8 up at Vault

Dredgy gets some ground handling in with the tandem in practice for his rating

Simon M starts the ball rolling on the first tandem flight

Joe ("group organiser") does a fly by

Sonda Goose steps us off the hill

Steve M sneaks into the group shot before disappearing!

Putting our faith in the forecast we headed to vault bay armed with the Tandem Hanger and Paraglider and a bust day scheduled. On arrival it was a super day but light, very light. Still with things forecast to pick up a little we waited and whilst it was a bit of a gamble by the time the tandem passengers started to arrive things were getting a little better. By 13.00 it became soarable on Paragliders and not long after that we were in the air on the Tandem.

First up was Simon M (St Ives) who having seen us regularly over Carbis Bay came along to try it out and had a super flight. Next were a group of friends from Falmouth who were celebrating some birthdays and life in general and despite suffering hang overs made the most of what was a gorgeous day. We started with Joe (based on her weight) followed by Emma, Sonda? (Dutch) , Will, Dougie an last but not least (especially a conditions got even better) Andy. They all had a top time and were a pleasure to take up making the whole experience fun all round, we even managed to get them sorted in time to watch the Rugby.........:(

To round the day off Kaz came up for a flight in what were by now lovely conditions with nice beach thermals giving us extra lift, very nice.

Plenty of pilots out playing and good to see Shaun and Paul putting in the airtime and learning along the way, there's always something to learn.

Tyre Pressures and Timing

Tom gets going on the hand tows

Michel works his way up the line

Trev does what Trev does

Tom looking good as he sets off on his Taster Day flights

Another sunny day in the tow field although a little hazy with a moderate NNE breeze.

Tom V (Bristol) was along for a Taster day on the Paraglider whilst Michel K (Falmouth) continued his EPC on the hanger and Trev H (Paignton) put in some experience flights on his hanger.

Tom worked well through the morning and even as the breeze filled a bit dealt with conditions getting to grips with basic canopy control in both reverse and forward. By early afternoon he was ready for the winch but with the wind on the top end we kept him on hold whilst the hangers played. Michel made good progress moving into release flights and gentle turns down to land but still needs to perfect his landing skills although his view is that one of the tyres is at a different pressure to the other one and that causes a turn!

Trev had a ball popping in the high flights and despite some turbulence up high looked on top of the game, lets hope it gets hill soarable for him soon.

With an easing in the breeze we took the opportunity to get Tom on the line and he put in three nice flights across the field getting up to 50' in the air and landing on his feet every time to round off his Taster day.

Nick F (Exeter) made a return trip with his Paramotor for a final check out to complete his Pilot rating and had some nice flying despite the poor visibility, well done Nick enjoy......

What a Perfect Day

Hanging out to dry as Kev rigs up

Adi a bit chuffed after his first high flight ( and yes he has had the baby)

Kev comes round

after his first flight to the top whilst Simon waits to launch

Happy Kev

nice

Well very nearly, although we could have done with one or two more to share it with. First thing the wind was still fresh enough but as it was forecast to drop we made best use of the time finishing off some theory before heading out at 11.00. It was bright and sunny in the field ideal for drying out the kit that had got a bit damp yesterday, so whilst Kev S (Yeovil) rigged the mars I hung things out to dry.

By midday things were perfect for towing so Kev cracked on with his Hang Gliding EPC starting with release flights and moving steadily through shallow turns into tighter ones. By early afternoon he had finished off his EPC tasks and completed his exam and we still had hours left to play with.

Meanwhile Adi C (Illogan) on the Paraglider joined in the fun and after a quick re cap flight was off to the top of the line for his first high flight and circuit which resulted in a loud yell of delight and even bigger smile than usual. Not to be out done Kev started his CPC tasks and followed suit on the hanger doing a fine job of it and looking just as pleased.

The guys worked hard through the rest of the afternoon putting in the flights working through various tasks and settling into circuits . Simon F (Camborne) also joined in on his Hanger to get him back into flying and had a fun time playing with some early thermals as a nice cloud street set up from the field. Adi rounded off his day with a super flight as we talked him into a thermal and circled him up and out of the filed before having to talk him out of it to fly back, yes even bigger smile again and even louder yell!

