Dawn till Dusk

First the Hang check ......

next the ground runs ......

all leading to first flight's

Team Winsport after a fun time getting a taste for Hang Gliding, this could be you

Too good a sunset not to put in here

Peachy takes the last tow of the day, again

The day started a little damp and overcast but with a promising forecast we headed to the field and by the time we got there things had already begun to improve. Ian & Michelle (down on holiday) were along for a Taster Day on the Hang Glider and it was refreshing to see two "youngsters" with so much enthusiasm going for it. Whilst the Paragliders ground handled, we worked our way steadily through the rigging, checks and basic ground work with both of them taking to it well. The breeze increased by mid morning making it top end for paragliding but ideal for hangers so Ian and Michelle had near perfect conditions. After lunch and a spot of "Car Cracking" (they locked themselves out) it was on with the hand tows followed by the real thing. They both did an excellent job on their first flights and by the end of the day were flying smoothly across the field in one go before landing nicely on their feet with some of the biggest grins I've seen, nice one.

With the wind still too much for the Paragliders we had a break whilst waiting for the next batch to arrive. getting bored sitting around we gave Lee H and Tony P (paraglider pilots) a quick taste of Hang Gliders with some ground runs. They were both really surprised at just how easy it was compared to what they expected, think we may have some converts soon, give it a try sometime to see what you think.

We then had the instructors from Windsport (Sailing School) turn up for a Hang Gliding Introduction session as a team building exercise so it was back down to it. By 20.15 we were getting the first ones onto the tow line and with the breeze now dropping we alternated between the Hang Glider and the remaining Paragliders to get in some cracking towing. The Boys from Windsport all did a good job and all got their first flights in across the field looking like they had done it before (well nearly) as the sun began to set.

Again it was big smiles all round as we packed up to a glorious sunset, what more can you ask

Bit of this and a bit of that......

....but not quite enough of either! The day started early in the field where Pete l was ready with his paramotor when Ben F from Swindon and myself arrived. The breeze was already on the increase and whilst Ben rigged his Hang Glider and Booster power unit it continued to increase to a level to much for the Paramotor. Ben however managed 3 flights before conditions got to much but these flights were good experience giving Ben the opportunity to deal with rougher conditions than on his last visit. Still with only another couple of flights to complete his restricted licence it was a little frustrating.
Next it was off to the hill on the other side of the county where the wind was expected to be a little lighter to begin a Tandem endorsement with Dougie m from Plymouth. Arriving on site the wind was on the light side and fairly well off the hill. A quick flight on the Rush2 confirmed the lack of lift!. Still rather than waste time we popped Dougie into the Rush2 to get his opinion on its ground handling, the verdict, well best ask him but it was very positive to say the least. After a couple of hours things looked a little better with the odd seagull staying up so i gave it a shot and found good lift although the wind seemed to be increasing fairly smartly. Dougie was tempted enough to take the Rush2 up and had a super flight before the wind increased even more. What did he think of the glider in the air, pretty much the same as on the ground, "impressive" was the word. Do yourself a favour and take a test flight on it or at least try it on the ground!

So neither of the days objectives actually got achieved but you can't win them all ......... can you?

Power to Pete

After a super day afloat enjoying the sunshine we headed to the field in the evening after the thermals had died down and the sea breeze died away to get Pete L airborne on his Paramotor. Pete had a couple of super flights climbing up to 1500' and cruising along North Cliffs towards Portreath and back taking in the stunning views. Add to this a couple of excellent landings and it was a good day all round. Shame we didn't have a camera, the air was so clear.

