A day at the seaside

Mick h gets ready for tandem flight whilst Phippsy checks him for BO
Bill N "looking after" Ray D

Jane M and Dean F sharing the blue

Big discussion on Rick W's technique as he flies his first soaring flight

Happy days

Bill N turns in for a landing

What a glorious day it was at Vault Bay where we arrived early 10.00am on a forecast which showed the wind dropping as the day went on. Tony P. Bill N and Kaz P led the way getting in plenty of flying before anyone else got in the air. Next I was off on the Tandem with Mick H (Bodmin) on board and we had a super flight mixing it with the others, various birds of prey and the seagulls whilst enjoying the views and colours of the sea. Mick's a bit of an artist so the flight gave him a bit of a different perspective on things which hopefully will come out in some of the many pictures he snapped off with his camera.

Jane M (Tavistock) had now arrived for a bit of a recap day and confidence building session having not flown much since learning abroad and having never really ridge soared an top landed. Jane had a cracking day picking up a few tips on the way and getting firmly into hill flying in the UK by putting a couple of hours under her belt over 4 flights and looking very smooth and confident about it too.

With more pilots turning up it was good to see newly hill qualified Ray D taking to the air with the help of Bill N and getting his first taste of Vault Bay. He did a super flight mixing with the rest before popping in a nice top landing, well done Ray and well done Bill, good to see coaching at work.

Back on the Tandem Kathryn C (Lifton Devon) came along for a flight as her 21st Birthday present and thoroughly enjoyed it as we cruised the cliffs and soared with there Buzzards at very close quarters, some above and some below, superb. With the lift dropping off a little we had to bide our time before landing back on top for a tippy toed landing and big smiles.

Rick W (London) who qualified on the tow last year was back from his travels and up for his first hill flight in the UK. He did an amazing job once he got going and quickly settled into ridge soaring as his control inputs smoothed out. Pretty soon he was up there with the best of them which encouraged more pilots to take off so giving a good experience of flying with numbers. A nice set up saw him carry out a neat top landing (his first) which was soon followed by a second flight with similar results.

Dean F also got his first crack at Vault and vowed to return sometime. Nick G and Steve D had some nice flying although can't say I heard Steve singing today.....

A busy day with a good number of pilots out (10) many of whom had learnt with us over the past year or so (7) all of whom did us proud. By late afternoon the wind dropped as promised (in fact light enought hat even Michel had to walk back to his car) so it was time to pack up and leave. looks light for the next few days so we are off to the tow field......maybe back at Vault later in the week

Flown out at Vault Bay

The "guys" get ready whilst Graham K tests the air

Kaz P takes off one one of many

Graham K chills out. it really is that flyable

The two Steves enjoy flying together in uncrowded skies

Michel K looking happy as ever

Graham K looks up at the Tandem whislt trying the Rush 2

The forecast was for a SSE with a moderate breeze so we headed to Vault Bay equiped with Paragliders (solo and tandem) tandem Hang Glider and fishing rod just in case. Need not have worried as on arrival Graham K (Penzance) was already in the air on his Paraglider. It was a super day with as much flying as you wanted in perfect conditions. Steve D (Camelford) who learnt with us late last year could be heard singing and whistling his way through the sky enjoying every minute of it. Steve M (Tresillian) who only passed his hill conversion on Friday had an amazing time racking up not only plenty of airtime but also flights as he practised his take offs and landings gaining him lots of valuable experience. The more experienced pilots included Kaz P, Graham K, Michel K and myself just had a great time flying high playing with cloud suck, chasing seagulls and ground skimming whilst sweetening up our landing approaches.

Kaz and myself put in a fun 30 minutes on the Tandem to get some photo's and generally mess about.

Graham K took up the Rush 2 for a couple of test flights and was suitably impressed resulting in the statement "bl**dy beautiful" whilst Michel gave the quote of the day which was "poor quality rubbers" , don't ask what it was about................ A cracking day with great flying in super company and only 5 pilots out there.

