Tandem Tuition

Dave T takes his first tandem up as a qualified pilot
Tandem launching in perfect conditions
Nicola C looks happy (or relieved) after her tandem flight


What a cracking day it turned out to be with no less than eight tandem flights in stonking conditions at Chapel Porth. Dave T from Cardiff was along to hopefully gain his tandem rating on the Hang Glider and set the ball rolling as passenger. After being shown the ropes it was his turn in command taking yours truly up for four flights in succession to gain experience and what a fine job he did of it. Armed with his new rating he had his first inexperienced passenger in the shape of his sister who had a super flight up and down the cornish coast before landing in fine style, nice one.

Woody (down on holiday)was next into the air who as an experienced Paraglider pilot enjoyed getting a taste of Hang Gliding in conditions which were too windy for paragliders. He had a fun time "flying" the glider and realizing that actually it's nowhere near as difficult as thought.



The day rounded off with Nicola C (Truro) who had a voucher for her 21st birthday present getting a super flight alongside the seagulls and out over the beach giving a very different view to what she is used to. Turns out her ex maths teacher was no less than Patrick B who she remembered from his powered Hang Gliding fame, sorry did mention the tree Pat....



With the beach disappearing and the wind increasing it was time to quit whilst we were ahead, where was everybody else ??

Sunsets on the righteous

Dean F gets his first taste of Perranporth

Lone Paraglider (Dean) and even lonlier instructor

It looked good from the ground, guess it was even better from the air

All good things have to come to an end, dusk is 1/2 hour after sunset honest

Well, possibly,possibly not! The rain cleared and the wind veered easing back as it did so giving the chance of a flyable slot in the evening. Arriving at perranporth the wind was still well off to the south but over a period of 20 minutes it came smack on making excellent soaring conditions. After a couple of demo' flights Dean F was ready for his second go at hill flying in two days on two sites. He was rewarded with a super flight in smooth conditions with loads of lift giving plenty of time to settle down and even enjoy the stunning sunset before coming in for his first top landing, ok still a little work to be done on these.

There may even be a slot tomorrow morning so he could get three on the trot if up early enough, that would see him complete his hill endorsement, how cool that would be, watch this space.

Early bird catches the worm

With the forecast for the wind to pick up during the day we made an early start heading to the hill at Godrevy. Dean F got his first taste of walking up hills having only ever flown on the tow line where life is easy. Arriving at the top conditions were fine so after a demo' flight by yours truly dean was set for his first hill flight. He dealt with the lift at take off well and was soon up and away soaring the front of the hill. We opted for a bottom landing after 10 minutes or so as it was already breezy enough at the very top. After a debrief it was back up for a second go which went pretty much according to plan except the added bonus of some thermal lift took Dean up and up even after flying well away from the ridge. unperturbed he dealt with it well before using Big ears to aid his descent ending in a classic landing and a huge smile and sense of acievement.

Mick L also came along to pick up hai new Ozone Mojo 2 and a had his first taste of it ground handling just as the wind freshened and play stopped. Still we made the most of it and set dean well on his way to his hill qualification.

The Final frontier

Ready to go at the "lower" north launch on Chabre
Off and away, what a clean sail....
have to say felt a bit of a "prick" after landing short in this field


The last task was another downwind 116k dash via turnpoints into the flatlands. The game plan was to win the Nationals which meant going for it to move up from 2nd to pole position. Plan started good and things went well until until 2/3rds of the way around it got a bit slow. Pushing hard to make up time i took a chance on the last turnpoint and gambled on picking up lift on the final leg to goal. It didn't happen with the result that I landed 3.5k short in a field of 6' high thistles!! Still a fun day and a super comp in one of the best places in Europe to fly.
We really must get some of you out there some time
Ohh and yes it dropped me from 2nd to 7th..........