Handy day in the field, oh, and a bit at Perranporth

Gay J gets airtime whilst Pete C lends a hand

Tony A looking good as he gets the hang of it

Gay J looking good and concentrating hard by the looks of it

With blue skies lots of sun and some very nice looking fluffy clouds it was a fun day in the field where Tony A and Gay J got their first tastes of Paragliding. With the wind a little breezier than forecast they both did well with the ground handling where Tony had to go against his natural tendencies for controlling the wing born from 15 years of traction kiting. After lunch they both were both ready for some hand tows which in the fresh breeze gave some super flights for them and some good exercise for myself and PeteC. By the end of the day they were both flying competently across the field getting as much air as they wanted and carrying nice landings. Several others were along for the day but unfortunately due to the wind were unable to tow. Ray D did very well with his ground work in what was not the easiest of conditions, wait till he tries it on an easy day. Piccies courtesy of Glyn P.

Kaz and myself had to nip over to Perranporth in the evening and on the way dropped by the hill to find it nicely flyable at 20.30 so we both sneaked in some flying which included some good thermic lift presumably the heat being pushed off the beach by the high tide. Landing at 21.45 it rounded off a nice day.

Tasty day at Perran

What a cracking day it was for Hangers at Perranporth. Rod P from Newquay was along for a Taster on a Hanger and it wasn't long before he was getting his first experience of free flight. In near perfect conditions he got in some super tethering on the top where there was just the right amount of lift for him to "soar" his way to the front. By mid afternoon there were several other hangers in the air including Kev W from Bristol who had come down to test fly the T2 144 and was suitably impressed and Tim J who was trying out a Talon 150 for size and also looked pretty pleased with it. Rod took full advantage of the conditions with a Tandem flight in the afternoon and had a go at flying the glider up and down the cliffs at 300'. All in all a very nice day with plenty going on and lots of fun to be had.

12 up at Perranporth

Pulling in for a fly past at launch, makes your eyes water

Even got time for a chat while you are up there

Classic view of the cliffs and dunes from the Tandem at Perranporth

It was a cracking day at Perranporth for Hang Gliding with a fresh breeze proving a little too much for the Paragliders. It was good to see several "old" faces pitch up along with some of the more regular ones, almost like old times with ex students getting re acquainted. We rattled of six tandem flights on the Hang Glider having some good flying along the full length of the ridge. Several Paraglider pilots took the opportunity to try a Hanger and who knows some may even become converts in time!

Back in the field (at last)

Chris H floats into land under a nice looking sky

Ray D comes into land after his first High flight

It was good to get back out in the tow field after whats is probably our longest ever break, lets hope the weather plays ball from here on. It was a quiet day with Ray D being the only student on site which gave us a nice way to get back into the swing of things. Ray made excellent progress both in his ground handling and in his flying and completing his EPC. He put in a total of 8 flights the last 4 of which were high flights and circuits so moving him into his CPC tasks, life gets easier from here on. I managed to get plenty of flights in on the Rush 2 enjoying playing in the bouncy conditions whilst ray had a rest. Lets just hope the weather keeps coming.

Two up at Perran

All dressed up and somewhere to go, Shirley G ready for the off

Up and away, even got time for a wave and a smile

Thursday afternoon saw some pleasant flying at Perranporth where we took the opportunity to get the tandem Hang Glider out giving Shirley G (over from Australia) the chance to experience flying with the seagulls. Conditions were fine allowing us to use the full length of the dunes from Perranporth itself down to Penhale and back. The site was amazingly quiet with Nigel S being the only other Hanger out on such a lovely afternoon.

Buckingham Palace

On the way to pick up the award we stopped by to see the boss

The Anne Welch Award side one
The Anne Welch Award side two

Wednesday saw us head to London to pick up an award from the Royal Aero Club. The "Anne Welch Award" in recognition of our dedication and quality of instruction. The presentation was held in the Royal Air Force Club in Piccadilly and what a smart place it is, lots of people in uniform and lots of pictures of aeroplanes.

The do itself was good with the presentations being made by Air Chief Marshal Sir John Allison KCB CBE FRAeS (of Strike Command fame) his views on protecting the recreational and free flying community were very welcome. Tried hard to talk him to having a go at the real thing, you never know. I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting up with some old Friends who were there and I hadn't seen for well over 10 years. Ok so it wasn't in Buckingham Palace but we did drop by that way whilst up there.

