too called it a day.

We made a return trip up the mountain and Bill managed to sneak off the west launch and glide out meet the vultures then circled up to 1000' ato before heading off to land complaining that it was a bit bouncy still up top. Michel could not get off with his reverse launch and was convinced not to try a forward as Chrissy also joined the bush club, she who hesitates is lost......

We gathered the troops and headed down for an " early" day whilst pilots rushed to the main launch to get a late flight as darkness drew in. Looks like a similar day tomorrowbefore we go sightseeing.

Quote of the day " I nearly Sh*t myself then I looked up and it was gone"

Oh by the way guys Peter le clerk was Petula Clark ........... makes it more challenging. Thanks for you post mark much appreciated.

Algodonales 2011 Day 11 Ups and downs and in betweens

2011-10-30T23:58:00.038Z

Setting up at Lijar main launch

Thats the way to do it, nice one Barry

Nigel follows suit with a classic launch

Chrissy climbs up

... and away

Bill claims Ronda for Kernow

Chris hot and sweaty after his training run

Cloud 9 with the JJ team

It was back up the main hill where hopefully the thermic wind would overcome the light ENE forecast. Sure enough on arrival it had and with some staying up already the group kitted up for what looked like it would be a cracking day.

Chris H was first off kind of by accident as it turned out but made a fine take off but missed what lift there was and was soon heading out. The rest picked their moments as the hill began to fill with some staying up and some going down. Bill Chrissy and Mike all had a good go at it with Chrissy coming out on top and having a ball. Michel held back waiting for better things and Gary reconfirmed that too much brake does not help at launch .......

By the time we had driven down and back up things had changed with the wind coming pretty much over the back, the dust devils kicking in and still some trying to take off!

We looked at our options and decided on a trip to Ronda where we found it nicely soarable on arrival. Michel myself and Bill wasted no time in getting in the air and found nice bouyant conditions with some super smooth thermals if you were lucky :). However by the time the rest were ready some cloud moved in covering the sun and the lift died resulting in Michel on top Bill at the bottom and me in a bush in between!

Mike and Gary both made valiant attempts and managed short soaring flights before landing at the bottom of the slope and finally Bill and myself flew down to the road to check out the options for future visits.

Anothet long day but some good flying and everyone getting some airtime, can't be bad

Quote of the day "Hey Phippsy do you want me to rub some cream on it"

Algodonales 2011 Day 10 Castles and Thermals

2011-10-29T23:19:00.016+01:00

Gary gets set to go ... where though ??

The guys and gals join the flock

Nigel W gets away when it is breezy enough

Tandem Passenger plays catch the shoe

..and wins!

Bill sets up the camera for the group photo

...and does a fine job

Mike practices his Brake dancing

Classic evening magic

Another bright and sunny day with a NE forecast saw us return to the big M where it was spot on and pretty much flyable from the time we arrived. Whilst some of the guys lingered a little some cracked out their kit and as ususaly Michel was up and away first. As more pilots arrived it set up to be a busy day so organisation was the key. The wind filled alittle until despite the forecast it bacame breezy enough and a little too challenging at launch for some of the group.

Gary joined the bush munchers club and permitted us to use our well honed skills from yesterday to extract him. I took the opportunity to get a flight inand check the conditions as things seemed to moderate a little and had a fun time flying with Michel Nigel Bill and Chrissy in nice thermic conditions allowing us to fly the whole ridge and out to the castle on the hill and back, great fun.

With things easing off it ws back to earth to get the rest off and what a fine time they had flying right intot the evening in the calssic lift as the thermals finally died away. Everyone did good landings despite the nil wind conditions at the bottom.

It was a late night back followed by Kaz and myself dressing up as Witches, you dont wanrt to ask........

Tomorrow looks like a Lijar day but we shall see.

Quote of the day "nice meatballs"

Algodonales 2011 Day 9 Montellano Magic and Munching

2011-10-28T08:03:00.000+01:00

A light N breeze forecast saw pilots spread out over various sites, we opted for Montellano and had it spot on the nail with conditions getting better and better as the day went on.

A quick site briefing from the bottom for those that had not been there before then it was off to the top to get going. Conditions were light but everybody took the opportunity to get a settling in flight down and sort out their forward launch and light wind landing techniques. A swift turn around saw us back at the top as things improved a little. The guys launched again with most making a second extended top to bottom whils Michel climbed away to cloudbase to complain of the cold!

Bill made an unexpected landing during a momentary larpe of concentration as he waved to Michel and eneded up in a large bush or small tree depending on your view! Whilst the others played myself Mike and Michel helped Bill out and amazing his glider and lines survived in fine shape so we left hin to sort out the tangles aided by Chrissy.

Gary gets rigging on Montellano

The guys check out what needs checking out at launch

The lift starts to work, wheres Bill gone..........

Classic sky, clasic lift , classic day

Mike set to go and looking up for it

The evening lift mellows and the sky fills with wings

Conditions were really kicking in now and everybody got into the air to enjoy them, even Bill having sorted his wing got back up there and could be heard all over Andalucia announcing his return to the air.

As the sun lowered the evening lift kicked in and the guys flew until they had had their fill, whilst some mixed it with the masses Mike sneaked off to one end nad had a great time exploring lift and his glider before coming back to the landing zone.

Nice to see everyone in the same filed at the end of the day and everyone smiling, great day and a typical Montellano one, more of the same tomorrow ??

Hey Mark, Andy, Simon and Graham who is Peter le Clark ?? as pronouced by a frenchman......

Quote of the day "I think my bush is bigger and more prickly than J's"

Algodonales 2011 Day 8 Ch ch ch changes

2011-10-27T23:12:00.001+01:00

Changeover day is always a strange one but this one was easier than usual as it was raining so putting flying out of the picture. The guys who were leaving us packed their kit then spent the rest of the morning trying to loose all of Simons photos, fortunately they failed.

We headed off to the airport late afternoon with the celebrity name game still going strong all the way. Sorry to see the guys go after a good week which saw all of them have some super flying and making the most of their time with us. Be good to see you again guys, thanks for behaving and thanks for coming.

The usual problem of finding my way to arrivals eneded when I managed to shout to the newcomers to come up to departures where I picked them up. Heading back to Algo' the skies looked pretty dark and on our arrival it wa plain to see that it had rained very hard indeed. Nigel W, gary V, Chris H and Michel K all joined the two weekers in JJ's to form the team for the coming week.

Lets hop it starts off with a good day tomorrow

Algodonales 2011 Day 7 Early Birds

2011-10-25T23:19:00.013+01:00

Simon rigs the kit

Bill complete with landing field windsock gets set

Andy concentrates on his launch

Mike floats up and away

Oldest Swinger in Town (and Mark)

An Ant with attitude

The forecast was increasing winds and it to be blown out by mid day so we made an early start and were up Lijar by 9.30. The guys cracked on and in nice smooth conditions Bill led the way off the SW launch and showed that even at that time of the day there was some lift around. Everyone enjoyed a fun fligyht down with some finding bits of lift as they flew out and around the gulley.

A swift turn around soon saw them all back at launch and with the weather holding off time for another go. This time the lift had kicked in and the advice was not to get too high and keep an eye out for increasing wind then to get down. Everyone got away cleanly with no vistors to Jackies bush.. Mike soon found himself going up alittle more than he wished to and employed Big Ears and speedbar which after a sustained effort saw him finally descending.

One by one everyone landed as the wind picked up with everyone in the main field except Mike who made his first mini XC mainly backwards.

Back to the house for lunch and by 14.00hrs it was blowing . The afternoon was filled with a visit ti Zahara, the obligatory vist up the castle and playing with the exploding seed pods which gsve Andy and myself a full facial.

Evening meal in the posh restaraunt, a bit of a wild night in JJ's where Bill high on 1.5 litres of Agua kept the whole bar entertained with his antics. It was abit late back but with tomorrows forecast we were not too worried.

Algodonales 2011 Day 6 Two Seasons in One Day

2011-10-25T23:17:00.033+01:00

The guys have the sky to themselves as we get going at Ronda

Barry flies by the windsock

Bills bush,nice but not quite as nice as Jackies

Mark floats past launch at Ronda

Hill 47, well actually Teba, spot the condom

Team photo under the flag

Mark ready to go back at Lijar west

Mike enjoys the evening lift

Andy gets down as dusk closes in

Spoilt for choice the hardest decision was which site out of four to go to. We opted for Ronda la V whilst others headed to El Bosque, Lijar and Teba so spreading everyone out.

With the wind smack on the guys wasted no time in getting set up with Bill leading the way closely followed by Graham. With the wind and thermals picking up the local school moved on leaving plenty of space for all. Soon the sky was full of Cloud 9's pilots having fun in chllenging enough conditions. Mike gave it a miss being a bit lighter on his wing which proved a wise move as the wind picked up.

Mark and Andy had a ball honing their ridge soaring skills and Mark "popped" in his first top landing after having survived a heavy sink cycle which saw a few slope landing. There was even a little mine clearance going on a rare sight indeed.

By early afternoon things were getting top end and with the thermals banging through and an overcast sky to the west we decided to make a move and have a look at Teba. On arrival the wind was smack on but strong so we did a site brief counted the condoms and flew the flag. The wind eased and promptly backed to the west so it was back in the cars for a long shot visit to Lijar west on a wing and a prayer.

Just under an hour later the guys were rigging on launch with conditions having just got flyable as we arrived, aren't we thelucky ones. Wasting no time the guys all launched to enjoy some cracking evening flying both with each other and the Vultures in super lift. Mark demonstrated the reverse reverse take off method, eat your heart out Michel. As the sun set Mikes sink rate kicked in seeing him well up there and wondering how to get down. By the time I drove down some of the guys had landed, some in Pauls cafe field and some in the Notice board field, although Andy determined to make the most of it was still a speck in the sky. Finally Kaz called him down as the light faded rounding off a cracking day flying wise for all.

Quote of the day "yes I know which way to turn"

The guys went out to celebrate and we have not seen them since.......................

Algodonales 2011 Day 5 R&R&Ronda

2011-10-24T23:03:00.001+01:00

The forecast was pretty much spot on with a wet and windy start to the day so we had a chilled time recovering from yesterdays exploits and travelling. The guys fiddled with kit, emptied sand out of gliders inspected friction burnt lines and generally amused themselves in all sorts of ways.

By early afternoon things startd to brighten up a little and as the front passed the wind veered so we decided to have look at Ronda V on the off chance. Whilst kaz's car went straight there Phippsy's car took the scenic route due to too much thought going into conjouring up Muffin the Mule, you kind of needed to be there.

Not suprisingly it was windy at Ronda and whilst the Vultures were having a ball playing with the lift and cloud suck flying Paragliders did not look like a wise move. We sat it out until 19.00 when to be fair it did moderate but we decided to give the small slot a miss and head back so Andy and myself could head off to get some replacement lines made up to replace his damaged ones.

A quiet day and just what we needed to recharge ready for a better forecast tomorrow......hopefully!

Quote of the day "its like a mine field" if you have been to Ronda V you will know what they mean !

Algodonales 2011 Day 4 A Day at the Seaside Paragliding

2011-10-23T23:31:00.015+01:00

The sight that greeted us on arrival, guess its flyable then

Simon sets off to join the fun

Andy gives it his best shot and gets close

15 Km of dune stretch off into the distance

The two weekers take it easy

Andy (I think) searches for a headset (I think)

With a breezy SW wind forecast in Algo we opted to head north west to the Coast for sun Sun, swimming and hopefully Soaring. It's a fair old drive so we occupied ourselves in Car 1 playing highly interlectural games revolving around famous peoples names and how "hot" they were if they were female including Susan Boyle courtesy of Mark. Car 2 dealt with the time in a different manner which in fairness was probably more beneficial to them in the long term!

Up to Seville then hang a left then left again and we finally arrived to bright sunshine a brisk SW wind and plenty of Paragliders in the air. It was a bit on the brisk side but Graham K and Simon M wasted no time in getting in the air from the shear edge launch. They worked their way along the low cliffs then edged onto the high dunes and headed west along a 15 k ridge run.

Andy and Mark gave it their best shots but with limited experience on Paragliders and no experience of such conditions settled for some ground handling practice on the beach. Having worked up a sweat they joined Kaz for a swim in what was deemed to be a very acceptably warm sea.

I took the opportunity to have a fly and launched from the beach skimming along at 1' above the sane before lifting up and heading off. Following the track of Graham and Simon who had now returned I could appreciate to scale of the site and the fine line that you had to fly in such conditions, great fun. having seen some pilots blown back and others walking back up from the beach many kilometers from launch and civilization you need to keep your wits about you to avoid to much exercise....

With everybody safe and sound we headed home via the senic route through the waste lands that did a good impression of a North African desert for a late meal at JJ's some good laughs and a solid nights sleep after a pretty full day.

Quote of the day "You woudn't, would you ??"

Tomorrow looks like a rest day, not a bad idea after a day like this one.

Algo day 3 Rain in Spain ??

2011-10-22T21:45:00.001+01:00

Bill Rush's to rig as the thermals kick in

Mark heads out to play

Mike does what Mike does

Chrissy and Bill celebrate a good flight and the Rush 3 :)

That is what was forecast with only a brief flyable slot possibly in the morning. You guessed it we were up there and ready at 11.00am. Conditions were breezy, overcast and even a touch of dampness, still we remained positive. Possibly alittle too positive as lightning began to flash around us! 11.30 saw us head back down to sort out the new lodgings and have a spot of lunch before heading of to do some sighseeing.

However by the time we were sorted things looked brighter and the winds lighter, hmmmmm lets head up and have a look. On arrival it was very light and still quite bright so the guys wasted no time in getting set up. Once again Bill led the way and after a very sinky spell dissapeared around to the east Graham K followed then Chrissy and one by one the rest some went down some went up and Bill and Chris took the honours with some super flying which encouraged half ofAlgo to head up the hill! Simon took the opportunity to stroke Jackies bush as opposed to going fully into it, lucky he trimmed it yesterday.