Easter Bunnies have fun in the sun

Nigel D starts his take off run

Nigel comes in for a good landing with the sheep

Robin D tows up into the blue yonder

Robin turns into land with the convergence cloud behind

Coady, a man at work

What an amazingly quiet day on the tow field, almost relaxed. Nigel D (Bude) was along for a recap day on the Hang Glider after a long lay off and had a super day getting back into it. After a few low and slow flights to get relaxed he was off to the top of the line for high flights an circuits. his flying improved through the day a did his landings and his confidence. By time of close he had put away 14 flights all with good stand up landings, nice one.

Robin M (Newton Abbott)turned up mid afternoon and had a good time towing up on his Paraglider and playing with the elusive thermals to complete his Tow endorsement /CPC rating assessment putting in 11 flights. he rounded off with the CPC exam which highlighted a few holes in the theory side which we filled in making it a well worth exercise as well as picking up some useful ground handling tips .

Geoff H (Honiton) had another super days flying on his Paramotor declaring himself "flown out" by mid afternoon. A super Easter all round, day off Monday

Boys and new toys

It was back to the filed for a good day with plenty going on. Andy T from the Devon and Somerset Condors was along and took control of the winch for the morning to be assessed for his senior tow coach rating and did a fine job looking after the set up whilst some pilots enjoyed some nice thermalling.

Ian and John S (London) were along for a Taster day and Robin M for a Tow conversion/assessment (to get him into the "system") and regulars Sam A and Michael D out to continue their training.

The taster day boys did an excellent job through the morning working their way through till lunchtime when they were ready for some hanbd tows whilst the others practised gronud work looking better and better. After lunch things got moving and it wasn't long before Ian, John and Robin got their first goes on the winch. By the end of the day Ian and John had put away 4 flights each with each one getting better and higher than the previous. Robin quickly slotted into towing and was onto high flights in no time putting away 7 flights before we finished up.

Michael and Sam both did well moving deep into their CPC's Sam stayed on into the evening and rounded off his 9 flights with Big ears putting him spitting distance of completion.

Tell was down with his gorgeous new Wills Wing U2 Hang Glider which he kindly let me test fly first and what a delight it is why more pilots don't fly these is beyond me, put a huge smile on my face, thank you Tell. Oh and he seemed pretty happy too.

Geoff H was out on his Paramotor enjoying the Cornish scenery making it all look very easy and controlled. Another super day, thanks to Bill N for his help and to Robin for fixing the puncture on the bike......

Highs on the Hill

Ray D on his first soaring flight "hanging out"

Ray D on finals looking good

two very happy people

Steve M looking sweet as he cruises the cliffs on one of his four flights

The start of the day saw us at Chapel Porth where things were looking pretty good. Several pilots got some good flying in whilst we waited for the tide to drop enough for Steve M and Ray D to get their first hill soaring flights in. With a nice beach below Steve was first off and enjoyed a cracking flight along with the other pilots up and down the cliffs before coming in for a very nice top landing to a round of applause. ray was u next but no sooner was he ready than the wind dropped and the lift got light. With the tide now on its way back in we upped sticks and headed to Paerranporth where there would still be loads of beach.

On arrival it was still a bit scratchy but fortunately our arrival signalled an improvement in conditions and it was not long before Steve M was ready for the off again. A tidy take off was followed by a tidy flight and a nearly tidy top landing in near perfect conditions.

Ray D followed suit and did a fine job soaring up and down even if he couldn't get into his harness. 15 minutes later he arrived back on top with a huge grin to congratulations.
Steve was soon off looking more and more confident by the minute before doing a very neat top landing. Then it was Ray again who with his harness adjusted had a more comfortable time of it which reflected both in his flying his landing and his smile.

Steve popped in another flight to round off his day and his hill conversion and we managed a couple of super flights on the Tandem playing with the sea thermals.

