Perranporth was the site again and on arrival it looked like a moderate to fresh westerly and with no one there yet Kaz and myself spent 30 minutes moving sand, filling in some of the holes which develop and if not kept in check can soon becoming big holes and hazards.
Having fun together
Malin arrived ready for day two of his Tandem training and whilst he got his kit sorted I tested the air on the Ozone Zero which proved it to be variable lift and flicking to the SW at times. By the time Malin and myself were clipped in on the front a big black cloud was moving in and rain coming out of it. We chose to wait it out as others began to arrive.
Sure enough it cleared away the wind dropped and we waited for it to return patiently on the front. Sure enough it did and we took the chance to get another flight in whilst others got their kit out. A couple of good flights with Malin in command with the second seeing conditions increasing and the use of the "Quick outs" on landing saw conditions getting on the breezy side for Paragliders.
The Tandem Hangy and loving it.
With Malin sorted, congratulations, it was time to turn attention to some Tandem flying of our own. Simon M and Randal R were back after there first try last week and this time conditions were much better with a good enough breeze to take the Hangy up. Randal was first up showing how it was done and we had a lovely flight checking out the view and putting the world to rights as we cruise the cliffs before popping back in on top. Next up was Simon who following a diving accident some years ago needed a little help to get off. Everyone did really well with Simon showing great faith as we got away and up into the air. We had a super flight with Simon amazed at the colour of the stunning Cornish sea, have to say it was looking especially good. With some nice lift coming through we had a good play before coming in to land where an excellent ground crew were on hand to catch us, thanks guys and gals..
Simon and Randal give the thumbs up, thanks for your patience guys.
A short break and it was Graham's (Scotland) turn. With a few stone less and the wind squaring up a little conditions continued to improve and we had a great flight convincing Graham the Cornwall is the place to live so we look forward to him moving down next year! The whole time we were up Graham Kept saying how much his wife would enjoy it if only she would come up .......... A first class landing was not enough to convince Maxine even backed up by Graham's enthusiastic chatter about the flight. So off they went with Graham still grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Happy chappies, two Graham's one glider
With a few Paragliders flying low, a couple of speed wings up Big G, Terry P and Jeremy S were up on their hangies having a ball when Louis d (Bristol) finally arrived with his "new" Wills Wing Sport 2 155. A glider check and test fly (courtesy of Phil L, woops sorry SG Phil) and Louis was ready to go. A super launch and he soon settled into the wing getting used to the lighter pitch and roll pressures.
Adie stays low as the wind picks up
Surprise surprise, Graham and Maxine re appeared and yes you guessed it Maxine was up for it! In perfect conditions we were soon ready to go and on launch. Two steps and we were off into the blue finding plenty of lift. Maxine was great and her nerves soon disappeared allowing her to enjoy a cracking flight as we flew with Jeremy and Louis. It is always nice to take someone up when it is a bit of a challenge for them and to see them just lap it up and that was so much the case with Maxine, fantastic. A tippy toe landing and it was smiles all round with Graham just beaming and now able to fully share his experience with her.
Maxine just loved it :))
and so did Jeremy
With everyone safety down we called it a wrap and loaded the kit back on the van leaving a fully flyable sit and no one flying! Great to see Phil L back from his travels and success in the Chabre Open, very impressive:)
The return of a Sky God
What a super day and such a privilege to fly with such super people who really appreciate life and do not take it for granted but make the most of it.
Quote of the day "there are close ups and close ups" its amazing how deceptive the view through a view finder can be ......
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