Kaz and myself headed down to pick up the troops and by the time we returned to take off there were plenty of gliders in the air. Everyone had a second flight with Barry h taking the honours this time as he soared up in the thermals having to pull Big ears to get away and down and then having the added bonus of out flying myself as we worked some low level stuff above the landing field. BIG thanks to Chrissy and Bill for driving the cars down so allowing Kaz and myself to fly.

An unxpecte end to a day which we had pretty much written off, lets hope tomorrows forecast is just as wrong!!!

Quote of the day " why go up when you can go down" .................

Algo 2011 Day two Thermals and Turmoils

2011-10-22T21:28:00.001+01:00

The guys and gals at the top waiting to play

Phippsy fires the Catapult as Kaz tries to impress Mark

Bill starts the day off

Bill heads out in bouyant but bouncy air

Happy bunnies after some cracking flying by the tree

Well what a day it turned out to be. With the guys still settling into Algo life we managed breakfast even if boiled eggs were off the menu due to cooker inoperatives. With everyone on board we headed up Lijar based on a forecast of brisk winds due to ease back as the days went on.

Sure enough it was breezy on top so Parawaiting ensued, bit like in the UK except that it was warm and sunny! The Catapult came out showing a new star in Mark W who with the advantage of longer legs not only had the power had the accuracy to go with them. Simon wanted to see Jackies bush, which attracted quite a lot of interest , not surprisingly, and having grown since last year deserved a little trimming.

By 17.00 things were looking a bit better although still breezy enough and a bit gusty. However Bill decided to give it a shot and proved both his capability and that it was still rough enough as he popped up and down on his flight. Finally he arrived in the landing field in challenging conditions and made a fine job of it.

No sooner had he landed than the wind further eased and the rest of the guys rigged up. One by one they took off into ever improving conditions and one by one they went up. Soon the sky was full of wings having fun with the team mixed in amongst them. Everyone had a fine time with the old hands and the newbies enjoying the abundant lift. Mark and Andy both relatively new to Paraglidining although both experienced Paramotor pilots got to grips with free flight and were soon thermalling up and away.

Graham and Chris both more experienced made light work of it to enjoy some super flying. Barry H was first to join Bill having managed to avoid the lift but still had a fun time. Mike C had a ball getting his first thermalling experience seeing him hundreds of feet above take off and thousands of feet above the ground before rounding it all off with a first class landing.

Even Kaz got to join in the fun as we found a spare driver for her vehicle and looked pretty pleased about it.

By the time I arrived in the landing field some of the guys were coming in whilst others were still up there playing and one had top landed ( inadvertently). With everyone safetly sorted it was a happy band that opted for JJ's with tales of daring do and some just do.

Quote of the day " it's better than sex" it was not me that said that Kaz,honest.

Another day tomorrow with a forecast that may make it a challenge, but we like challenges....

Algo 2011 day one Frosty to Toasty

2011-10-20T23:42:00.006+01:00

The guys set up on the west launch for an evening flight

Graham K his catalouge pose

Off and away into the sunset

Simon M forward inflates in fine style

Simon gets away

We left the UK with the cars covered in frost and arrived in Spain to blue skies and the tempeture rising all day and the sweat running! At Malaga airport Kaz, Barry H, Graham K and myself met up with Andy S, Mark W and Simon who had flown out on seperate flights before picking up the hire cars, which went remarkably simply for a change, and heading to Algo'.

The customary supermarket shop for stocking up and we were off again arriving at Algo mid afternoon. Accomodation sorting, brief chilling out then it was off up the hill for those that wanted to pop in an evening flight. Checking out the landing fileds on the way it was plain there was enough wind at the lower levels.

Take off was a different story with the wind much lighter. Still the guys got sorted and all were soon off and away for for a top to bottom some quicker than others as the lift dropped off. Graham A was in the notice board field whilst Simon, Mark and Andy all opted for the "Cafe" field.

Back to town for a freshen up then off to JJ's where we met up with the rear guard party of Bill N, Christiana S and Mike C who had just arrived along with various talesof their journey (Bills getting old).

Fun evening nice food and good to see some old friends then off for an early night. Lets see what tomorrow brings........................ Photos to follow hopfully

Last of the summer wine ??

2011-10-16T23:59:00.000+01:00

Well no wine out in the field but it was certainly like summer out there. With a light NW breeze we had a fun day getting going early to make sure those present got sorted some having come a long way.

Charlie K (Winchester) got things moving on her "new" glider a small Wills Wing Eagle and quickly got in tune with it although the up rated glide performance did give her a few challenges. Charlie worked steadily through the day finishing off her CPC tasks including slow flight appreciation and stalls before concentrating on her landing skills, which are pretty good although sometimes just a few feet to high........ By the end of the day with 10 flights under her belt she was sorted and we look forward to taking her to the hill for her first soaring flights on our return from Spain.

Matt F (Porthleven) was along for a taster day on the hangy and had a fab time making it all look far to easy . His groundwork laid good foundations and by early afternoon he had his first hops and by late afternoon he was off the tethers and flying across the field in fine style with a big smile. Be good to see you again Matt and with your kind of ability it would be a shame to see it go to waste!

Whilst the others were playing Keith B (Dartmoor) was getting to grips with his new toy. Straight out of the box he got some ground handling in on his new Dudek Synthesis paramotor wing before taking to the air with it for its maiden flight. Despite not getting back into the harness he had a fine time enjoying the extra performance and lighter handling than the training wings. Both take off and landing were good and his smiley face said it all on landing, nice one.

So well done to all and lets hope we get some more days like it before the winter really comes along

Perfect for Paul (and Daisy)

2011-10-12T17:20:00.000+01:00

11.00 saw us at Chapel Porth with the orographic just above the hill, 11.15 saw me in the air with the cloud lifting to a few hundred feet and the beach a good size. 11.30 saw Paul L up and away on his first soaring flight on a hanger as the cloud moved away and conditions improved to near perfect.

Paul had a great flight settling in quickly and his confidence building with each beat in the plentiful lift. 15 minutes later and he came in for his first top landing making it look easy to round off his first flight of his hill conversion.

Next off was daisy on his Sport 2 and trying out his new Tenax. After a brief rest paul joined him and in slightly different conditions had to work a bit harder as the wind moved off to the south a bit reducing the lift available. Another 15 minute flight and Paul slipped in for a top landing although a slightly generous turn saw him short of the normal area.

Daisy landed for a harness tweeking and was soon off again as the wind swung back on and picked up making it better than the first time so Paul again joined him in the air. The wind steadily filled in and whilst the lift increased penetration for Paul on the Falcon started to become more challenging so he popped back in for a nice top landing giving him a total of 45 minutes airtime and three flights for the day as the tide returned over the beach.

Daisy kindly offered me the use of his glider for a view over the top of the returning orographic and what a super flight i had taking her up to just over 1000' before playing around with the clouds and then slipping back down to land.

Well done to Paul who looked pretty pleased with himself another good day should see him sorted. Sorry NW that you missed it but I am sure you are due an absolute cracker soon.

Blown Away

2011-10-08T23:25:00.000+01:00

Marie gets set to go on her first flight

Joni gets the hang of it, nice hand position

Marie takes control as the ropes go slack and she smiles

Joni gets high as he cracks it

Oliee gets set up for a tandem flight as Joe and Donna look on

Taster day group, less peachy and Kaz!

Well not quite actually but some of our customers were with their experiences. On a brisk WNW forecast we headed to Perranporth where we met up with Joni S (N.Devon) and Marie D (Exeter) who were along for taster days on the hangy, already on site and rigging were Carez and "Steve from Oakhampton" out to make the most of it.

With the wind a brisk 24 -26 we got things going doing the theory and glider rigging whilst the other guys braved the air proving it was indeed windy enough! Next it was a little ground handling at the back of the slope to get the feel of the glider before popping on the tether ropes. Late morning saw both Joni and Marie getting their first flights in super conditions giving them plenty of lift and time to get used to flying.

Lunch time saw Scott P arrive for a Tandem flight which he had for his 40th birthday and in classic conditions he had a ball enjoying the flight, soaking in the views and having a go at flying the glider. Nice to see the family come along to watch and enter into the whole experience.

Next we took a trip to the front with Nigel W hoping to get his second soaring flight in and his first on his new wing. Conditions were still blowy and after re assessing conditions we decided to give it a miss and wait for better times.

The taster days guys got back on the wing and having let their previous experience soak in progressed nicely taking more and more control and looking more and more relaxed.

Early afternoon and Joe, Donna and Ollie turned up for tandem flights in celebration of Ollies 40th and what a great time they had. Ollie was first up followed by Donna then Joe, they were all great passengers and all a pleasure to fly with appreciating the whole thing and sharing in each others flights at take off and landing. We must have done something right as they are coming along to the tow field next for some Paragliding flights.

The day rounded off with Joni and Marie having some final flights and both ending on a high note with some good flying despite the even breezier conditions. In fairness they both did really well taking in the instruction and it was a delight to see them progress from "passengers" to "pilots" through the day, well done guys it was fun to have you along.

Nice to see Trev H (Torquay) and Andy R (Fourlanes) join in the fun on their hangers and Derek trying out his new small paraglider and having fun, if you want one just give us a bell and you to can fly with the hangers.......... thanks to Peachy on the tethers and Nigel for his help with the tandems.

Super Sunny Sunday

2011-10-02T23:49:00.012+01:00

Charlie gets off on the Mars nice and straight

Emil does a classic launch and checks his canopy

Tim works his magic as Emil climbs out

Charlie heads to the top of the line

Tony returns to planet Earth after a Tandem flight

Charlie rounds off the day with a super approach to land

After a few frustrating days where the wind would not play ball things got better in fact much better! With a light SSW wind forecast we headed to the field where it was just glorious. Whilst Kaz and Bill got Rodney (Rodders from Porstmouth/Moushole) and Emma A (Exmoor) going I took Charlie K (Winchester) and Emil K (Somerset) on the winch. A couple of test flights on a Wills Wing U2 145 which we had done some work on proved both the air and the glider to be fine (anyone interested in a very very low hours U2 145?).

Next off was Charlie on the hanger and after a few flights on the Condor (Hang Glider) to get her hand back in she moved onto the Mars as she finished off her EPC tasks looking nice and relaxed. Emil joined in the fun and followed suit on a Paraglider and also wrapped up his EPC tasks making and ideal situation. After a briefing session they were both ready for the big one and with Charlie leading the way they headed to the top of the line. They both made it look easy and had great flights with Emil building in his first taste of thermalling along the way! That set them up for the rest of the day as they moved into their CPC tasks putting in a good two days worth of flying over their Twelve and thirteen flights respectively, well done guys.

Lunchtime saw us have a short break before Tony R (Torpoint) turned up for a Tandem flight on the Paraglider having bought a voucher at a charity auction for the Air Ambulance that we had donated. Tony had a great time enjoying the views including watching the paragliders flying at Godrevy and amazing views along the coast.

With the wind filling in a little we took a break whilst Charlie took and passed her EPC theory exam, well done and we packed away some of the kit. Like clockwork by the time we were ready the wind eased again and it was time for the day oners to get going. Emma and Rodders both did well fling across the field at heights up to 60' and both landing on their feet most of the time! They cam back with big smiles making all the hard work well worth it and looking forward to coming back in the future.

Emil and Charlie used the last two lines of the day to round towing off in a perfect way. Nice to meet Emils mum and his son Zac, hope they enjoyed the day as much as Emil did!

Rodney G (Falmouth) got in the air on his Paramotor again but unable to get into his harness kept his flight short and made his landing less than perfect, think he needs to come around and we will set it up for him in the BIG shed.

All in all a great day, well done to all including Tim J on the winch for some super towing.

Hanging out on Monday

2011-09-26T23:40:00.012+01:00

Dave gets the attention on his first day on the winch

By the middle of the day Daves looking good as he flies the field

Dean gets set for his first high flights on a hangy

Paul l sets off as a qualified HG tow pilot

Dean back from the skies sets up a super landing approach

After our trip away to the canals up north it was good to be back out in the field and getting some training going again. After letting a weak front pass over in the morning we hit the field at midday and were soon up and running with three hangies out to play.

Dave d Newquay was out for his second day (his first in the field) after having a day at Perranporth just over a week ago. His previous experience paid off and we soon had him on the tow and flying across the field nicely. The tethers came off and by the end of play he had put in eleven flights and moved well into his EPC with release flights and turns to his credit and a big smile on his face. Another good day should see him to the top of the tow line :)

Next off was Paul L (Plymouth) who had a fab day tidying up his CPC tasks, take offs and landings and looking very smooth by the end of his 12 tows. Paul is now fully CPC'd on the tow and it will be off to the hill when conditions permit although you may well see him in the field to keep his skills up in the meantime.

Dean F made a return to the "Dark side" and despite some pre light nerves he had a super day settling back in quickly and moving into his CPC tasks with high flights basebar and prone conversions taken all in his stride. His 12 flights saw him looking very comfortable again and it would be good to get another day in before he disappears off to work for another couple of months!

A nice day out with everyone getting loads of flying in and where they wanted to be. Thanks to John for the piccies and hopefully Daisy enjoyed his mushrooms ............

Fresh on Friday

2011-09-16T21:45:00.000+01:00

After yet another visit to the dentist I dropped out to Chape Porth on the Bonnie to meet up with Kaz who had already arrived with the truck and the gliders. Nigel W was already rigging and the Tandem was not far behind. Conditions were smack on at 18 -20 so all looked good for both Nigels second soaring flight and the three Tandems we had booked in.

By the time I took Nigel's Sport 2 up for a test fly things were getting breezy and by the time I landed they were a bit breezier. By the time Nigel put his helmet on they were breezier still and by the time the Tandem passengers said hello they were very breezy!