Well done to Ray and Steve, watch out for them on the hills

Nice to see lots of people out and meet the visiting pilots who were out enjoying the flying and the company. probably the best day on the hill in Cornwall this year. Looks like the tow field tomorrow as the wind drops lighter

A lot of Sun, A lot of Fun and A lot done

Mike P gets ready at launch
Heading upwards Mike P gets ready to release

Mike D puts in a small correction at take off

Looking happy Mike D heads in for a landing after his first high flight

Kaz enjoys a super flight after finishing her Asymmetric collapse exercise

In the field at 08.00 we were ready for an early start with Mike P on the Hang Glider to make the most of conditions before he had to head off at 11.00. With a nice breeze he was quickly into it moving onto release flights and turnd down to land. By his deadling of 11.00 he had put away 15 flights and made good progress to approach the end of his EPC.

The other Mike, Michael D arrived at 10.30 but had to wait a little while the breeze dropped back as forecast to Paraglideable. he spent an hour or so practising his ground work and made great headway looking tidy in both reverse and forward techniques. With conditions still a little breezy i took the opportunity to see if there was any usable lift under an excellent looking sky but failed to make the most of it.

With conditions improving Mike got on the line and did several flights before we had to shift the winch as the sea breeze gave way to the SW wind. Things were now even better and it wasn't long before Mike was ready for the Big one and rounded off his day with two super high flights the last of which was nicely extended with some buoyant air giving him some nice lift. Big smiles rounded off his day along with his EPC and first steps into his CPC all in 3 days.

Bill N and Kaz also got some flying in with Bill being kicked in the A** by a pony (actually I think it was a thermal) and Kaz completing her Pilot rating tasks with a couple of very nice 50% Asymmetrics followed by a little thermalling to boot. Another good day, looks like we should have a day off tomorrow.

Bright and Breezy

We were up early and off to the field to get some Hang Gliding in before the wind picked up to much. It was a lovely sunny morning with plenty of cumulus and a moderate SW breeze when we set up. Mike P was along for his second day on the Hang Glider and had a good time putting away 8 flights in the ever challenging conditions. He did a fine job with some good flying turns and landings to move him nicely into his EPC tasks, ready for release flights next time out, maybe tomorrow.... By 11.30 it was to breezy so we spent a pleasant hour on the theory in the sunshine before having an early day. Short but sweet with good progress made.

Birthday Treats

Frayer and Mike check out the Hang Glider with Tim at the start of the day

What a cracking day it was with bright sunshine, light winds and happy people who could ask for more. The day got going with Mike P (Wiltshire) and Frayer W (Totnes) getting to grips with hang Gliders. Mike had done some before in America but had never rigged one, foot launched or foot landed one so we got him in at the ground floor. Frayer was along for a Taster Day as her 17th Bithday present which was yesterday. They both worked hard in the morning session getting used the wing on the ground and how to control it as it flew above them before having a well deserved break for lunch. However Frayers break was short lived as she came up for a Tandem flight on the Paraglider followed by Maria, who had her tandem flight also booked as a Birthday gift by husband. They both had super flights with amazing views, the sea looked gorgeous and the visibility was good.

Then it was back to work as they were joined by several experienced pilots (PeteC, Kieth W, Barry H and Kaz P) on the winch who were flying Paragliders having fun in the lively conditions "up top" where there was some useful lift around for those who could use it. By the end of the day Frayer had got the Hang of it and put in several nice flight across the field including some super landings, she alright or was that alleft?? Mike showed that he had done some before and rounded off the day with a great flight untethered putting him in a good position to move forward next time out.

Nick F was back with his Paramotor and enjoyed a lovely flight in the morning before settlin down to his CPC exam which he passed moving him closer to his full qualification.

Sam A (Tavistock) played ground handling for a few hours whist the hangers got on with it and conditions settled down and was looking pretty handy it to by the time he came to the winch. He had a nice afternoon putting away 6 high flights (the first he'd done) including good spot landings 180 turns and speed appreciation to move him well into his CPC tasks.

We wrapped at 19.00 to finish a full day, oh and everybody enjoyed the cake which Kaz brought along to celebrate my Birthday, it was like a Party out there.

Making the most of it

Mike D sets off for a release flight
Mike d gets ready to release the line

Dave L checking the canopy at launch

What kind of look is that, concentration or pain??