Rest rest rest

looking "cool" in the lake
James perfects his flips
The Wills Wing boys (plus a few wanna be's) having fun


We managed a third task on Wednesday which was 123k and proved to be a little on the tricky side. I managed to get around but after a super start and run to the third turnpoint got myself into a lot a trouble in some very inhospitable areas. However luck was with me and despite being on finals to land managed to get up and away to complete the task. Not done my over standings any good dropping me to 2nd in the Nationals and 3rd overall.

Thursday and Friday turned into rest days due to some rain on the former and strong winds on the latter. Lets hope we get one more task in on the last day (Saturday). We had the Wills Wing Pilots meal in the evening which was a good one with plenty of laughs, food and drink, all you need is to be a Wills Wing pilot and you are in.

Race race race

Disscusing tatics at launch with Myles K and Grant C (soon to be British Champion), damn shouldn't talk so much
Wind dummy gets ready to go off the south side


We got flying again today with a 74k task via 4 turnpoints south to a gliding club. I had a good day getting away on the first gate and having a preety quick run. 4th into goal and 2nd Brit by a few seconds. Topped off by free beer and a swim in thr pool there made a good day. Dunno about scores yet but think they should be pretty good, find out tommorow....

No Play today

The day turned out a bit on the breezy side with a lot of wave around. The comp' went up to Aspe but it was canned by mid afternoon. Avery tiring day doing very little. Results from yesterday put myself as 4th overall and 2nd to Bruce K in the British Nationals, a top day!
Still sunny and very hot, hopefully more flying tomorrow.

Game on

Tension at take off as we wait for the off
James my new friend always ready with a cold beer at the goal field



Day one of the British Nationals was a good one with a 110 km task set taking us on a round trip of the main valley. Again things were a little fickle on launch with the wind switching. It was mainly a blue day although there were a few clouds by the last turnpoint. personally I had a super day moving along at a reasonable pace and joining up with Bruce K for a steady 100kph 12k glide into goal. On Landing I was greeted with a cold beer supplied by my new friend James who then helped me de rig before dragging me off to the pool for a cooling swim, all very civilised. Dunno the result yet but should be top 10. Pc suffered with an old skiing injury and after 3 hrs of flying landed in some pain, dont think he will fly a hanger again this holiday.

One glider tumbled but pilot ok after deploying chute and landing in a tree, strange as conditions were not that rough. Hopefully more tomorrow. Sorry still not sorted the picciess.....

Warm up in the sun

It was the last Day of the Dutch Open so I took the opportunity to fly the task, a 122 km trip both south and north of Chabre ridge with a little bit of west. It was super flying day although take off got a little fickle as the wind flicked from south to north. Any way got away safe if a little late and played catch up getting around the course in 2:55 mins which proved to be as quick as anyone, still its a lot easier when you are not actually in the Comp'!
Kaz left me at take off and spent the day in the gorge where she enticed several other retrieve drivers!
Pete C (yes winchman PC) arrived to greet me as I landed in the in the campsite with a cold beer so rounding off a very pleasant day, lets hope they continue. The British Nationals start tomorrow..... will add piccies when can get hold of a card reader

Oooo La La

We arrived in Laragne early yesterday evening to temperatures up in the high 20's to low 30's. Met lots of flying friends and watched the 4 pilots who made goal (in the Dutch Comp) land, 3 were Brits. Set up tent made tea and went to bed zzzzzzzz.
Today it was forecast to storm so we opted out of going up Chabre and headed to Sederon instead to check out the flying sights and hopefully get a spot of Paragliding in. At the top of a 600m site it was already picking up and getting thermic so I got off quickly and had a nice thermic flight before checking out the bottom landing field and very nice it is too. Kaz and Chris opted not to fly after watching another low airtimer having a spot of bother on launch, wise choice I think.
Then it was off to a bar for a spot of lunch followed by an afternoon in the Gorge building dams and chilling out in readiness for the British Nationals that start on Sunday. Will try to keep updated as we go along.