We put things o0n hold for an hour after which the wind had eased back to fresh from strong. Taking the slot Di D (Oxford) came up for a Tandem flight and we had a fun time saving holiday makers from being cut off by the tide whilst bouncing around in the less than smooth conditions, Still Di had a whale of a time totally amazed at the whole experience. Landing in a wind now a lot stronger than we took off in gave my arms some exercise but was tippy toe all the same.

Despite hoping for another lull it was not to be so unfortunately Di's wife Amanda missed out as did Ollie and Nigel, sorry guys but there is always another time.

Thursday theory

2011-09-15T21:37:00.001+01:00

With the wind forecast to pick up as the day went on we made an early start in the field with Keith B(Dartmoor) on the Paramotor. By 09.30 Keith had popped in 3 nice flights to complete his CPC tasks and enjoyed every minute of them as he soaked in the views from 1000' plus.

The Hangies arrived at 10.00 and duly rigged whilst i attended to some running repairs on the bike. By 11.00 it was breezy and bouncy so after a few test flights we decided to concentrate on the theory and see what the wind would do. Mid afternoon saw the guys take their exams and much to their delight they all passed so congratulations to Dean F (Falmouth), Paul L (Exeter) and Keith B on gaining their CPC theory and particularly to Keith who is now a qualified CPC Paramotor pilot, nice one.

Whilst Tim and myself had some fun both flying and winching conditions remained on the edge for the guys so we called an early day, frustrating but not a total waste of time as I would rather do theory when it's not flyable then when it is !

Perfect at Perran

2011-09-14T23:12:00.000+01:00

Well what a fine day it turned out to be after such a windy spell and no surprise there were plenty out to enjoy it.

On arrival it was still fairly blowy at 20 -22 so we took the chance to pop in a Tandem flight on the hangy with Dave d (Newquay) who was along for a taster day on the hangy. Dave and myself had a lovely flight along with Paul h and a couple of paragliders who braved the top end conditions. Ending the flight with a nice landing was enough to convince Dave to take up the sport so his Taster day quickly turned into day one of his EPC.

Next we rigged the Condor and soon Dave was getting his first go as pilot in command. By the end of the day he was flying sweetly "down the top" on tethers and looking good, he even remembered to take his arse with him once or twice.......

With the wind easing back the sky got busy with Paragliders enjoying the smooth lift. Steve D (Chairman) arrived and we wasted no time in getting the tandem Paraglider out to crack on with Steve's tandem training. We had a fun time popping in the take offs and landings as Steve perfected his techniques. Five flights sees him half way through the practical stage so hopefully another good day should see him sorted.

Dougie (Plymouth) popped by on his Mantra M4 and showed us just what it can do by floating around at the top of the stack although to be fair Mike on his delta was not far behind

Russell S (Torquay) arrived as things quietened off and after a hill brief and some ground handling to get him used to the hill he was off on his first hill flight ever. Russell did a fine job putting in a good 10 minute flight before the lift dropped seeing him on the beach. Despite a couple of "moments2 he did well, learnt a lot and even managed a smile!

A super day to be out and nice to see so many there, thanks to the tether guys, Bill, Shuan, Addie and Kaz for their help. Lets hope its the start of an Indian summer.

Quote of the day " only if i have got roller skates on"

Perfection

2011-09-02T23:27:00.004+01:00

I just love it when a plan comes together and today was one of those days. With a cracking forecast and plenty to do we met up in the field at 09.00 only to find it fogged in! Still whilst viz was poor we made use of the time carrying out the Tow brief for Dave C (Lankashire) who wished to add towing to his hill paragliding ratings. By the time Kaz arrived with Richard B (Tavistock) who was along for a taster day on a Paraglider things were looking better and the wings were coming out.

Still the weather played tricks with the wind being fickle and giving us the run around until nearly lunch time with only a few tows getting going . Then it cracked, the wind settled the sun shone the clouds popped up and we were away. The guys had a great day getting nicely organised making the tows flow. Dave C completed his tow endorsement having fun along the way and even some nice thermalling and Richard B had a super taster day ending with some lovely flights across the field and a very smiley face, be good to see you again Richard.

Meanwhile Steve W on his second day had a cracker (as soon as he relaxed) and moved all the way through his tasks putting in turns and rounding off with his first high flight and circuit to start his CPC , well done Steve.

Russell S had a fun day towing high, playing with thermals and practicing landing approaches in preparation for the hill and by the end of play was looking ready for it, nice one.

With the paraglider boys all sorted or worn out and the day calming down it was time to get the Paramotors out. Kieth B (Dartmoor) was first up and did a great job on the school kit putting in 3 super flights to add to his one previous and looking pretty good on all of them. An excellent experience for him adding reverse launching to his forward technique so giving him total versatility, another day and he should be CPC'd not bad in just 5 days.

Rodney G was next off and did a fine job of running on his first launch all the way till he lifted off, brilliant not even the hint of a jump! Rod had a nice flight circling the field to bring to fruition his efforts over the last two years which despite a few set backs (not flying ones) has seen him stay focused and determined, fantastic. Rods second flight was even better and a super stand up landing saw him finish off the day in near perfect fashion.

So despite a dodgy start it came together with everyone exceeding expectations and getting where they wanted to be. Thanks to Tim (winch) Bill and Kaz for all your efforts in making it happen so smoothly ;)

Like clockwork

2011-08-30T23:33:00.001+01:00

It was really back to work with a fun day in the field booked and a bit of nearly everything going on.

Steve W (Bideford) was along to start his Paragliding course whilst Marcus Kelly (Pembrookshire) was starting Hang Gliding with a view to power flying. They were joined By Emil K (Dawlish Warren) EPC Paragliding, Kieth B (Mortenhampstead) Paramotoring and Chris B (Plymouth) keeping his hand in on his Paraglider.

The day one boys worked well despite a very light breeze during the morning and both were looking good as lunchtime approached. Kieth B after a little ground work popped the power unit on his back and practised ground handling with it and did a fine job building both his and my confidence. Emil and Chris popped in some tows with Emil progressing well into his EPC building in turns and smoothing out his flying whilst Chris got back into the swing of things.

Mid afternoon saw it all going on with Steve and Marcus getting on the tow and both doing really well rounding off their days with release flights and both looking like they had the basics grasped, well done guys.

A couple of demo flights on the Paramotor and it was Kieths turn. After a couple of aborted launches he was up and away circling the field at 600' and having a ball before coming back to land in good style with one of the biggest grins i have seen for a long time!

Add in to the mix a couple of tandem flights one for Mark (Redruth) who had it as a birthday present who had a great time and may well return to learn so keep an eye out for him and the other with Chris's son Lucas who just loved it and was scared at the same time, still he really enjoyed it and can fully understand why Chris does it.

Good day all round and a nice way to get back into the groove.

No peace for the wicked

2011-08-29T23:25:00.002+01:00

Well i don't think we are that wicked but whist driving back from Dover the phone rang asking weather we could finish off Karen M's (Bristol) hill conversion as things looked good for Monday and she was down till then.

Indeed the weather did look good so after some chores and unloading on Monday Morning I hopped on the "Bonny" with paraglider on my back and headed to Sennen where things were pretty good. After a quick demo flight Karen was soon up and away playing in the moderate lift. Top landings needed attention as the car park was full so landing on the front was required but with a little guidance Karen quickly cracked it. Two flights later she was sorted and fully CPC'd in both hill and Tow so now she can go flying with partner Dave who we taught on his hanger a few months ago.

Not wanting miss out i had a final flight during which Karen joined me as a qualified pilot and did a fine job consolidating her skills. Safe flying for the future guys and hope to see you again soon :)

Send us some piccies dave ....

Fun and flying in France part two

2011-08-29T23:03:00.002+01:00

The second week we moved base to St Andre where the British Nationals were taking place along with the French nationals so making a comp of nearly 100 pilots.

Arriving on Saturday afternoon gave me the chance of a warm up flight which was fun and bouncy with lift up to 10,500' reminding me of just what St Andre can be like! The comp started on the Sunday and with a first class forecast the classic task of Dormilloes / Chamat was set. Conditions were great with some of the smoothest 8 to 9 up climbs I have ever had taking us well up to the 12,000' mark. An easy run saw us past Cheval blanc and into the amazing area beyond where the fearless go low and I stay high! Racing along the ridge to the end a short climb and its out to the turn point, well that's the plan.

Whilst circling up I spot a glider way below in an area where I would not want to go and doing manoeuvres I would not want to do. Next thing its upside down and a parachute is popping out only to get hooked up on its A frame, Still it stabilises and descends landing on a scree slope at the base of a cliff. Whilst pilots tried to climb high to get radio messages through to base i head out into the valley to land and get on the phone, the pan works and the pilot gets rescued by helicopter although his glider still remains there. Not a dissimilar start to the last time I was in St Andre for a comp!

We get two more tasks in both with some stunning flying and even higher cloud bases giving amazing views and glides, with no other problems to land for i make goal both days one back to laragne and the other a flight from Lachens back to St Andre.

The "down" days are taken up with swimming, wind surfing, kayaking, tree climbing and generally relaxing, nice............... Jenny who flew home on the Monday was replaced by Da (Dad) who had a great time mixing with the pilots meeting lots of new friends and plenty of old ones. Kaz flew her Paraglider and we met up with Michel K and Mike C who were passing through along with Pat and Kat B on their 3 month honeymoon! A Great party rounded off the week and my legs still ache from the dancing or was it the 5k run to get fuel having run out on the Peage on the way back?

Another good week making it a very special holiday altogether only wish more of the family could come,
next year??. Picccies to follow I hope

Fun and flying in France Part One

2011-08-20T23:27:00.014+01:00

Girls in the Gorge

The water fall and play pool

Up the hill putting the tandem back together

Campsite cooking

Lakes and mountains, perfect

The first week on our "summer holidays" were spent in the Laragne area which is a super spot for flying, gorgeing and generally having fun. Accompanied by jenny (daughter) we took a trip down memory lane as whist we ar regular visitors jenny had not been there since she was 5 some 20 years ago.

The weather was great the water warm and the air full of gliders what more could you ask. Jenny and myself took the opportunity to get some Tandem flights in on the hanger both off Chabre and Aspe which were both fun and exciting! Much time was spent in the Gorge swimming , chilling and dam building as well as a bit of "sight seeing"........... On the Friday team Kernow popped into the campsite so we headed up the hill to get a flight in before heading to St Andre. Tim, daisy and myself had a fun flight off Chabre landing back in the campsite after which the guys headed off to St Andre whilst we had a final night at Laragne.

A lovely week in a lovely place with lovely company, looking forward to going back there next year.

Super Sunday

2011-08-14T07:54:00.008+01:00

Nigel W soars high on his first hill flight whilst Suan checks the breeze

Happy Nigel back on the ground, pretty chuffed and so he should be :)

Hangies get ready to fly as we get ready to leave!

With a ferry booked from Dover at 22.00 things were on a time schedule but with such a good day forecast we decided to make the most of it. Arriving at Perranporth at 08.30 things did not look so good with rain and wind! However, soon enough the skies cleared the wind settled and whilst a bit breezy for the Paragliders it was spot on for hangies. After the mandatory demo flight a nervous looking Nigel W stood on the edge for his first go at hill soaring a Hang Glider. He need not have worried after a super take off he settled into the flight with sharp turns turning into smoother turns as he cruised the cliffs. 30 minutes later and after a couple of practice runs Nigel came in for a lovely top landing so rounding of a cracking first soaring flight with a big smile :), well done hopefully the first of many.

Next it was up with the Tandem Hang Glider taking Smooth Bob's nephew Kester up for a lovely flight in lovely conditions. We had a fine time playing with the air, chatting, and generally putting life to rights before popping back in on top.

We must have done something right as Kesters wife Amy then decided to give it a go so after a short rest we were off again in super conditions, despite her nerves Amy had a fab time quickly relaxing into the flight and enjoying every minute of it. Rounding off the day with a super landing and big smiles it was a quick derig including short packing the tandem and off home to finish packing before heading to Dover then across the channel.

Great to see so many hangies out having fun, sorry could not stay to fly with you but hear that all had a fun time:)

Frolicking at freathy

2011-08-12T23:52:00.010+01:00

Andy S gets going on his first soaring flight at freathy

Andy (left) and Bill N (right) have fun in the sun as the weather clears

Happy Andy all sorted at the end of his holiday :)

Despite a drizzly day down west we headed east to Freathy where we hoped it would be a bit drier and less windy so that Andy S (Buckinghamshire) could complete his hill Paragliding conversion and that i could test out Nigel W's 2new" Sport 2 155 hanger.

Luckily the gods were with us and on arrival the cloud lifted and after a handy demo' flight by Bill n who was already on site Andy S was ready to go. He popped in couple of short flights to give him practice in take offs and top landing before the cloud lowered and the wind increased. i took the opportunity to try out the Sport 2 and had a fine time zooming around at an ever lowering cloudbase! what a fun glider :)

The cloud lifted and the wind eased allowing the Para's back up and Andy put in his third flight of the day racking up another 30 minutes or so before coming in as the wind increased and exploring the limitations of Paragliders and wind! Congratulations to him on gaining his CPC Tow and hill on the Paraglder during his two week holiday and hopefully we shall see him again soon possibly in Algo on our October trip (which still has a few places in you are interested).

There were some other fun and frolics on the site involving sheep and brakes but you had to be there to appreciate them.

Spain at Sennen

2011-08-09T23:08:00.011+01:00

Testing the air on the Delta, just lets you go anywhere :)

Sennen was just glorious and looking its best with bright sunshine and the wind smack on the hill. The only downside was a car park that was full so making top landings tricky and a beach that was small (the tide was in) and full to capacity so leaving only a small area for bottom landing!

Still on arrival i nipped in a quick flight on a hangy sneaking back in on top as the car park filled, but by the time Shad was ready to go on his new Sport 2 the wind had eased and the car park filled, still we sorted out his hang loops and bits so he is fully ready to go next time out, let us know how it goes Shad and his family had a great time on the beach!

With the wind a bit less we entertained ourselves on the Paragliders as the lift came and went and perfected our slope landing techniques both with lift and without it. Rob M (Fly Spain) was over hoping to do some towing with us but had to settle for a lovely days surfing and flying instead pinching my Delta for some fun flying.