With the wind forecast to increase by early afternoon we made an early start arriving at the field for 08.00 am. Dave L was up even earlier leaving home well before 07.00 but arriving spot on time. Mike D also made it along although a little later having overslept after yesterdays exertions. Still the guys were quickly at it and it wasn't long before Mike was putting in his first release flights and then moving onto higher flights with gentle turns down to land. A total of 9 flights saw him well into his EPC tasks before the breeze picked up as forecast at 12.30.

Dave also had a good day putting the final touches to his EPC over 3 flights before moving into his CPC with his first high flights and circuits of which he did 5 giving him a total of 8 for the day. We rounded off with some ground handling just to make sure the guys were full before having an early bath by mid afternoon with the wind picking up further.

Useful day and whats more they can have day off tomorrow as we head to the hills.......

Sociable day in the field

It was a very nice day indeed
Somebody looks pleased with life

What a lovely day it was with a good "crowd" in the field , some learning some just flying and some just there for the crack all very nice. On the training front Mike D came along for a Taster Day on a Paraglider and worked hard through the day ending up with 4 flights across the field getting better with each one, he must have been impressed as he's coming back tomorrow for more. Sam A ploughed on through his EPC completing his flying tasks and his exam to get his qualification. Dave L was back and had a great day moving to within a couple of flights of his EPC and also passing his exam, nice one guys. Pete L put in some interesting flights on his Paramotor whilst Bill N, Gunny, Kaz P, Dave B and Steve D all got some tow flights in. Martin J put in another couple of flights on his way to his tow endorsement making it a busy day. What's more it was SUNNY AGAIN.

We don't get fooled again

Despite turning up early to find the wind breezier than forecast we decided it was only an April Fool trick. After taking the Paramotor up it was apparent that not only was it breezy but it was very lifty up top. Still after a couple of hours doing some ground work the wind backed to the NE and dropped nicely. It was all go through the afternoon and into the early evening during which Mick D putting in 7 flights got to the within spitting distance of his EPC tasks with some excellent flying. Sam A back after his Taster Day had a stunner with 11 flights taking him from his first goes on the winch well into his EPC ending with 100' plus flights, releases and turns, good one. Steve M put in another 10 experience tows in preparation for his hill conversion and continues to neaten up his flying with each one and also got some experience of what thermals are. I managed to pop in 4 flights on the Paramotor possibly convincing Gunny that it is the way to go??? Bill N and Gunny dropped by on their way back from Carbis Bay where it was not flyable in the morning helped out, thanks guys. Sorry no piccies

A day of two halfs

Sam A starts to get the hanf of canopy control

Mick D ready for a forward launch

Mark F flies by on his Paramotor under a cracking (bouncy) sky

The morning was light and variable in the Tow field making it hard work for sam A (Tavistock) who was along for a Taster Day on a Paraglider. Still he did well and by lunchtime had cracked the forward launch nicely. Mick D also did well in the fickle conditions with some first class forward launches making it look easy. Mark F and Pete L went off on their Paramotors for a fly towards St Ives but returned early after Pete suffered a "snag" and to add more gloves, it was cold up there. They both flew again but commented on how bouncy conditions were becoming as the cumulus increased. Lorreta and Jim dropped by after lunch for some Tandems flights and we had a good time with spectacular views and big smiles, we may see the m again if they survive the Zip line they were off to try out on Monday. Sam also took the opportunity for a Tandem and we had a super fly around the field in broken thermal giving us plenty of airtime.

With the wind freshening I kept testing the air on the Paraglider but it was always more than challenging for Pete the winch man to keep me at a set height so we knocked towing on the winch on the head. So it was plenty of ground handling followed by some excellent hand towing for Sam who ended up with plenty of airtime at the end of his day. Must have done something right as he will be back to start a course later in the week .