The European Championsips in Austria

Alpine rigging with stunning scenery and a cracking restaurant as a bonus

You couldn't ask for a nicer launch, at least not for the Hangers

A nice flight on the Paragliders on another "day off"

Kaz celebrating putting it on the spot (again)

Between June 7th and 21st we were competing as part of the UK Hang Gliding team in Greifenburg Austria in the Europeans. What a stunning place to fly with scenery to match. The competition itself suffered from the Austrian weather resulting in only 3 tasks being flown although we did manage to fly on several other occasions. The biggest task was 155k which took us on a lovely tour of the surrounding area and over some lakes both frozen and warm enough to swim in. The team placed 6th overall which whilst not as good as we hoped for was not a disgrace taking into account the lack of flying and practice in the area.

Kaz got to fly her Paraglider in between tasks and enjoyed the 3'500 top to bottoms playing with the thermals on the way down and showing the locals how to land on the spot every time.

All in all a nice place to go with convenient accommodation/ campsite by the landing field, lovely take off with a super restaurant and variable weather. Would i go back......yes, who wants to come??

Sneaky one (well several actually)

Adam W gets up and away as a qualified hill pilot

...and boy does he look happy about it...

Nigel E sitting pretty in his new Peak 2 Harness

Pilots enjoying the evening lift

Having spent most of the day packing for our trip to Austria we spotted the possibility of an evening slot at Perranporth so headed out there with Adam W to hopefully complete his hill endorsement. The wind was light on arrival but some scratching had been done by Paul H and Glen earlier so we were hopefull. Sure enough by 18.30 things got better and Adam was soon in the air enjoying the bouyant conditions. A couple of landings later and he was sorted, looking very comfortable with it. he continued to fly until the breeze dropped again putting plenty of take offs and landings including a nice slope landing on his final flight, nice one. Paul H, Kaz P, Nigel E and a visitor kept him company making it a very pleasant evening indeed. Nigel tried out his new Woody Valley Peak 2 harness and gave it the thumbs up. Thats it next stop Austria....

There was "allsorts" going on

Whilst the day started a little misty it soon cleared and the sun came out to make it a warm one. Dave h was along for a Taster day on the Paraglider and after a bit of rolling on the mats for his PLF's he was out in the field getting to know the Paraglider with TI Pete C. Chris S had a queit morning taking his CPC exam which he passed well so completing his CPC, well done Chris. After lunch the usual suspects had arrived and the winch swung into action. Paul R came down from Southamprton to look at a Hang Glider and drove off with it on top of his car looking happy, another satisfied customer. Paul h was out with his NRG Mosquito and went off for a grand tour of west Cornwall for a couple of hours. Meanwhile towing progressed with Dave H getting airborne on the Paraglider and having a super first flight across the field ending in a good landing. As the wind got lighter mark F turned up with his Paramotor to try it out with his new Ozone Roadster. He had a couple of cracking flights the first upto 3000' giving amazing views along the north coast and the second playing with the low cloud that moved in towards evening. was it good? ask him but he certainly looked happy and the speed at which he could get around the sky was quite impressive.
Mick L completed his EPC tasks and eneded the day with a couple of high fligts and circuits to bring a smile to his face. Rick W completed his CPC tasks with a couple of Asymmetrics so now only needs the exam to qualify, all in a week. Dean F put in some top up tows as did Adam W both of whom are just waiting for that elusive hill day.
Another busy and varied day in the field with allsorts of flying going on, nice one

Party time for the Stag

Oh what fun we had with Adam W's Stag Party who came from all over the UK for a go at Paragliding. With perfect wind conditions the guys made excellent progress through their taster day, Ok some were better than others but in fairness they were all pretty good, dare I say above average. The low cloudbase didn't hinder us and by mid afternoon they were all getting their first flights in on the tow line. by the end of the day they had all put in 3 cracking flights across the field and were congratulating each other on their success. It was a good day which kept us on our toes but was also very rewarding to see such a bunch of no hopers come good!. Wouldn't be surprised if we see one or two of them back for more, watch this space. Hopefully some piccies soon if they send us any.....