Kaz gets some in at Sunny Sennen

"Unknown pilot" shows off new line in flying footwear

same "unknown" pilot

Andy S uses up the day and gets soaring

By late afternoon the car park was clearing the tide going out and the beach emptying so Andrew S (Buckinghamshire) got his chance to hill fly paragliders. After a spot of ground work to check him out he was off and away for his first hill flight. Andy had a super evening putting in three lovely flights, one beach landing and two excellent slope landings to wrap up nearly an hour and a half airtime! With the Sun setting we called it a day and left a near deserted car park.

Malcolm in the middle

2011-08-06T23:52:00.001+01:00

Well not in the middle but pretty close beside me as Malcolm P (St Ives) came up for a Tandem flight on the hanger at Chapel Porth. Nice to be back there so soon and again great conditions for Hangies although a bit breezy for the Paragliders as the day went on.

Malcolm had a great flight in classic conditions taking in the very different views of the cliffs and cows as we flew above them. We had a great time chatting and picking out various landmarks before floating back in on top for a first class landing.

Good to see plenty out with the Paragliders making the most of it before the wind filled in and Tim J and Kaz P representing the Hangies. Thanks to Shad C for letting me test fly his nice new Wills Wing Sport 2 155 which we assembled on the hill, such a lovely glider yummy, hopefully we will get Shad up on it over the next few days.

Two for the price of one!

2011-08-05T23:43:00.002+01:00

Elliots view as we soar the cliffs at Chapel

Elliots mums view !

Back on the ground after a super time

The forecast kind of put us between Chapel and Perran and between Paragliding and Hang Gliding as it turned out we picked both the wrong options to start with but turned the day around by being at the right place at the right time with the right kit by the end of the day!

Starting at Perran it was a bit off and a bit breezy although not so windy that Andrew S did not get his first go at ground handling Paragliders on the hill. We had a fun hour introducing him to the hill before things went further off the hill and increased. At that point we opted to shift to Chapel with the tandem hanger.

Conditions were much better and it was not long before Elliot turned up for a flight as his 18th birthday present. In cracking conditions we were soon up and away having a ball over a stunning crystal clear sea. It was not long however before we spotted some rain on the way so nipped in before it arrived. As it turned out it did not rain but cloudbase came down to meet the land so a good decision made. A short wait and it cleared then we were off again to top his experience up and had another super flight with the added bonus of some seal spotting, great!

Glad you enjoyed it Elliot and hope you had a great time on the rest of your action packed holiday in Cornwall

Powering Up

2011-08-04T23:36:00.000+01:00

We headed to the field mid afternoon with the Paramotor to meet Rod G (Falmouth) for some fun with fans on our backs! The wind was pretty light but with some high cloud coming in we hoped it would calm the thermals down making conditions more mellow than the morning.

i gave rod a couple of demo' flights on the school kit and was pleasantly suprised at the amount of smooth thermals around allowing me to circle up with the enging off and drifting away from the field before restarting to head back, great fun.

Rod decided to give it a miss as with the light wind take offs and landings were fast enough and for his first go not ideal. Still a fun time and nice to get back in the air with the power pack on my back!

Nicker bocker Glory

2011-08-03T10:14:00.000+01:00

Kaz gets the day oners set to go

Richard r leads the way with a nice launch

Andy C takes it all in as he sets up for his first flight

Young Nick does the right thing to bring the canopy back on line

Trev H demonstrates a perfect "Nodding dog" as he is silhouetted against the skyline

Nick C (mature Nick) looking pretty chuffed after his high flight and completing his EPC

What a fab' day in the field with some super flying going on and some excellent progress being made. In super conditions Andy S (Buckinghamshire) completed his CPC on the tow having started it yesterday although to be fair he does have lots of Paramotoring experience, still he has worked well and now looks every part a "free" flyer. Kieth B (Dartmoor) also made good use of the winch finishing off his EPC tow and moving into high flights in preparation for Paramotoring which he will start next time out.

Meanwhile Kaz and Bill worked hard with the Taster Day / Day one boys getting them sorted and ready for the tow. Richard R (Warickshire), Andy C (Paignton), Nick M (Yelverton) and Trev H (Paignton, yes the same one) all did a fine job and by early afternoon were ready to go flying.

Nick C (Stithians) joined them on the winch and had a cracking day getting into the groove and completing his EPC tasks in fine style then rounding of his day with a high flight to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine and view, well done Nick :)

The Day oners all had a good time and as their tows progressed each one improved ending with some excellent flights and landings and only one jump between them, well done guys. We shall no doubt see Trev again as he adds Pg to his HG skills and hopefully we may see some of the others too when time permits.

Nick C and Kieth B both completed their EPC exams so gaining their qualifications, congratulations guys.

Rodney G (Falmouth) got back in the way of Paramotors with some ground work with a unit on his back and we look forward to his first flights soon.

Great weather great day great company, and that includes you Peachy.....

Peachy

2011-08-01T21:32:00.000+01:00

Kieth B looks suitably impressed as he gets set to go

Russell a fine figure of a man in a perfect pre launch stance

Kieth off and away as he moves deep into his EPC

Andy S gets into Paragliding

The forecast was for a misty start but hopefully clearing by midday so we opted to delay things by a couple of hours which proved a wise move. Arriving in the field the wind was very light but cloudbase was on the rise and by the time we really got going the wind filled in to a near perfect breeze and the air became very buoyant to say the least.

Andrew S (Buckinghamshire) was along on holiday to hopefully add paragliding to his Paramotor skills and had a great day showing us what he could do whilst picking up the different techniques between the two disciplines. He worked hard and by the end of the day had put away 10 tows with half of them to the top of the line and shown us all the instability tasks so putting in a super position to get both his Tow and hill rating this week if the weather plays ball.

Kieth B (Dartmoor) returned and also had a cracker of a day moving close to completing his EPC tasks and looking very pleased with himself. As Kieth is aiming to fly Paramotors another day should see him to the top of the line then its time to get the Power unit out, watch this space!

Russel S (Torquay) made the most of the day putting in 10 flights and completed his CPC flying tasks as he Big Eared, Asymmetriced, Speedbarred and Actively flew through the day as well as sharpened up his spot landing Skills. A bit of sweetening up and it wont be long before he is off to the hill.

Nick C (Stithians) put in a bit more time on the Paraglider but took and early bath again so keeping his feet on the ground.

Lawrence O (Brixham) was along for a Taster day on a PG and looked pretty chuffed with himself as he went from zero to hero learning the basics before getting onto the line and putting in some super flights all of which ended in near perfect landings. thanks to Rachel for buying him the experience you may just have started something off.

Rodney G (Falmouth) popped in to show us that he could still ground handle his paramotor wing and hopes to be back in the swing of it tomorrow when he brings his power unit along to try out.

Good to see Tony P out in the field and in the air, thanks for your help on the bike, did someone really say you looked like Steve Mc Queen, oh no that was Tim they were talking about..........

Return of the tasters, and Nick

2011-07-30T23:44:00.011+01:00

The start of a beautiful day as the guys get ready to roll

Dave R on his Taster day flight gets it together

Steve T on his second day out gets hooked :)

Nick C gets attached and ready to go

Jack E works his way up the line on his second day with us

A glorious summers day in the tow field saw lots of happy faces and a few sun tanned ones as well! Pleasantly busy would be the way I would put it with Dave R (Plymouth) along for a Taster day with a view to taking up Paragliding to compliment his Kite boarding, Nick C back after a year long break to carry on with his EPC Pg, Paul L (Plymouth) on the Hanger cracking on with his CPC and Steve T (Luton) along with Jack E (Polzeath/Southampton) coming back after their taster Days having had so much fun looking for more.

Whilst the Paragliders got set up and the boys sorted out their ground handling Paul got onto the winch and moved nicely into prone flying as well as sorting out his landing technique making use of the quiet period.

Jack then joined us and moved deep in to his EPC tasks mastering release flights and by the end of the day turns as well so pretty much completing his EPC in 2 days, oh to be young again.
Steve (featherlight) T joined in the fun and also cracked release flights and gentle turns so having a cracking second day with us and making him more determined to return in the near future and it will be great to see him. Steve has had a cracking week in Cornwall learning both surfing and flying and enjoying the super weather, i get the feeling that heading back to Luton i not top of his list.....

Next Nick C got back into the air and after a recap flight was ready for release flights but somehow they never quite happened, maybe next time, still he had not forgotten everything and by the end of play was pretty much back where he left off.

Dave R who had been working hard all morning joined the winch que in mid afternoon and was soon off across the field for his first flight. Despite a hop skip and a jump Dave soon had it cracked and was looking good by his third one with a super landing to boot. Dave must have a good day as by mid evening he had let us know he is up for more and we look forward to seeing him again.

Also nice to Alan P along and thanks for the flight on your glider dad, it still flies just as nicely as it ever did :)

Missing Pictures

2011-07-28T15:24:00.000+01:00

So Sorry about no piccies but not only piccies missing but also Camera........someone somewhere has "aquired" Kaz's camera along with piccies from last Blogs. Still although a real pain in many ways not nearly so bad as some of the things that have been going on in the world.

Will sort out something soon to get your smiley faces back on the blog...

Mist o meaners

2011-07-25T23:10:00.002+01:00

No it was not really that bad but it was misty! With a forecast to clear up as the warm/occluded front slowly passes by we went for it and with three taster day paragliders on it was always going to be a chilled day.

Setting up in the field we wondered if we had done the right thing but by late morning things improved nicely just in time for the guys to get to grips with their wings. Steve T (Luton) , Trev R (Twickenham) and Christopher G (Truro) all worked well getting used to the canopies and working up a sweat in the humid conditions so losing a few pounds as an added bonus!

A welcome rest for lunch saw the sun pop out in amongst the rolling banks of mist. Still by mid afternoon the hand tows were out of the way and the guys were ready to fly. Trev led the way followed by Steve and Christopher, Coadys theory that one in three would jump into the air was up held but I am not saying which one it was.....

Each flight saw them improve and by the end of play everyone had achieved some nice flying and even some nice take off's and landings were in amongst them. A nice relaxed day for us and a nice relaxed group to be out with, we gave the tandem tows a miss as the view would have been limited to say the least but we may get them out on the hill if things are good over the next few days.

Jack, Russell and Kieth

2011-07-24T23:21:00.004+01:00

Despite a bright forecast it was low cloud and mist in the field but not quite low enough to stop us from working! Jack E (Stanstead) was along on his 16th Birthday for a Taster day Paragliding something he had wanted to do since the age of five! Kieth B (Dartmoor) was back for his second day and to hopefully get in his first flights on the winch having missed out yesterday and Russell S (Torquay) was along to continue into his CPC training also on a Paraglider.

Whilst Russel sweetened up his ground handling Kieth and Jack got going on their canopies and were soon looking good both in reverse and forward launch. With the day forecast to get mistier we cracked on and by early afternoon got the guys onto the winch. Kieth put in his first tow flights in fine style with some enthusiastic air running so definitely not a jumper. Jack proved to be a total natural and that youth is on his side by being well in line for student of the year award. They both had some great flights and Jack rounded his day off with a release flight in front of the family who turned up to watch.

Meanwhile Russell was grounded due to the low cloud base so made use of his time by completing his CPC theory and exam which he passed and learnt some useful bits along the way. Amazingly no sooner had he finished than the sky opened up allowing him to pop in some high flights so move a little further into his flying tasks, another couple of days should see him pretty much there.

a lovely day as it turned out and so nice to see someone achieving their ambition, quote of the day "that was one of the best days of my life" :-))

Floaty in the field

2011-07-23T20:26:00.003+01:00

Tricky call to make Field or hill as both looked like goers but we opted for the field knowing that Perran would be busy.

It was a lovely day and with a mixture of Hangers and Paragliders something for everyone was to be had. Whilst Kieth B (Dartmoor) got started on his first day with the aim of Paramotoring and Matt A (Bodmin) played with his Paraglider on the start of his second taster day Paul L Plymouth got flying on the hanger.

By lunch time Paul had finished off his EPC tasks and moved nicely into his CPC ones with high flights and circuits and making a fine job of them too with some super landing approaches to arrive near to the windsock every time. By now Matt had joined in the flying and after a refresh flight moved into release flights with no problems at all.

After lunch tings got a little more lively with a super cloud street over the field creating regular lift. Paul popped up on the line and had a job getting down and learning just what turbulence is on the way. He did a grand job both on and off the tow but proved it was a bit too much for the Paragliders. Things looked like a test flight was needed so I took the Falcon up and had a great time bouncing around up to cloud base then floating around the field at base for the next 20 minutes or so before it was time to land and do other things.

Based on this we decided to hold fire on flying for an hour or so and whilst the Paragliders ground handled Paul took his EPC exam and passed with flying colours at 100% so gaining his EPC qualification, nice one.

Kieth took an early bath as conditions were still lively enough and he had a long drive but Matt and Paul stayed on. No sooner did Kieth leave the field than things got better and Paul was back in the air rounding off his day with base bar conversion and still perfecting his landings. Matt finished off his day with higher flights and gentle turns seeing him getting up to 100' and loving every bit of it.

A good day all round and topped up by Kaz sneaking off early and getting some excellent soaring at Perran where the "guys2 had been flying all day so fun for all :)

Heading up on the M4

2011-07-22T23:59:00.001+01:00

Dougie and his new toy

Very sleek Dougie slips through the sky

Well after a breezy day with a NNE breeze and a chilled out day Dougie M (Plymouth) arrived late afternoon to pick up his new Ozone M4 Paraglider. We are pleased to have Dougie on board and flying Ozone. Having taught him to fly 4 years ago Dougie has thrown it all at the sport and moved deep into XC flying so when looking for a new wing he checked them all out and went for the one with top performance, excellent ratings, and top reviews whilst still certified for mear mortals!