Nearly but not Quite

The wind socks tell a story

With a nice NW breeze forecast we headed to Perranporth for some hill work and hopefully to get some of lads soaring. on arrival it was well off to the north and whilst it backed it quickly picked up. experienced pilots were OK and enjoyed plenty of soaring but it was challenging enough for those new to the hill so Ray D and Steve M got to grips with some ground work in bouncy conditions and picked up a huge amount of experience by watching the others. The pink Mars got another outing and was fun to fly in the sea thermals. A nice day out although we did hope for more from it.

Where was everybody??

Phil S first flight at Carbis Bay
Phil relaxed and flying high

Kaz flies while Chris M ground handles

With a fresh NNE breeze forecast due to drop off and back through the day we headed to Carbis Bay with Phil S who had got up early to hopefully finish his hill conversion on his Hang Glider. On site direction was good and a 22-24 breeze was providing plenty of lift. A quick demo flight and Phil was up and away for a cracking soaring flight of 20 minutes plus followed by a first class top landing. A second flight followed in quick succession and Phil put in a solid 40 minutes playing with the sea thermals which were now giving increased lift before top landing again in fine style.. Tim J arrived to keep him company on his hanger so Phil thought it rude not to fly again which he did adding another 30 minutes to his airtime and as a fully qualified hill pilot, nice one.

Chris M (Tavistock) came along to check us out, and us him, as he needs to finish off his CPC that he started in Spain. As the wind dropped back Chris got a go in the Paraglider showing off his ground handling skills which were pretty good, next stop soaring and top landing. Kaz sneaked in a flight on her paraglider as things got mellower and even I manged 4 flights on Phils Hanger and 2 on the Mojo all good fun.


Oh nearly forgot Chairman Mark and Jason B put in a showing with the MK1 Hang Glider but it was to light for it!!

"take my breath away"

It was a hard work day in the field where we kicked off at 10.00 with the wind already on the increase earlier than expected. Whilst Richard R (Newquay) got introduced to the Hang Glider at the start of his Taster Day Mick D (Falmouth) and Dave L (Camelford), who had returned following his Taster day to do a full course, played ground handling on the Paragliders. Mark F got his Paramotor out and set off an a stunning flight along the North Coast cruising at 4000' in what he reported to be silky smooth conditions. Pretty soon the winch was running and the paragliders got on early to beat the increasing wind. Both Mick and Dave did well putting in a couple of flights each moving them further into their EPC tasks. Anna C and Paul C (daughter and father) dropped by and had a Tandem tow flight each in conditions which saw us towing to the 600' mark, both landed with big smiles.
With it now a little breezy for the Paragliders Richard got going on the Hang Glider and wore me 9and others) out as I chased him across the field on the tethers. He did well and the more he relaxed the better he did ending up with a cracking flight and perfect landing. A busy day with plenty of fun and loads of sun who could ask for more.

High Flyers at Vault

The Tandem glider awaits....
Nicky was far less nervous than she looks

Flying high

Tristan after his flight looking happy

It was perfect conditions for tandem Hang Gliding at Vault Bay so that's what we did. Nicky and Tristan came down from Torquay and were rewarded with some super flying in celebration of Tristans 19th Birthday. Both did well not only putting up with my incessant chatter but also in taking control and flying the glider along the stunning cliffs. With no other gliders there we had the sky to ourselves, well apart from the seagulls and the falcons and the sea king helicopter. It was a cracking afternoon enjoyed by all, so good to be out.

Dual success's

Phil S takes off for his first soaring flight

Phil climbs out to enjoy a 30 minute flight

Happy pilot on landing

Rob ready to head back to Cheltenham after a job well done

With a bit more breeze forecast we headed to Vault Bay for some hill work with the Hang Gliders. Nick G was already there and had flown his Paraglider but things were now on the top end and picking up. Rob was down from Cheltenham for a tandem rating and it wasn't long before he was in the air as my passenger experiencing the delights of Vault Bay, having a close look at a peraguin falcon in the air and a not so close look at a seal in the sea. A couple of these flights and it was Robs turn at the controls with me as passenger trying not to interfere! He did a fine job and dealt with the wind shear on landing well putting the glider down right by the windsock target. By the end of the day he was sorted and even I began to feel relaxed as we took off on subsequent flights, would i fly with him, well i did.