The Longest Day...

Paul c checks his canopy after launch

Chris S lands his Mojo

Kate enjoyed her Tandem flights

It all started at 08.00 with Rick W and Ray D taking their EPC exams, both passed well done lads. Then it was off to the field where we got Guy D going on his Taster Day whilst the rest did some ground handling. The lines were soon running with the first two flights indicating some nice lift around. After a couple of winch moves due the wind changing things settled down and the tows came thick and fast. Guy did well on his Taster Day ending with four flights across the field and a Tandem which was enough to convince him to come back for more so watch this space. Ray D had a good day moving within a couple of flights of his EPC finishing with some nice release flights with good turns. Mick L also cracked on into his EPC tasks getting to the same position. Rick W had another heavy day moving through his CPC flights and starting the final phase by carrying out "Big Ears" leaving only the Asymmetrics to go. Chris S was back with his new Mojo and had some good flights to finish off his CPC tasks as did Paul C. Throw in some free flyers and Tandems and it was a busy day with 82 tows on the log, another late night with a stunning sun set at 21.30, even more zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Making the most of it

Tony P enjoys the evening air

Rick W gets his first high flight and circuit

Rick W looks happy with his evenings "work"

Tony P takes the last line of the evening as the sunsets

It had been breezy all day but with the forecast to drop again in the evening we headed to the field for an evening session at 17.45. Rick W played with some ground handling and it wasn't long before the wind eased and towing got underway in smooth and buoyant conditions. Rick made cracking progress over a total of 10 flights completing his EPC flying tasks and rounding off with some high flights and circuits to start him into his CPC, pretty good for someone who only started a few days ago. Tony P kept him company in the air with some nice towing, enjoying getting his feet off the ground and having some fun at the same time. Tony took the last line at just gone 21.00hrs as the sun was setting zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

No rain here

Whilst pretty much everywhere to the east got wet we had a super evening in the tow field rounded off with a stunning sunset. Rick W got his first taste of actual flying having done the ground work the previous evening. After a couple of hand tows in the light conditions we wasted no time in getting him on the tow line. By the end of the evening he had put in 10 tows and moved nicely into his EPC tasks with release flights and gentle turns, BIG SMILE. Paul C completed his CPC top up flights and spent the eveningbuilding experience as did Dean F and Kaz all learning lots as the wind dropped to zero. Good to have Paul h out on the winch and to see Tony P .

An evening out

From this ......

to this....

in less than 15 minutes


Arriving at the field at 16.00 after an interesting day we found the wind still a little on the breezy side but the sun was out. Rick W ( Dean F's drinking partner) was along for his introduction to Paragliding and was soon rolling around on the mats doing his PLF's. Next it was off into the field to do glider introduction and before long as the wind eased a bit he was getting to grips with ground handling. Mick L arrived and put in some useful ground work and was looking good by the time he left us at gone 20.00 hrs. Rick kept at it and by 20.30 was experiencing his first hand tows making him all set for the winch tows next time out. Dean also got some more play time with his Buzz Z.
Mark F pitched up hoping to fly the Paramotor again and it wasn't long before the wind eased further. He had a cracking flight on the Black Devil unit which convinced him that it is the way to go landing at gone 21.00.
By the time we left the field at gone 22.00 the wind had died away to nothing....maybe tomorrow ..

New Toy for the Boys

So what does this bit do again?