Amazingly just as Dougie arrived the wind mellowed a little so we headed to St Agnes to see what it was like. It was good despite still a little on the top end. After a preflight check the crispy new wing was soon in the air with Dougie performing a first class launch, not bad seeing he had never flown one before. i soon joined him on the Delta and we had a great time playing with the lift and seathermals although the M4's extra speed certainly made me feel slow.

Dougie looked very relaxed on the wing and his landing comments summed it up " this thing does not have a down button". add to this the fact that he fells it is more responsive yet less twitchy than his previous DHV 2 Artik and it sounds like the ideal package for him. Keep an eye on him on his blog to see what he gets up to on it.

4 up at Sunny Sennen

2011-07-21T23:03:00.013+01:00

A gorgeous day for Tandems at Sennen Cove if you picked your time

Tim takes the last tandem of the day

Its a family affair, happy faces on a fun day out :)

Well actually there were more than four pilots there but we did take up four tandems on the Paraglider at what was a very Sunny Sennen Cove. With a moderate to fresh NNW forecast we headed off full of hopes for a full on day for the hangers but on arrival things were noticeably lighter and the forecast increase never happened.

Plan b swung into action and out came the Paragliders but even then you had to pick your time. Still much fun was had and the Edmundsen family down on holiday from Stanstead, well very near to it had a great time as one by one they came up for fly on the Paraglider.

We had a some super flying cruising the length of the ridge and spotting the local land marks including various houses that daughter Rachel had stayed in over the years! Working our way up through the weight range luck was on our side and by the time we got to Tim the lift filled in nicely to give just what we needed when we needed it, after a super 20 minute flight we popped back in on top only to see the lift dissapear and with it a couple of pilots to the beach!

Good to see a nice crowd out and despite being frustrating for the hangies they did have a very plesant day and nice to meet Trev H's mum, please come again.

Morning Charlie

2011-07-14T23:35:00.002+01:00

Charlie sets off for another flight

looking good and "off the line"

Another stand up landing rounds off another nice flight

A good mornings work, Oh to be 16 again!

With a lot to try and squeeze into a "day off" we were in the field bright and breezy with Charlie K to get her a few more flights in before she headed back to Winchester and we headed out to sea!

In cracking conditions Charlie rattled off 12 flights seeing her move from low level flights on the hanger through to release flights and onto 150' release flights with turns building up all the time so putting her close to the end of her EPC and putting a big smile on her face.

It was a strangely relaxed morning and Charlie did well to keep going on her own not something everyone can do. Thanks to Paul H on the winch it all seemed super smooth and we were done by 11.00 giving Charlie and Babs (mum) the rest of the day for "girly" afternoon and myself the rest of the day on the boat, magic

Unlucky for some ...

2011-07-13T23:24:00.000+01:00

i hate putting the date on things when it's the 13th but in this line of work it does not pay to get superstitious! Another early start saw Nigel C and myself in the field in sunnier conditions and lighter winds. Nigel popped in a nice flight enjoying the morning light and judging his landing to the extreme so saving a walk.

08.00 and I was out of there on the "Bonnie" and off the the dentist where all went well so back in the field by just gone 10.00. Nigel was joined in the field by Charlie K (Winchester) back after a Taster day some weeks ago on the Hanger and Russel S (Torquay) on his EPC on the Paraglider.

Charlie was soon back into the way of it and moved off tethers and into low level flights nicely having a great day and setting her for release flights next time out.

Russel S had a fab day finishing off his EPC (congratulations) before starting off his CPC and popping in his first high flights. Russel did a fine job even as conditions got bouncier as the wind did a 180 and the thermals kicked in.

Nigel C had a less successful day with an aborted take off stopping play but at least giving him time to complete and pass his CPC power exam as did Simon G so giving him his CPC power rating and making him "legal",

Camera Back tomorrow..... promise

Early Birds

2011-07-12T23:19:00.000+01:00

With a forecast for increasing wind and dampness moving in we were up early and down the field by 06.45 to catch the slot with Nigel C on his Powered Hang Glider. After the usual bit of tinkering to sort it out and a demo' flight to prove it can be done Nigel was harnessed up. Powered take offs are different and take a bit of getting used to but with an act of faith letting himself "push" through the A frame Nigel was up and away for his first powered flight. By 10.30 with the wind picking up and dampness in the air he had popped in several flights and was getting the hang of it.

Looks like we will do the same again tomorrow...

Completing Nigel (s)

2011-07-11T23:09:00.001+01:00

More fun in the field saw Nigel W (St Just) complete his CPC tow on the hanger and his second XC as well! He had a fun day popping in the high flights and practicing his spot landings in a relaxed atmosphere, well done off to the hill next.

Nigel was joined by Nigel C (Wiltshire) on the tow who was refreshing his tow rating before having a crack at powered hang Gliding with a Booster unit. Nigel C started off a little fast on the tow but soon relaxed and got back into it looking smooth by mid day so ticking all the boxes and being ready for the power phase.

Sarah B (Newquay) came along for an assessment day having done some training in France and wanting to get into the "British" way of flying. She worked hard through the morning in the increasing breeze playing with reverse ground handling something she had not done in France.

Simon G (N. Devon) was along with his Paramotor for an assessment day and proved that he was well above CPC level although a few extra tips may help him out in his power flying. Simon was joined by Geoff H (Honiton) also on his paramotor enjoying a few days in |Sunny Cornwall.

Nice day nice guys nice weather

By Mid afternoon things were getting on the breezy side and with the wind veering to the NE we started to pick up some turbulenece so knocked it on the head.

Field play

2011-07-10T23:12:00.000+01:00

It's always good to get back in the field and what a nice day it was to get back in there. We had a mixed bag on with Nigel W (St Just) and Paul L (Plymouth) on the hangers, Matt A (Bodmin)on a Paragliding Taster day and Big Gray A (Torrington) on his power unit.

Matt worked steadily through the morning with the paraglider getting the basics together and making a fine job of it. Meanwhile Nigel and Paul got onto the Falcon for the first time and kept me on my toes between them with various antics but nothing we could not deal with! Big gray did what big gray does and after a bit of super glue repair he took off for a stunning flight playing with the clouds and having a ball.

By lunchtime the wind had filled a bit so we took a break hoping that things would settle a bit. Whilst the conditions didn't the hangies did and on their return to the air they were different pi;lots making life much easier for both me and Tim the winch. Big gray went and played with a mini cloud street on his power unit and Matt practiced reverse ground handling on a small canopy as the breeze was still enough.

Mid afternoon and things calmed down again allowing Matt onto the winch and he put in 3 cracking flights across the field each one better than the previous to round off his day with a huge smile, watch out for his second day coming soon.

Nigel and Paul both had a good days putting 12 flights each seeing Nigel pretty much at the end of his CPC and Paul his EPC well done guys.

Big Gray went home all smiles pleased at his flying and doubly pleased with his new wooden prop for his Booster, call if you need one!

Looks like a good week ahead so will try to get the camera back for some piccies

Coastal Cruising

2011-07-09T22:16:00.000+01:00

What a nice day it was and after a brief visit to Perranporth where the wind was well off to the south we headed over to chapel porth where it was smack on. Catching it just right we wasted no time in rigging the tandem hanger and in what seemed like no time at all Christine M (Bristol) was up and away for her flight that was bought as a birthday gift by her children. Chris had a great time as we cruised the cliffs with the seagulls and watched the waves far below. A sweet landing rounded off her flight and it was big smiles all round, thanks guys.

Chris P (Scotland) was also down on holiday and took the opportunity to get himself assessed on his paraglider and into the system. We put him through his flying instability tasks and the CPC exam to make sure and to tick the boxes then Chris enjoyed the rest of the day flying as a qualified pilot. having met Chris at the BOS series and him winning the club class it was no great surprise that he was on the ball.

After some fun flying on the Delta which made easy work of flying to Porthtowan and back and then topping out in some weird lift it was back to work as the tide receded and Karen M (Bristol) arrived. Karen popped in a super soaring flight as both conditions and beach joined forces to get her only a couple of flights from finishing her Hill conversion. Despite having not flown for 6 months she made it look easy and did a near perfect landing back on top.

Mixed in with helping Jerry on his tandem get him and his son jack into the air it was a fun day and great to see Jack enjoying himself with his dad as we left the site .

Marvellous Mid Wales

2011-07-06T09:22:00.000+01:00

Day one take off at the Mynd

Morning tea in the campsite, what a view of the Mynd

4 hours clipped in and it can bacome a bit tiring

Gliders lined up at Bache, guess which one is mine?

Picking up 3rd overall and pretty pleased :)

June 29th till the 3rd saw us away to Mid Wales for the final round of the British Hang Gliding Series (BOS) based near to the Long Mynd.

Day one saw us head up the Mynd where under a lively looking sky a 114k race to goal was set. Conditions were bouncy and pretty soon a large gaggle of us were hovered over the back and out on course. Despite good looking conditions things changed rapidly with plenty landing in the first 20k. Still I flew a good first section before making a silly move (radio suck) and getting myself into trouble so landing at the 55 k mark. Frustrating as i should have known better but there you go. Only two flexis made goal so not a disaster but still disappointing.

Day two saw us head north to Langollen where we had interesting conditions (rain). Still managing to get away with the first group just as the rain arrived we were rewarded with some fun flying on its leading edge before having to glide into the next band which blocked our course. Another frustrating day as I just missed the lowest of saves on exiting ( well nearly) the rain and watching Geoff Brook (ex student) climb out from 150' to make goal, one of only two flexi's and win the day, WELL DONE GEOFF.

Day three and four saw us sit four several hours in nice weather on the Mynd and Bache respectively more frustration !

Day five was back at Bache with a 106k race via two turn points (Ludlow and Shrewsbury) back to base at Lydbury North. Tricky to get off the hill and tricky to get away but several of us managed it and the fun began. Again a good looking day quickly turned tricky and gliders were landing at regular intervals. Four hours flying saw me land just short of goal (170meters to be precise) for a final bit of frustration! Still it was a lovely if challenging flight with some great views of both Ludlow and Shrewsbury.

A cracking comp, a cracking camp site, some cracking weather and great company, good to see the Kernow boys out at play. The result, Third overall in the series so really can't complain :) Well done also to Grahm May (Daisy) on his 2nd place in the club class and Graham A for his 4th place.

Top of the morning

2011-06-24T20:16:00.000+01:00

Nigel gets an itch on the way to the top

Jason in action and looking good

Paul L ready to go

Nigel G sets off nice and level

Wings level landing in the right field from Nigel W

The guys were keen and the forecast not so good but with light winds forecast to pick up at lunch time we went for it hoping to get a few hours in before the winds came.

8.30 saw us setting up and we were towing by just after 09.00. Whilst Nigel W (St Just) and Paul L (Plymouth) shared the Mars Jason M and Nigel G (Exmoor) used the Condor. With a bit of organisation everybody cracked on and the tows flowed nicely.

By the end of Play Nigel W had popped in 7 high flights, converted to the base bar and done his first XC, Paul L had fallen in love with the Mars and worked out how to turn it. Jason had pretty much sorted out where he was struggling by a process of elimination and Nigel G had enjoyed himself and lost his fear of heights. 12.15 saw the gusts come in so we knocked it on the head with 30 tows on the log so not a bad day as it turned out.

When fruit turns nasty

2011-06-23T23:20:00.002+01:00

What a fine day it was for hangies at Perranporth with a steady 22-24 mph breeze all dayand the wind pretty much smack on the nose.

Geoff B was down from Devon to have a crack at his Dual (Tandem )rating on a hangy making it a fun day for me......After a nice flight as passenger with myself where geoff got the chance to fly the glider and experience whar passengers experience it was role reversal and my turn to sweat.

I need not have worried although geoffs first flight as pilot in command was a little tense he soon relaxed and over the next five flights he became "one" with the wing. It got to the point whre even I relaxed too and nearly stopped talking! Nice one Geoff and well done now go and have fun with your girlfriend !!!!!!!

Whilst the Tandem was out we sneaked in a couple of flights with Adi C and Ray M both frustrated Paraglider pilots who had a funtime finding oput how the other half do it.

Nice to see Sam A put in an appearance and do a fine flight on his hangy as he builds the airtime after qualifying a month or two ago. Also good to see Paul, Gay and Carez making use of the surperb conditions.

Lovely sand crop circles on the beach and a discussion on things to shoot added to an already interesting day, sorry no photos flat battery. Hope Primal scream were good Jackie and Simon.

Slotting it in on Sunday

2011-06-19T23:08:00.004+01:00

The day gets going anf Nigel wonders what he has done wrong already!

What's going on there then ??

Tim joins in the thought process

I am letting it fly, honest (Paul)

Toby J nicely set up to go

A not very promising forecast suddenly improved with a slot appearing as the wind eased off before increasing again a few hours later. We took full advantage of it in the tow field and had a fun day with those present all making good progress. The hangies were first away with Nigel W (St Just) finishing off his EPC tasks, moving onto the mars and sorting tighter turns out nicely, next time out should see him off to the top.

Paul L (Plymouth) on his second taster day worked hard moving off tethers and bit by bit relaxing and sorting out the speed to fly before ending the day with a nice release flight. In fact it was a good enough experience for Paul to decide to carry on and we look forward to seeing him again soon as he moves into his EPC.

Paragliding was represented by Toby J (Sennen) who was along for a Taster day and had a ball. he worked steadily through the ground based work and had some fun hand towing before getting onto the winch. After a couple of flights he had got the hang of it and his third was a real beauty. Being a little quieter in the field we popped him up for a fourth flight and got him to release the line putting the icing on the cake. Nice work Toby be good to see you again.

