At Cloudbase

Grant launches at the start of his taster day flights

At cloudbase on his first day, can't be bad!

grant showing how to keep it square to the tow line, nice

Gorillas in the mist

The day looked good and with yesterdays "progressers" ready to roll we made an early start even allowing for the "hour". On arrival the wind was light and variable so whilst Grant M (Plymouth) started his Taster day on the Paraglider the rest rigged and chatted. By the time they were ready it was still not settled so we took the opportunity for some CPC theory and grant made the most of what little breeze there was.

By mid morning things were looking better with a light NNE breeze and sunshine and a bit of low cloud. However a quick study of the cloud showed it heading 180 degrees to the surface wind and as it was only 5-800 feet up the likelihood of an interesting wind shear kept us on the ground for a bit more theory and ground work.

Lunchtime saw it all sort out and we got set to tow. Heading up the line on the Paraglider for a test flight saw me quickly disappear into the rapidly forming even lower cloud for an early release. By the time I was back at launch we were all at cloudbase and the winch had disappeared from view. Flying was on hold but ground handling kept us busy with Adi, James and Grant making the most of it whilst the hangies talked hangy stuff and even Tot stayed awake, mainly due to Red Bull I suspect.

However, patience is a virtue and by late afternoon the clag lifted just enough for us to get Grant going on his taster day flights and what a fine job he did showing his natural ability for the sport.

A frustrating day in many ways but with 3 CPC exams passed (James, Kev and Tom) and a very happy Grant on his Taster Day all was not lost :)