Busy, busy, busy

It was a busy day from the start with lots going on

Glyn P settled nicely bck into towing after a fair break

Matt W got to grips with the Hang Glider resulting in some super flights

Andy W gets airborne at the start of his Tandem flight ....

and stayed airborne during it .....

before coming back to earth with a gentle touch down

It was another full on day at the tow field with pretty much everything you can imagine going on. Matt T (Redruth) came along to start off his Hang gliding training and had a super day getting through the initial stages easily and nicely relaxed. On the winch he quickly gained confidence and by the end of the day was flying nicely at heights up to 60 and getting in his first release flights, an excellent start to his EPC course.

Nigel (Birmingham) came along with his Mosquito (powered Hang Gliding unit) to gain further experience, having flown it several times before, and after a few tows on the winch to get his hand in gave powered flight a go. Unfortunately and abortive take off resulted in a damaged prop resulting in stopped play, still a valuable lesson learnt, don't try to correct right hand turns on take off, just spit the throttle and stop.

Gay J made huge progress on her Paraglider training completing her EPC flights and moving well into the CPC schedule and looking more confident with every flight. At this rate another couple of days and she will be sorted.

Mick L also had a top day on the Paraglider moving through the first part of his CPC tasks and starting on the Instability stuff. Add to this the spot landing crown for the day and no wonder he had such a large smile on his face.

Ray D turned up mid afternoon and was quickly in the air building up his high flights and getting inot his early CPC tasks. Ray not only gave Mick a run for his money on the spot landings but set new standards for dress etiquette turning up in shirt and slacks all topped off with a nice pair of Crispi boots! Others please take note this is the kind of dress wear we expect in the future......

Pete L put in another good flight on his Paramotor flying off to Hayle to take some more stunning pictures of Cornwall from above before returning and carrying out a landing by his vehicle to save a walk.

Paul H buzzed off on his Doodle Bug for an hour or so heading to the south coast to visit Mark and Wanda at Praa Sands and playing with the convergence on the way. As ever Paul did a cracking landing making powered Hang Gliding look easy.

Andy W came along for a Tandem flight on the Paraglider and was rewarded with a couple of nice flights one to enjoy the views and the other to enjoy the ride and looked well pleased with himself on landing.

Add to this Dean F, Paul C, Chris S, Tony P , Glyn P and Kaz P (all qualified CPC pilots) who were getting in some flying and it was a busy day with Tim putting away 80 tows before we packed in at 19.00. Phew an early night at last!

Fun in the sun

With six Taster Days on board along with a tandem, experience flights and some paramotoring it was always going to be a busy day. Steve S, Shaun P, Lawrence B, Paul W, Alan C and Stewart C were all along for a boys day out trying Paragliding. They had a great day getting a good taste of the sport from beginning right through to their first flights. With much mickey taking between them it was also a fun time for us to see them progress and have fun. By the end of the day they were all flying nicely across the field and getting up to 60' off the ground on their final flights before carrying out some top landings and one or two not quite so good ones!

Gay J got her first taste of the winch on a Paraglider and had an excellent day moving well into her EPC tasks with a total of 10 flights.

Pete L had a super flight on his Paramotor cruising the North Coast at heights up to 2000' and taking some lovely photo's (hopefully he will send us some) before returning to the field in fine style.

Paul H went buzzing around on his Doodle Bug (powered Hang Glider) playing with the convergence cloud on his first flight and taking a more sedate route on his second.

Lee H & Dean F put in plenty of experience tows in the evening in readiness for the hill conversions when the weather plays ball alongside Kaz P and Bill W (thanks for the bike riding Bill) who were just out playing.

Jenny W came along and had a couple of Tandem flights on the Paraglider thoroughly enjoying them. Having been up in a balloon a couple of of days before she's having a top time proving that life doesn't stop at 63!

Tim did an excellent job on the winch putting away 60 tows and another lat (ish) day

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