With conditions just starting to change as the wind backed further to the south we had some tandems to fly and what a fun bunch they were. Down on holiday the "children" had decided to go flying and that's what they did. Rachel, Simon and Jonathon all had super flights in what had become very buoyancy conditions seeing them all float around the field as the soaked in the views. Even dad go tempted but as the wind increased we thought better of it, may be next time. A good day and an unexpected one but there you go

Tethering Tristan

2011-06-16T23:03:00.000+01:00

With Tristan due to head back to Bedfordshire we made the most of the weather bu heading to Perranporth for a spot more tethering on the SW slope. In lovely conditions we had a fun couple of hours which saw Tristan really get his head around flying the hangy. he was nicely relaxed letting the glider do the work whilst keeping it under control when needed. With a good number of floaty flights under his belt he headed back to Bedfordshire with a grin on his face and looking forward to his next time down.

Thanks to Derek W for helping out on the tethers and hope it got windy enough for you on your speed wing :)

Thermic towing

2011-06-14T23:17:00.002+01:00

Bill tries out Hand Gliding

a pproaching lift off

and yes it has, his hat has lifted off

It was a bright and sunny day in the field and on arrival the sight of the gulls coring up at 10.00 set the scene. Still we carried on with both hangies and Para's getting going on the ground in nice conditions. However by mid day it was getting too breezy for the Paras so they got put on hold whilst Tristan d (Leighton Buzzard) and Nigel W (St Just) got the winch to them selves.

Tristan made a fine start to his towing career and Nigel did very well popping 5 release flights before things got a bit too lively so stopping play, for them .........

Whilst the Paragliders did their EPC exams, congratulations to Russell S and Emil K on passing I took the opportunity to take the falcon 195 up under some nice clouds. It took three tows before hitting the lift and circling up as well as drifting back to the coast but what fun it was.

We called it an early day as conditions continued to be bouncy for students but still a useful and fun one.

Easing in

2011-06-13T23:39:00.003+01:00

Joe and John, father and son go Tandem

Tristan D does a commited take off run (as do the rest of us!)

Tristan flies to the edge of launch, nice

As the weather cleared and the wind veered we headed out to Perranporth where on arrival things were just getting nicely flyable. With a couple of the more daring Paragliders hanging in there in the breeze we took the chance to get up on the Tandem hanger with John D (Ireland) who having seen his son Joe go up on Friday decided to opt for the hangy after all.

We had a real fun time in super lift just playing around, chasing sea gulls and chatting so setting the world to rights. John was very appreciative and having realized a 35 year old ambition I was delighted to have been part of it, enjoy the rest of your holidays guys and keep in touch.

Tristan D (Bedfordshire) was down to start his Hang Gliding EPC course so we got him going on the Condor getting the basic groundwork sorted before running him along the top on tethers. Tristan did a fine job and was soon floating across the landing area before being landed as the edge approached. Hopefully he will get straight into the towing tomorrow.

In between tethering Tristan and with the wind on the drop I had some excellent fun floating about with the Paragliders on the Condor and playing with some gentle thermals whilst Kaz got some time in on her Paraglider.

Congratulations to Adi C on cracking his first 10 hours not bad since he only started hill soaring on the 16th May and he now has over 35 flights in his log book!

Frustrating Friday

2011-06-10T23:43:00.000+01:00

Heavy showers turned into heavy rain in the morning so keeping us well indoors. Jason M and Nigel G (Exmoor) had both made the trip down so after a bit of chit chat and cup of tea they headed off for some sightseeing as the forecast was for the showers (rain) to clear early afternoon.

Sure enough they did and with a brisk NW coming in we opted for some hill work at Perran rather than the tow field where it would be wet and windy.

Conditions were good on arrival and whilst the guys rigged the Stubby I popped the Tandem together. First off was Jason who came up for a Tandem flight on the hangy and just loved every minute of it whilst asking a never ending stream of questions!

Next up was Joe (Ireland) who was down on holiday with his Dad John who had flown hangies in the very early days, quite a character i have to say. Joe had a great time and was cool as a cucumber as we played with the sea thermals which were out in force.

back on the ground and with the wind easing we concentrated on some tethering with Nigel G, Jason M and Nigel W (St Just) on the stubby and they all adapted to it well. Then it was time to try out the new Falcon 3 on the tethers and what a joy she is getting the Big Thumbs up from the guys.

Whilst derigging took place i sneaked in a final tandem flight with SaraW sharing the sky with Carez on his hanger until the wind veered quickly to the north making the lift drop and it time to slip back in on top.

A fun afternoon as it turned out :)

Power Play and Tandem Training

2011-06-09T23:30:00.000+01:00

It was a nice relaxed day with a bit of paperwork in the morning followed by a trip to the tow field with Graham A (Torrington) to try out his "new" Booster HG power unit. Graham did well converting to prone power flying having previously had a Doodle Bug and enjoyed a lovely flight around the field convincing him it is the way to go so adding it to his Paragliding and Hang Gliding skills. Unfortunately a technical hic cup stopped play early but what was needed to be done was done so not too disappointing.

Then a bit more paperwork was followed by a trip to Perranporth where the guys were now flying Paragliders. Alison (Illogan) came along for a Tandem flight had a very pleasant time floating along the cliffs enjoying the evening sunshine and view on the Paraglider.

Finally it was time to start Steve D's (Camelford) Tandem pilot training so after a couple of flights as passenger he got into the "drivers seat" and had a go at ground handling with me as a passenger. Conditions were ideal to play and whilst the lift dropped to a level not quite good enough to tempt us off Steve got plenty of practice at inflating and deflating the wing. I look forward to the next time out........

Happy Jackie & Floaty Falcons

2011-06-06T23:43:00.002+01:00

Jaclkie flies by on her way to getting her CPC hill rating

Coming into land and looking good

Dean the man

Ex students share the air as conditions really kick in

Happy Jackie and hairy Phippsy

It was off to the hill with a breezy morning forecast to moderate as the day went on. On arrival at Perranporth it was windy enough for the Para's but ideal for us to check out our new Wills Wing Falcon on the hill.

I had a cracking time floating about and coring the regular sea thermals up to close on a 1000' having a ball. What a super piece of kit it is and an ideal compliment to a high performance wing if you want some easy fun flying with minimal hassle, the landings :-}

With the wind easing back it was time for Jackie N (Woolacombe) to get her Paraglider out to hopefully complete here hill flights having not soared for nearly 9 months. A little bit of ground work put some confidence into her and soon she was ready to go for it. A lovely take off was followed by a couple of beats along the ridge but a combination of a little to far out, less lift and communications break down saw Jackie take the safe option and pop it on the beach.

She was back up in no time and after a quick rest ready to go again. Conditions were improving and her next flight was a cracker seeing her top of the stack and using the thermals as well as the ridge lift. Her top landing matched her flying and her enthusiasm out weighed both! Off again she repeated the trick and was fully back in the groove so gaining her qualification and enabling her to go flying with her partner from here on.

Jackie popped in a final flight as a CPC rated pilot and joined me in the air to enjoy the evening lift. With the wind lighter I sneaked in a final flight on the Falcon to check here out against the Paragliders and guess what, if you are fed up on those lighter days by being bulked out by the Para's get one of these and fly in amongst if not above them . Come and try one.

Return of the Suspenders

2011-06-05T19:35:00.006+01:00

Simon D looking pretty near perfect on his first taster day flight

Lois D takes the new Falcon 3 up, lovely hand position.

Nigel W Psyc's himself up to fly

Russel S moves into higher flights and releases

Happy faces at the end of the day :)

Another lovely day in the field saw us up and towing early as we only had one Taster day on which Kaz took control of leaving Tim on the winch and myself to play with the others.

Talking the opportunity to test fly our new Wills Wing Falcon 195 school glider I was first up and enjoyed a couple of lovely flights confirming that our new girl is fit for the job and indeed a delight to fly, I'm looking forward to a bit of hill soaring and thermalling on her soon.

Then it was off to work with Nigel W (St Just) first up on the Condor on his second day of hang Gliding. He did a good enough job for me to take the king post tether off and was closely followed by Lois D (Bristol) who was also on his second day have swapped over from Paragliding. They both then proceeded to have a great day and whilst Lois's youth and natural ability shone through Nigel worked really hard and both of them finished off the day with release flights and looking good. Lois also took the honour of being the first student on the new Falcon which shows how much confidence we had in him:)

The hangies were joined by Russel S (Torquay) on a Paraglider also on his second day. He had a cracking day working well into his EPC tasks and getting better and more confident with each flight. By the end of the day and with the wind picking up he had moved into release flights and gentle turns down to land setting him up nicely for his next day out.

Meanwhile Simon D (Penzance) had been working hard with Kaz on his taster day and by just after lunch he was ready for the tow line and looking suitably apprehensive. He need not have worried his first flight was fine and his next two even better each one ending in "small celebrations" after stand up landings. After a short break Simon put in a bonus flight including his first release from the line and even bigger celebration, nice one.

Add to this a couple of tandem flights for Lois D on the Paraglider and Anne (Torquay) both of whom loved the experience and it was a super day for all. With the wind picking up and the cloud coming in I think we had the best of it by far.

Quote of the day "that was bl**dy marvellous" guess who ??

Jammy James and Happy Hangers

2011-06-04T23:15:00.005+01:00

James gets his hill conversion sorted with an early start at Carbis
Adi, pure perfection

Happy or what

Leon and Lois pay close attention back in the tow field

Lois get into a hangy

The guys at the end of a super days fun and flying

It was an early start seeing us at Carbis Bay at 08.00 in the hope of completing James W's (Wadebridge) Hill conversion/assessment having completed his Tow CPC with us following initial training in India.

On arrival conditions did not look good and with both of us on tight time schedule we put our mental powers to work. Low and behold just before 09.00 the wind squared up and after a quick demo'/test flight it was James's turn to show us what he could do. He had a great time putting in two very nice soaring flights and top landings and sharing the air with Adi C on his second one. Landing at around 09.45 we just had time to pack up as the wind filled in on the top end (as forecast) and the air got choppy. Paperwork done and James headed off to Cumbria well pleased whilst I made my way to the tow field for some more fun.

Having canned the Paras for the day based on the forecast the hangies had the day to themselves. Leon S (Tiverton) and Lois D (Bristol) were both on taster days although Lois had originally booked for Paragliding and swapped due to the wind.

They both did well in the morning session working hard in what were breezy enough conditions although at least it did mean they did not have to run to hard! As luck would have it by mid afternoon the wind eased a little and it was time to get the winch out. Lois led the way and instantly showed his natural ability looking every bit a pilot after his first flight. To be fair Leon also did extremely well getting it sorted with each successive flight. By the end of play both were on the case with Lois getting off the side tethers on his final flight.

A pretty full day as it turned out with smiley faces and tired legs, more tomorrow I suspect.

Back to work :)

2011-06-02T23:01:00.002+01:00

Christina waves as she returns to planet earth

Steve , Christina and Dave after their flights

Russell does the business

A look on cocentration from Steve (and Bill)

Dean super relaxed as he takes off, nearly perfect !

After our break away competing in the British Open Hang Gliding Series it was back to the field to start off some new students, to get some existing ones a little further and to pop some tandems up as well.

The hangy boys were made up with Nigel W (St Just Penwith of Paragliding fame)) Ian M ( ) on their first days and Dean F on his third whilst the Paras were Russell S ( ) and Steve L (Essex) on day one and a Taster day respectively and James W finishing off his Tow rating and assessment having partly learnt elsewhere.

Everyone worked hard in the morning, especially Bill and Kaz, getting through the ground work and Dean who became the human winch for the hangies and lost a few pounds in the process.

By lunchtime the Tandems arrived and whilst the students took a break we popped Dave, xxx and Simon all from Warickshire all up into the air for some fun flying and excellent views.

With the wind a little on the top end for the Paragliders we got the hangies going and both Nigel and Ian were soon flying across the field improving with each flight and even looking like they were enjoying it! Dean joined in the fun and progressed further into his EPC over 7 flights seeing him building his turns nicely another couple of flights and he is ready for the top ......

By the time Nigel and Ian had finished their flights for the day the wind was easing back so it was time to get the Paras on line. James led the way and had a fun time completing his rating long with some Big Ears and Asymmetrics before just flying for fun.

Russell kept me on my toes as he did his first flights but looked much better on his last, almost like a pilot and i am sure next day out he will settle in fine. Steve made it look all far to easy putting in three super flights and having a bigger grin after each one to round off a busy day in which the weather challenged us a little but it all worked out in the end.

Ton up Kid in Yorkshire

2011-06-01T07:39:00.003+01:00

The long weekend 27th May to 31st June saw us head to Yorkshire for the 2nd round of the Hang Gliding British Open Series (BOS). With a variable forecast and Yorkshires reputation for rain whilst we were pretty sure we would fly we reckoned two days would be about it.

Day one (Friday) saw us at Wether Fell (Hawes) with a 85k task to Wombleton. The sky did not look to good but a slot opened up seeing a few gaggles get away. I managed to sneak away with a couple of gliders and put in an average plus distance of 33k giving me 6th for the day but still a little disappointing as 3 rigids and one flexwing made goal proving it could have been done. Still some nice flying a safe landing and good to be back in the thermals.

Day two and three were sightseeing, walking and socializing days and surprisingly pleasant with it.

Day Four saw us believe in the forecast and rig in the rain in anticipation of the front clearing. A task was set of 65k from Wether fell to Model Ridge and sure enough at the specified time of 15.30 the clouds cleared and we went flying! I had a real fun time flying with 3 of the countries top pilots as we flew out of the Dales over RAF Leeming towards goal. On approach to Goal we had caught up with the front and heavy rain was to be seen at goal. Whilst the others bravely glided into it so having to land with wet gliders resulting in some mayhem although no actual breakages I took the scenic route being sucked into cloud then flying back away from goal for a few k before managing to get low enough to have another go. Arriving at goal several minutes later the rain had stopped the sun came out and it was a tippy toe landing with dry kit although a few points less :)

Day Five was a big one with a 161k task to the coast past Hull again from Wether Fell. rain showers made timing at launch a bit tricky and the brave few were well on their way by the time i got in the air. Still managing to get away in a nice slot with one other a cracking flight ensued as we flew out of the Dales past Ripon, then York (nice Cathedral) and finally over Hull (muddy river) before gliding into the blue and to goal by the coast to complete just over 100 miles and to be the first flex wing in goal, one of only three to make it. . A great day with a task win and great end to the comp with a comp' win and no pressure for the next round as comp' leader ............