Into the great Blue yonder, boy does this thing climb

Engine off and plenty of lift around

Mark F heads back to the field after playing with the convergence


A wet & windy morning gave way to a bright and lighter afternoon which saw us head to the field for a spot of Paramotoring with a brand new Fly Products Black Devil unit. Conditions were good with convergence setting up over the field giving plenty of lift, shame we didn't get the winch out. I took the first flights which proved the unit and indicated the level of thrust it produces even on low throttle settings making take offs remarkably simple. After a couple of flights and playing with the thermals Mark F had a go putting in two super flights with first class take offs and landings. he racked up some nice airtime before coming back to the field to top up with fuel. Whilst he had a break i again took to the air as the convergence line shifted to the north and found pleasant lift enough to stay up easily even with the engine off. Mark rounded of the afternoon with a trip up to a couple of grand before dropping back into the filed just as the wind began to increase. A very impressive unit with loads of thrust, not to much weight and surprisingly "quiet". Bring it on....

No peace for the wicked

With the morning spent fixing Ben F's Booster it was lunchtime before we set off for the fields which as it turned out was about right as the wind eased back and the clouds bubbled up. the Hangies made the best of the early part of the day with Gay J getting back into towing with an eye on power taking the first flights. Nigel S and Ben F also took some lines before the Paragliders got going. Paul h did some demo flights on his mosquito power unit showing perfect take offs followed by interesting landing approaches. Dean had a cracking first flight on his new Ozone Buzz Z landing with a huge smile after yet another of his now seemingly commonplace thermalling flights , for an unbiased opinion of the wing ask him. Bill N had some nice tows showing his family what he can do and was joined by Kaz P and Graham K on the Paragliding front. I managed to get the Tandem out and had some nice flights with Deans daughter Amber who took everything in her stride and with Bills relation A? ending with a super one as the last tow of the day.
Ben got going on his Booster unit and was looking very compatent by the close of play (at 20.15) with a super fifth and final flight taking him to several thousand feet so giving stunning views across the county as the sun dropped. Again a long day with plenty going on to keep us amused. Sorry no photo's too busy to take any, maybe someone else has some.

It was just like summer

Forecast was for rain, I don't think so


Adam W heads skywards to join Dean already up there thermalling

Dean and Adam thermal around the field

Waiting for the wind to ease back and the sky to brighten we headed to the field just after lunch arriving as one of the best looking skies this year appeared. Pete C took the first tows and played in the thermals before taking over the winch to get the students going. Ben F had a busy day with 10 tows getting in experience on his recently aquired Rio with a mixture of high flights and low powered launches to get him ready for his Booster power unit. Unfortunately on its test flight with myself on board the Boosters throttle cable parted leaving me with a tight landing , still all's well and hopefully it will be fixed for tomorrow. Dean was racking up experience for the hill having completed his CPC and had 9 tows including a couple of nice thermic flights around the field on which some he was joined by Adam W (8 tows), both did really well without instruments climbing up in the lift with the seagulls. Paul C was back with us afer a long break but got nicely back into things with 6 tows and was looking sweet by the end of the day. Nick G also had fun in the sky and made good use of the available lift although his timing for a break was poor as this proved to be the best flying period of the day! Ben L turned up in the evening and did well with his ground handling before getting on the line and rattling off 3 tows to take him nicely into his EPC, release flights next. A top day with loads of flying, fun and fermalling, maybe tomorrow will be as good...

Lifes a breeze

With the wind a little on the brisk side first thing we headed out to the field with the aim of getting Ben F from Swindon started on his tow conversion (Hang gliding) in order to get him back into flying with a view to power in the future. The morning and early afternoon were good for the Hangies with Ben and Chris W making good use of the lines. By mid afternoon things calmed down nicely for the Paragliders. Dean F completed his CPC having done his exam and is now qualified on the tow, not bad in two and a half weeks. Graham K completed his Tow endorsement on his Paraglider and was looking very tidy by the end of the day. Mick L came along for a taste of paragliding ending up with three flights across the field and signing up for the full course on "Best deal". Ben F put in a total of 14 flights to crack his Tow endorsement on the Hanger and looked very relaxed having got nicely back into flying after a 4 year break. Kaz played with thermals whilst Pet L played with brakeless ground handling. a Fun day with lots done and plenty of flying, long may it continue..