Phil S dropped by and helped Rob and myself before coming up as passenger himself to get the feel of the site before having a go himself at his first ever hill flight. Conditions were breezy enough but he did a great job at take off and quickly climbed out to enjoy a 30 minute flight on his Rio during which his flying got smoother by the minute. Phil then put in a very acceptable landing on target to get his first soaring flight under his belt. Big smiles all round and nice cakes as well... Nice to see Ray D drop by to say hello with Nessie, he knows how to treat a lady.

More Sun more Fun

Phil S heads upwards as pete L gets his Paramotor ready to go

Steve M gets to fly his new kit and settles in quickly (nice colours)

It was another cracker in the tow field, the warmest this year by far. Conditions to start with were breezy enough and with the added "bonus" of thermals popping out the valley the Paragliders hung back whilst I flew the "Pink Mars". It was only took a couple of tows before I joined a flock of seagulls and couple of Buzzards heading skywards pretty much smack over the winch. 10 minutes latter the view from 1200'+ was stunning pulling back upwind there was plenty of lifty bis to play with before landing back in the field to asses conditions for the paragliders. Next it was up on Bill N's wing to check it out and things were fine so Steve M asked me to test out his new Mojo 2 / Vevet 2 combination which resulted in another nice thermalling flight around the field. Just as things were set to get going the sea breeze arrived forcing a change of ends. Still it gave excellent towing conditions for both Hangers and danglers. Steve M made the most of them getting to grips with his new wing being impressed by its nimble handling and glide which resulted in a few longer walks back than usual! Ray D popped in a couple of super tows to keep his hand in along with Bill and Kaz. Martin J added to his tally for his tow conversion and did a fine demonstration of a Barnes Wallace invention on one of his "landings". Phil S represented the hangers on his Rio doing well especially as conditions got lighter towards the end of the day. Pete L buzzed off on his Paramotor to find out just how bumpy it was inland and came back with stories of rustling canopies.... Another fine day long may they continue..

Spring is in the air

What a gorgeous day in the tow field even the baby sheep were bouncing around as Dave L (Launceston) and Mark W (Camborne) got to grips with Parachute landing falls on the crash mats at the start of their taster days on the Paragliders. Sam T (Liskeard) on a Hang Gliding Taster Days had near perfect conditions and made the most of them working steadily through the day finishing up with some of the best day one flights we have seen on the Condor training glider, nice one. Dave and Mark also worked hard and by late afternoon were flying nicely across the field up to 60' in the air before carrying out super landings with big smiles. Dave C (Newquay) came along for a Tandem flight on the Paraglider and enjoyed the stunning views. Mick D (Falmouth) continued into his EPC (Pg) and moved onto releasing the line and starting gentle turns. Luke H (Torquay) ) got on well putting in higher flights and steeper turns in readiness for his Paramotoring, another day should see him on high flights then it's time to get the power unit on his back. Emily from the Western Morning news spent the day with us taking photos for an article and also took a ride on the Tandem so watch out for her piccies in that paper.

Amongst all of this I didn't manage to get any photo's , sorry....

Brass Monkeys

Good selection of gliders made up the 16 competitors

Launch que at Perranporth

Wills Wing T2 racing past launch (such a clean sail)

Air ambulance watches over Tim J (can't think why)

The South Devon clubs annual Brass monkeys comp' was held at Perranporth and was almost a dead ringer for the Frostbite comp' a couple of weeks earlier, well at least for the Hang Gliders. It was a cracking day with plenty of ridge racing and fun to be had on the spot landings. Whilst the top of the range gliders took the honours on the ridge race the intermediates showed them how to do it on the spot landings. Overall result, who knows? Phil Sambles took some stunning photos some of which are above and more can be seen here http://picasaweb.google.com/psambles/BCC_14_03_09?authkey=Gv1sRgCIiduJe874yuNQ&feat=email# worth a look. There were a couple of interesting "landings" involving three pilots.......................