Marvallous on the Mars!

2011-05-24T23:00:00.003+01:00

Motorway in the sky, yummy Paul and Dean at the end of another good day

A very nice fun day in the field was had by all in what turned out to be bouncy conditions with plenty of thermals around.

Paul L (Plymouth) was along for day one on a hanger and to keep him company Dean F (Falmouth) on his second hangy day joined in the fun.

Paul did really well working through the ground work and was looking pretty good by the time he was ready for the winch. We got him going early afternoon and after a couple of hops on the Condor he was getting the hang of it and progressing with every flight.

Dean then clipped in and proved he had not lost what he learnt by popping in a couple of nice flights and one more challenging one which taught him some new tricks!

After a short break we rigged the Mars as the breeze had picked up and conditions were a little more lively. A quick demo flight saw me straight into a climb from release and well on my way out of the field towards Falmouth before pulling out of a nice 5 up to return to teach, one day.....

Dean after a conversion flight was soon releasing and by the end of the day had started gentle turns to put him well into his EPC tasks and looking good. meanwhile Paul carried on on the Mars and had a cracking day putting him nicely in position for untethered flights on his second day. Well done guys and well done to Coady for some excellent winching and a super tow straight into a thermal :)

We rounded off the day with a visit to Perranporth where there were several Paras out playing including Adi recently qualified and making the most of it.

Clevor Trevor

2011-05-21T20:49:00.003+01:00

Trev flies high above Struudick
On finals looking good

Congratulations between instructor and student

Karen comes in on the Tandem after a cracking flight

It's a family affauir as Trev and Karen both get in the air

Despite a dubious forecast and my senses telling me otherwise we headed off to Struddock thanks to call from site from Chris W advising that it was nicely flyable.

At Bodmin the rain cleared and on arrival it was indeed peachy for hangers so we wasted no time in rigging the Tandem whilst Trev H who was along for his hill conversion completion rigged his wing.

By the time we were ready and on the front with Suzy who was up for a flight on her birthday Chris W landed and further advised rain was on its way! Still it looked like brightening up so we hung on and 10 minutes later things were looking better.

Suzy had a cracking flight in classic conditions loving every minute of it and soaking up the whole experience. With lots of lift we could play as much as we wanted and shared the air with Alan H and Bill A (local legends) who kept a close eye on us thinking we were a low airtimer in trouble! After a super landing as the rain re appeared we had a short break before it cleared then it was Trev's turn to show us what he could do.

Trev did a cracking launch in conditions that he had not experienced before and had a cracking flight to go with it. With bulk hieght he was soon 360'ing and playing with turns looking every bit a pilot in control. Top landing was as good as the take off and the smile said it all.

Whilst Trev recovered Karen (Trevs partner) clipped into the Tandem. Despite her nerves she proved a model passenger and we had a lovely time cruising the cliffs. Starting off smoothly we built up to some fun flying as Karen relaxed a little and by the end of the flight i think she was almost enjoying it! Back on the ground her face was a picture as a mixture of adrenalin and relief flooded out, fantastic.

To round the day off Trev popped in a second flight looking even neater and smoother than the first. The lift was just as good although the clouds were a little lower giving Trev his first visit to cloudbase and beyond.

A top day as it turned out and the last of the pending hangy hill conversions out the way (8 in the last week or so) so time to teach some more :)

Fielding with Fledgelings

2011-05-19T20:13:00.010+01:00

Dean gets things going on the hanger
Rick floats like a butterfly
Jelly fish invade the field

Emil leads the way for the Paragliders

Mark looks like he means it

Debbie pretty pleased with herself

Stupid boy

Paul gets it "sorted" and impersonates a starfish

It was fun to be back in the field after a nice break on the hills and good to see both new faces and some familiar ones out there.

We had a fairly busy day with four paraglider day ones and two hangy day ones to keep us occupied. Whilst Kaz and bill took the Paras I took the hangies and things got moving pretty quickly in gorgeous weather and near perfect conditions.

On the Paraglider front we had Emil (Dawlsih) and Paul H (Illfracombe) both looking to take up the sport whilst Paul and Debbie G (St Austell) were along for a Taster day having been introduced by Steve D to the idea.

On the Hangy side there was the troublesome twosome of Dean F and Rick W who after having had to suffer watching far too much hanging over the last few days decided to give it a try.

Everyone worked hard through the morning sorting out the ground work and by early afternoon we were ready to roll. The hangies got going first and proved that they could do it with a very promising start on the tethers. Then the paras came on line one by one and all of them did well improving with every flight and some even looking like pilots!

Then it was back to the hangies and by the end of the day both Rick and Dean were off the tethers and looking sweet without a grass stained knee between them!

A fun day had by all and nice to see Richard W drop in on his Paramotor to say hello as he plans his next adventure.

Stunning Sennen (finally)

2011-05-18T23:14:00.003+01:00

Tony T ready on launch with the Green Meanie (thats the glider)
Adi inflates for his first flight of the "day"

Adi flies high whilst Nigel W launches to join him

Tony flies nicely on his second flight of the day

Yet more happy pilots at the end of the day :)

For a change of scenery we headed to Sennen Cove as the front cleared just after lunch. On arrival it was pretty much smack on and moderate so i quickly tested the air on Kaz's Hangy before getting Tony T (Brighton) ready to go to hopefully complete his hill conversion.

Alas the wind eased and backed making it not so lifty confirmed by a couple more test flights showing much less lift, Tony waited.

Meanwhile Nigel W popped in some useful time on his Paraglider soaring the Pill box end where the pest lift was. With the tide on the make we decided to send Tony off anyway whilst there was a good bottom landing to at least get one in. He did a good job but not quite good enough as he floated to the beach for a good landing after a few beats.

Whilst Nigel and Kaz floated about on their Paragliders we nipped down and had both Tony and glider back on top quickly in case things improved.

As Tony re rigged I took the Delta up and found improving conditions allowing us to fly to Gwenver easily a trip that both Kaz and Nigel made for the first time with big smiles. Adi C arrived having finished work also hoping to complete his hill conversion on his Paraglider and got sorted.

Then it all came together, Adi was off first in classic Paragliding conditions making a first class job of his two soaring flights and having a ball as the sun came out and the clouds puffed up. Two excellent top landing later and he is signed off so watch out for him on the hill, he's a lovely chap.

No sooner than Adi landed than the wind began to pick up a little more and with the tide now on the turn Tony T was back on launch. A much more relaxed take off followed by some more relaxed flying saw him soaring Sennen. He took a little time to get fully sorted but was after about 10 minutes was doing nicely and looking smooth. A good top landing and big grin later and he was ready to go again.

By now Kaz was also in the air on her hangy and having fun cruising between launch and Gwenver at will. Tony found breezier conditions and more lift and this time was off and settled much more quickly. He had and i quote " the best flight of his life" and he has flown a few things over the years before putting in a first class landing on top to complete his hill conversion and qualification, it was 20 to 9!

As it turned out a great afternoon although for a while we did not think it would happen for the guys. Well done to Adi and Tony and good luck in your flying for the future. Also good to see just how excited both Nigel and Kaz were with their flying as they move deeper into theirs.

looks like time to start some more students as we are running out !!!

High flyers

2011-05-17T23:50:00.002+01:00

Kaz and Michel get things moving

Tony T looking good as he comes in to top land

Phippsy in retro colours tests Al's glider

Al tests Al's glider

Happy Pilots < thanks for the piccy Mike

The Hangy conditions continue and we continue to make the most of them.

The chosen site was Chapel Porth for the day and with a spring tide by 09.30 there was plenty of beach just in case.

Kaz led the way on her hangy closely followed by newly qualified (Yesterday) Michel on the Calypso in fresh conditions which provided stacks of lift and super soaring conditions. Whilst they played Tony T (Brighton) and Al H (Bideford) got their gliders rigged and sorted in anticipation.

With Michel back on the ground we took Tont T to the front on his shiny mylar Wills Wing Falcon 3 for his first flight in two years, where have you been Tony? Despite pre flight nerves he did an excellent take off and enjoyed a very pleasant soaring flight before popping back in on top, just what he needed.

Al H then put in some air time on the Calypso looking every part a pilot so regaining his qualification after many years off. Next i test flew Al's own glider and sorted out the hang point before Al took it up himself. He had a great flight settling into the lighter handling and slightly less staedy wing well and loving the extra performance it gave.

Kaz and Michel sneaked in second flights getting even higher than before as the wind increased and backed a little more to the s/w as the front approached.

Sam A also made it down but was a little late and Bill N, Dean F and Rick W all kept us company as it was too windy for danglers. In fact I think it may have proved too much for Dean and Rick we shall see come Thursday if the weather plays ball!

So yet another hangy back on the scene and if the front clears tomorrow we should also get Tony finished with a bit of luck, how many is that??

Michels Monday Morning

2011-05-16T19:06:00.003+01:00

Another Happy Hanger as Michel adds Hang Gliding to his qualifications - Well done

What a relaxed morning it was at Perranporth where Michel turned up to finish off his Hill conversion on the Hangy before having to go and launch boats as the tide came in, ideal.

Conditions were smack on and even a bit light as Michel rigged so i popped in a flight on the Paraglider to keep out of the way. By the time i landed and Michel had rigged the breeze picked up so after a quick demo Michel was off, up and away to play. he had a great time with no one else there just playing around and trying things out including some nice 360's. next came the landing and his previous days experience came into play resulting in a good one after a couple of test approaches. That's it he's qualified so now no longer needs to fly his Paraglider when it's too windy all we need to do is find him the right hanger, well done.

Conditions look like getting a bit lighter over the next few days but hopefully there will be enough breeze left for Tony t who is finally making a visit to finish off his hill flights on a hangy tomorrow, we shall see.

Super Soaring Sunday

2011-05-15T23:14:00.002+01:00

Dave K brightens up the sky

Pat G has fun as she gets her Tandem flight

Kaz and Sam A fly high

Newbies Paul C and Dave K duly pleased with their achievements

Mr Bloom goes flying

After a vary nice day celebrating yesterday we were back out on the hill bright and breezy with some more hangies to get going and sorted. Whilst the guys arrived and rigged i sneaked a cracking flight on the Delta (Paraglider) which made easy work of the strong enough conditions and still had some left to play with the lifty sea thermals coming through, if had not been for the students i would have been out of there....

Still back to work and Dave K (Bristol) was the first student off to complete his hill endorsement with a couple of nice soaring flights and top landings making his trip down well worth while. Watch out for him out on the hills in the Avon area.

Next to get a go was Paul C Plymouth also hoping to finish his hill conversion. Paul had a good flight looking relaxed from the word go and flying very smoothly. Top landing proved a little trickier and a moment of indecision saw him try to land to near the front and whilst he did make Terra firma a landing it was not! Still undeterred after a short break to gather thoughts and re asses he was off again for another nice flight but this time followed by as nice a landing as you could ask for, well done Paul and apologies for my tongue lashing!

Trev H having watched proceedings harnessed up and was soon at the front for his first hill soaring flight looking suitably nervous. He need not have worried, a super take off followed by a super flight was followed by a super top landing and a super smile so starting his hill soaring career. Trev popped in another before the day was out so hopefully only one more day and he will be sorted.

Michel having waited patiently then got in on the act and put in his second hill flight having done his first on Friday and looked smoother quicker to enjoy a solid 30 minutes and having some fun playing with the lifty clouds before making a good top landing all be it in the alternative location. Again one more day should see him sorted.

Add to this three cracking Tandem flights for Pat G (Marazion), Andre (Birmingham) and Ben F (Manchester, also known as Mr Bloom of CBBees fame) all of whom had a great time in stonking conditions and it was a busy day finally brought to a halt for the students as the tide came in.

great to see newly qualifiers Kev S and Sam A making the most of it and putting several flights each and doing very well too. Also good to see Robin M (Devon) get back onto a hanger and keen to do more so giving Paul C another flying buddy. Also good to see kaz back up there on her hangy having fun.

l done to all and it looks like another good couple of days ahead :)

Tidying up Tom & Managing Michel

2011-05-13T22:23:00.004+01:00

Tom looking smooth and streamlined

Tot and Tom celebrate his completion

Michel flies high on his first hill hangy flight

Coming into land Michel concentrates for a change

Happy bunnies

We played the same game as yesterday and waited till early afternoon before heading out to Perran both for the tide and also to let a weak front pass and the wind veer which it duly did making it very nicely flyable by 14,30 ish.

After a quick demo Tom took to the air to finish off his hill conversion in conditions that were more bouncy than yesterday and with more west in the breeze so a little off the hill. Still he did a great job starting with a perfect launch making life easy. The lift was good and he took advantage of it to pop in a few 360's whilst racking up the airtime before coming in for another top landing and gaining his qualification.

Whilst Tom took a short break I sneaked a flight in on Luke C's WW Sport 2 and had a ball, these must be the most fun things around....

Tom then got back up there and again proved his take off technique is well sorted and had a fun 15 minutes before the wind backed a little reducing the lift. His top landing was a little short emphasising the need to adapt to changing conditions and giving Tom a valuable lesson one of many he has yet to learn as he starts out on his flying career. A debrief and some maintenance later he was back up there making it look all to easy again before redeeming himself with a good top landing and putting that big smile back in place :)

By now Michel K (Penryn) who had arrived was suitably nervous so we got him harnessed up and off he went for his first hill soaring flight. After a little wobbly start he smoothed out and got back into the hangy way as he racked up a 35 minute flight in what were the days best conditions seeing him way up in the sky which he now had all to himself as Big Gray opted to land, strange that!

With a little encouragement Michel got back in on top on his second attempt and promptly turned into a jibbering mess as he extolled the virtues of Hang Gliding.