Patience is a virtue

Dean F sets off for an Asymmetric collapse exercise with a classic launch

DeanF returns after a succesful "mission"

Ray D looks happy after his first release flight

After much umming and aghhhing we finally decided to give it a go early afternoon despite the forecast. No sooner had we loaded thetruck than it began to rain, still undaunted we headed to the field, where it rained...... However slowly things cleared up and bt 3.30 the rain stopped and things looked better and by 4.30 we were towing. Ray D had a cracking time moving nicely into his EPC flights and getting his first release out of the way. Dean F cracked off the final flying tasks for his CPC and now only needs some topup flights and an exam to complete. Graham K put in some more flights towards his tow endorsement and looked all the better for it.
A lot got done in a little over 2hrs towing making it well worth while, nice one.

Sunshine shines brightly

It was a sunny day in the field making a pleasant change from the misty conditions of the last couple of days. There was a good turn out with a mixture of students and qualified pilots. Chris S was down from "up country" and moved within a day of completing his CPC putting in 4 flights including Big Ears and his first Asymmetric which he did with some enthusiasm.
Dean F continued his swift but steady progress over 8 flights moving well into his CPC tasks and peforming some pretty good spot landings along the way, Instability tasks next. Nick G and Bill N took a trip to Carbis Bay (via PZ for one of them) before returning due to the lack of wind there. Lawrence O'D and Kaz P also used the spare lines whilst Adam W (now CPC tow) built up his experience. Alan J was out for the Hangers having an interesting time on his T2. Towards the end of the day things got a bit more challenging as the sea breeze collapsed mixing with the predominant airflow.

Now that's progress

Dean on his way to the top

Ray gets his first taste of towing... easier than the hill

Dean sets up for landing after a high flight

Conditions were about as good as they get for training in the tow field with a light N/E breeze and an overcast sky giving suer smooth but buoyant conditions. Dean F from Falmouth was out for day 2 of his EPC course having signed up following a Taster Day along with Ray D from Ivybridge starting his EPC having given up on hill training "up country".
Dean was quickly in the air for his first flights on a Paraglider and made steady progress through the day putting in a total of 22 flights by close of play at 18.45 taken him through his EPC tasks and giving him 4 high flights and circuits so staring him into his CPC.
Ray had a good day reacquainting himself with Paragliders, practicing his ground work, being introduced to towing before getting on the line himself. Despite leaving early Ray put in 9 launches and by the end of the day was getting to grips with it resulting in some nice flights across the field.
Bill N and Kaz were also out getting some flying in and riding the bike to make life easy for Coady on the winch. All in all a nice day showing again the benefits of tow training and small student numbers. It's the way to learn....

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British Open 2008 May 2nd - 6th

The first major Hang Gliding Competition of 2008 was held in Mid Wales with and entry of 68 pilots. day one was cancelled early (14.00) due to heavy showers and unstable conditions. To early as it turned out, Pete C and myself launched at around16.oo and had stunning flights being joined by several others. 3 of us flew the 30 odd K back to the base, very nice.
Day 2 saw us at Bache Hill where in uninspiring conditions a task was set as a race to 50 K. Slowly things improved resulting in a total 6 pilots making the distance including myself. Unfortunately I suffered a technical problem resulting in no GPS, only an audio vario and no speed points, still concentrates the mind. The Wills Wing Pilots meal out went well in the evening with lots of stories and meeting of friends.
Days 3 & 4 were untaskable although we try at Corndon but all flights ended in the bottom landing field.
The final day was a cracker with a race to Bala Lake at 80K 8 pilots made it with the remainder spread out over the course. Despite being stuck on a tiny ridge just 15K downwind from take off for over an hour i did finally get there but with a very slow time so yet again no speed points, still a very pleasant day.
The Comp was won by Bruce Kavanagh on his Wills Wing T2 144, nice on Bruce.
Check out details here....
Next stop the European Championships in Austria