Another good day with Tom completed and Michel nicely into his hill conversion and even some nice flying for me. day off tomorrow ( 60th wedding anniversary actually(not mine)) then hopefully more fun on the hill on Sunday Monday and possibly Tuesday by the looks of it.

Funtastic !

2011-05-12T22:56:00.003+01:00

Matt flies by on the Tandem at the start of a fun day
Charis and Matt (and Phippsy) after their Tandem flights

Tom soars high on his first soaring flight

Coming into land Tom sets up and corrects nicely

The guys - Sam A, Tom D and Kev S

Rounding off the day like it started Rob beams as we fly by

What a cracking day out on the hill with lots on and perfect conditions all day :)

We arrived at 13.30 giving us time to rig and let the tide drop out so opening up the beach nicely for the hangy hill conversion boys. Whilst they got themselves sorted I took the opportunity to get Charis and Matt (Essex) up on the tandem hangy in super conditions. They both had super flights alongside the seagulls and in Charis's case alongside the most beautiful bird of prey as it soared beside us. The guys got the feel of flight on the hangy and both did well flying it themselves so adding nicely to the Taster day they had yesterday, the full package and how lucky were they!

By the time we landed the "students" were ready and Kev S ( Yeovil) led the way putting in the first of four soaring flights and converting onto his own glider and harness along the way.

Next up was Tom D (Warikshire) who was back down having completed his CPC tow with us a month or so ago for his hill conversion. Tom did an excellent job and soon settled into the flight looking very smooth and co ordinated after just a few beats. By the end of play he had racked up 3 flights and was looking very pleased with himself and so he should.

Sam A (Tavistock) was back for his second day on the hill and got back on the horse in fine style making a cracking flight on the Calypso before converting onto his own glider to complete his hill conversion and put some ghosts to bed, nice one.

At the end of the day Rob (Holland) took the opportunity for a Tandem flight so whilst the guys derigged we had another top flight in very lifty conditions just playing with the whole sky to ourselves before coming in for a lovely top landing. Rob just loved the whole experience and would have stayed up till dark (and beyond) if he had the chance!

Nice to see some other hangies out too giving the newbies someone to fly with.

A great day and whats more it looks like we may have a few more over the next few days :)

Dream makers

2011-05-12T08:45:00.000+01:00

Adi sets off on his first hill soaring flight

Flying high a dream comes true

Chris watches the sun go down with the sky to himself

It was a fun day with both tow and hill work getting sorted to keep everyone happy!

We started in the field where Matt and Charis (Essex) were along for a taster day on the hangy whilst down on holiday in St Ives. In super conditions they both were a pleasure to teach as they worked through the ground based activities with looks of wonder as the glider tried to lift them off the ground.

Early afternoon saw them onto the winch and under Daisy's steady hand they got their first flight in. despite the now slightly bumpier conditions they both did really well showing good glider control in both pitch and roll and even landing on their feet every time. Matt rounded off his day with a couple of untethered flights getting a little higher and realising a dream that he has had for some time.

With news from Kax (on "staff training" at Chapel) that things were good for soaring Paragliders it was off to Perranporth for the evening where we met up with Adi C (Iloogan) and Chris B (Plymouth) for some hill conversions on their Paragliders. After a demo flight by Kaz Adi was next off and performed a lovely take off on his new Mojo 3 and was soon soaring the ridge alongside Bill N who had come over from Chapel to see the fun! A good top landing was followed by a less good deflation and then by a huge smile as Adi also realized something that had long been a dream to him as well.

Not to be outdone Chris followed suit and made a cracking first soaring flight with the whole ridge to himself enjoying both the experience and the views. Chris did an almost copy cat top landing and had a smile just as big.

Both guys then popped in a final flight as the wind eased and the sun set and both top landed to round off a super evening although a little more work on collapsing canopies won't come amiss.

Well done to everyone and lets hope we can get out for their second days soon :)

Windy Wales

2011-05-07T10:04:00.004+01:00

Kaz's cake tasting session at Pontlottyn
Daisy explains to Big Gray avoidance techniques

Sunny walk by the canal and itchy bits

Looking good at the Malverns as I tog up to go

The start of an 85 K flight, yummy...

The first round of the British Open Series, and the British Open itself was held in SE Wales over the period 29/4/11 till 3/5/11. We headed up accompanied Daisy M early on the 29th having had a cracking afternoons flying at Carbis Bay on the day before where I actually got my Comp' hangy out to make sure it was still all there.

To cut a long story short the first four days were a bit on the breezy side meaning no tasks were set but unusually the weather was lovely with sunny skies making for some nice walks and chill out time, rare, normally its wet and windy!

Still the forecast as usual was looking better for the last day and those of us who stayed were rewarded with a fantastic days flying at the Malverns,a site where I had not flown before, with a race to goal via one turnpoint giving a total of 85K. Launching early saw me quickly to cloudbase at 6000' followed by a fairly straightforward but thoroughly enjoyable flight across wales to the goal arriving 6th for the day not bad for my first thermic flight on a hanger since August.

The rest of team Kernow had a fine time as well with Tim J, Gray M and Big Gray A all putting in the K's. Next round end of May in Yorkshire.........

Time for both at Carbis

2011-04-28T23:34:00.001+01:00

Settling in on the T2 C
Pulling in on the T2 C

Chilling out

With some unexpected time on our hands due to last minute changes we headed to make the most of it at Carbis bay. On arrival it was very nicely Paraglideable and myself and Kaz had a fine time sharing the air with several others whilst checking out the scenery as pointed out by Bill......

By mid afternoon the wind had filled in and it was time to get the hanger out giving me a chance to get a little practice in for the upcoming BOS series in Wales over the next few days. Always good to get back on the T2C and what a fun time I had racing the trains and chasing the seagulls. With kit checked and instrument s tuned looks like I am as ready as I will ever be. Lets see what the next few days bring.

Location, location

2011-04-27T23:52:00.003+01:00

Kaz and Rob share the air
Adi practces on the ground
Rob takes his CPC exam in a super location

Nigel W hasa fine day out

Big Phil sneaks back around the point

With a light NE forecast we headed to the tow field with a mixture of students all wanting different things. On arrival it was breezier then expected in fact quite breezy, Rob B (Wollacombe) and Adrian P (Devon got out their Paragliders to show us what they could do and spent an hour playing whilst we waited to see what went on weather wise.

With the wind remaining on the strong side for towing we upped sticks and headed to Carbis Bay where it was nicely flyable for Paragliders but a bit light for the hangers.

Rob who was down for a check out and hopefully CPC rating having learnt some years ago at a non BHPA school wasted no time and after a site brief and demo was up and away. Four flights, Big ears, an asymmetric, some slope landings and top landings later we were convinced with his flying ability and attitude. Taking time out he went through the theory side with Kaz before taking his exam which he passed in fine style to gain his rating, nice one. It is always good to see pilots getting sorted and hopefully apart from that Rob learnt a bit more along the way and a few holes which may just keep him safe in the future get filled in.

Adrian put in some more ground handling on the hill in preparation for getting back onto his Paramotor and possibly taking up free flying as well, we shall see.

Nigel who had come down with his hanger to get onto a power unit took the chance of a Tandem Paraglider flight and had a fun time with me scratching the front as the lift dropped off before a small thermal gave us enough to pop it back in on top, phew.

Field Training

2011-04-25T23:17:00.001+01:00

Charlie K gets set to go

Pete W does a nice take off

Charlie shows them how it's done

Pete W starts to get the hang of it

It was another sunny day and with lighter winds we opted for the hill which proved to be a wise move by all accounts. The forecast was to pick up as the day went on so we canned the Paragliders and went ahead with the hangers.

We had Charlie K (Winchester) on day one of her HG course along with Pete B (Newquay) and Pete W (Newquay) both on taster days and yes they did come together and were father and son in law.

Things soon warmed up in the filed with the ground training getting going and by lunch time everyone was ready for a break whilst we set the winch out. The afternoon saw the guys getting into the air and little by little each one started to get the hang of it and even relax, although in fairness to charlie relaxing was never a problem.

By the end of play although not perfect we had made progress and with all the hard work done everyone was well set for another good one should they choose to return! watch out for Charlie who should be back in June if all goes to plan.

Kaz and Bill returned from the hills where things were poor at best and several people had visited the beach at Carbis and even more not flown at St Agnes......

Patience Patience Panic!

2011-04-24T23:55:00.001+01:00

Charlie K gets her tandem in

We were always on a time scale as previous commitments meant we were booked up from 13.00 hrs so time was of the essence.

It was back to St Agnes for some more hill soaring and whilst conditions were flyable they were not good enough to tempt me off on a tandem so we waited. As sods law says as the deadline approached things began to get better with an increasing breeze and lift. In fact things began to get that good that we managed to renegotiate an hours time extension and what a fine job we did.

Charlie K (Winchester) down to start her HG training took the slot and we had a good time up on the hanger for her first flight on a hanger despite having been around the sport since a child, even now she is only 16. Charlie was very chilled and did well at flying the glider as we flew with the gulls.

back on planet earth we packed up and made it with plenty of time to spare, nice one but sorry Pat.....

Soaring at St Agnes

2011-04-23T23:10:00.000+01:00

Elanor at Launch
The Tandem takes off

Flying high in a blue blue sky
Elanor and Kerry after their flights

It was a strange day at St Agnes and the theme from Vault bay continued with wind but lift that was not as good as expected. However we still had fun and as the low cloud lifted conditions improved with fun for all.

On arrival the Paragliders were having a fun time with "Uncle" Bill N enjoying his Rush 3 and showing us how it is done. I had a nice play on the Delta and Kaz got back in the air on her Buzz Z3 in fact it looked like an Ozone demo day! Lee K took the chance to fly the Delta and did a super job of it looking quickly in touch, flying smoothly and enjoying the extra speed and glide that it provides along with feeling comfortable and solid on it, big smile and "how much do you want for it?"

With conditions better Sue K took the opportunity for a Tandem flight on the Paraglider and had a great time putting her fear of heights behind her and thoroughly enjoying the whole experience and the amazing views of the cliffs.

By the time we had landed the wind had filled a little more and it was time to get the hangies going. Elanor and daughter Kerrie were up for Tandem flights and it was not long before with a small yelp at launch Kerrie was up and away. Her nerves soon settled and we both enjoyed a cracking flight as the sun shone and the seagulls soared alongside. After landing and a bit of a break as we let conditions improve again Elanor got her flight something she has wanted to do for a long time " exactly as I thought it would be " was the comment just after launch, fantastic.

So nice to take all the guys tandem who appreciated both the flying and the environment so much, thanks guys.

Good to see a nice crowd out on both Para's and hangies such a good place to be., more tomorrow ??

Sun Worshippers

2011-04-21T23:56:00.001+01:00

Perfection in formation ground handling

Bill launches one to many times

It was a glorious day at Vault Bay with a pleasant on shore breeze and no lift! Still we had fun with some ground handling and Bill and myself sneaked in a couple of quick flights before Bill took one too many resulting in a walk up from the beach.

Even though the flying was lacking it was a grand day out soaking up the rays and a very useful one for Adi C getting used to the site and the difference between the hill and the fleld. Hopefully tomorrow will see some more action.

Sorry about the lack of piccies we have had camera problems but hopefully all soted now.

Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant

2011-04-19T23:44:00.002+01:00

Well the title of today's blog is what Bill N said after I asked him what he thought of his new Rush 3 which he got to fly on the hill on Sunday, if you want a more in depth account ask him yourself!

Back to the days activities and it was another super sunny day in the field where we had Kieron d down from Plymouth on a Paragliding taster day along with Jim S (Wiltshire) for a taster day on a Hang glider and Richard g (Praze) on his second taster day also on a hanger. Dan L (Truro) joined us for some keep his hand in/ experience flights whilst he waits for the wind to play ball for the hill.

It was a cracking morning as the guys worked through their ground based activities and it was a warm bunch that sat down for lunch having cracked the bulk of it. Whilst the wind sorted it self out we did the tow brief then with it settling in a light NE we set the winch and got going.

Dan led the way and had a fun afternoon popping in some high flights in amongst the students. Richard G on his second day showed a vast improvement and was soon of the kingpost tether and by the end of the day was flying untethered very nicely across the field to much applause.

Jim S showed his natural ability and also got off the kingpost tether in a couple of flights looking very smooth and controlled, I get the feeling learning to hang Glide would not be a problem for him should he decide to carry on.

On the Paragliding front Kieron did 3 super flights across the field floating along and keeping the wing nice and straight making life easy for Tim on the winch.

To round off the day Jim added a Tandem flight to his day on the Paraglider and had a ball enjoying both the views and the thrill of what a Paraglider can do....

A fun time for all and good enough for Richard to decide to go the whole way and learn to fly a Hanger, watch this space.

Tasting Day

2011-04-16T23:59:00.002+01:00

Summer is really here with another glorious day in the field and with four taster days on board the conditions were ideal. Gary P (Swansea) Pablo F (Swansea) and Richard G (Praze) were all along for day one taster sessions on the hanger whilst Richard M (St Austell was on the Paraglider so giving a nice mix. Everyone turned up on time so we made a prompt start and all worked hard through the morning doing the ground work whilst the fair weather clouds drifted by over head ....... Mid morning saw Steve G (a friend from Surrey) join us for a look at our operation to get and give some ideas which we make make more of in the future. After a relaxed lunch things really got going and the guys got on the winch. To be fair the Hangies made me work pretty hard although bit by bit they got the hang of it, some more than others and by the end of play they were showing promise. Hopefully Richard who is on a 2 day taster will put it all into practice on his next day with us and Gary who would like to continue to learn will do the same and Paoblo I am sure we can sort out with a little more effort. On the Paraglider Richard had a much easier time and was looking sweet as he flew across the field on his flights getting nicely up to 60' and landing on his feet every time to result in a pretty much perfect day for him. Everyone had fun and caught the sun and it was a tired but happy group that left the field at the end of the day. Steves views on the operation were very positive and having tested out other activities on taster days reckoned we were well ahead in both value for money and "slickness" of operation, nice to hear.