With everything nice and dry we wrapped a classic day which saw both Adi and Kev well into their CPC's putting in 10 and 15 flights respectively whilst Simon sneaked in 9.

Hanging around

It was a pleasantly busy day in the tow field with two taster day hangers and two day 3 hangers making use of the conditions.

Richard G (Launceston) and Pete D (Gwennap) worked hard through the morning getting their ground work out the way and by lunchtime were getting it sorted. With the tethers laid out it was not long before they got on the tow line and despite a few nervous first hops they both made good progress through the afternoon improving with each flight and even starting to relax!

In amongst their tows Kev S (Yeovil) and Michel K (Falmouth) cracked on with their EPC flights now on the Mars and both did really well putting in nice straight and level non release flights so setting them up for the release stage.

Rain stopped play early so they never got the releases in but next time they are ready to go. The taster boys did well and should be proud of themselves having gone from zero to flying in 7 hours. Thanks for helping to pack up guys and thanks to Cpt Kev on the winch.

We had a nice sociable evening with the guys on the coaching course down in the Portreath Arms all of whom seem to be enjoying the course.

Cracking day at Perran

Michel starts the day off a bit on the wobbly side

it doesn't take long for michel to get the "hang" of it and straighten up

Kev flying nicely with ropes slack, shame about the legs

Kaz comes in to top land

My kinder Egg suprise from the hatchlings, amazing it came out of the yellow container and it flies really well, thanks guys, how did you know it was in there???

With our hangy boys from yesterday up for more fun we headed to Perranporth for some "static" tethering. With the wind straight on and around mid twenties it was good conditions and soon enough Kaz was doing a demo on the Mars for Kev S (Yeovil) and Michel K (Falmouth).

Kev was first in and quickly got to grips with the basics as he flew slowly towards the front before being restrained by the tethers and landing. next in was Michel who found it a little more challenging but improved with each flight. By the end of the day they were both looking really good dealing with the turbulent bits and putting in "soaring" flights with the ropes slack.

Paul W (Truro) who had been kindly helping out with the tethers made use of the stronger breeze at the end of the day to have a go and showed that even after 27 years of not being in a hanger he could still remeber it, think he will be back soon.....

Carez and Kaz both took the opportunity to fly their hangies in a quieter slot although whilst they were up things got breezy again resulting in two "bouncy" landings and some time "off" for Kaz.

A useful day with plenty learnt and the guys keen for more.

Slalomn and straight liners

That's a sight I never thought I'd see !

Adi joins the "bun in the oven " club Adi gets going as he moves well into his EPC

Kev straight and level on the "running" tethers

You looking at me - Gray the winch making their lives easy

Amazingly the forecast was correct almost to the exact timing and it made for a lovely day in the tow field where we had a mixture of hangies and paras. The morning was taken up with Kev S (Yeovil) and Michel K (Falmouth), yes that Michel, being introduced to Hang Gliding. They both did really well and despite very light winds quickly got the hang of running with the wing and basic ground work.

Midday saw the arrival of Adi C (Illogan) who practiced his ground handling on the Paraglider whilst the "boys" finished of the basics of hanging. With conditions becoming near perfect we got the winch running and after a couple of demo flights we set the hangy off using the tram lines which made life a lot easier and proved a real success ( thanks to the devlopment team Paul H, Steve H and Graham M) .

After a few flights each both Kev and Michel were of the tethers and flying free, whilst Kev could keep a straight course Michel proved he could turn a hangy by doing a good impression of a Slalomn racer but in fairness never looked totally out of control, just a bit behind it!

Whilst the guys put in their flights Adi got going on the Paraglider and moved through his remaining EPC tasks in good style over 10 flights and ending up with good 180 degree turns so is pretty much ready to go to the top.

By the end of play the hangies were looking pretty sweet and pleased with their progress so big smiles all round.

Got some vdeo clips which will try and sort of the hangies including Michel on Slalomn!

Old and New

It was good to get back to the field after a fun spell on the hill. It was a nicely relaxed day with Adi C (Illogan) on his second day and Ross M (St Ives) on a Taster day representing the Paragliders whilst Trevour H (Paignton) putting in experience tows on his new wing and Simon F (Camborne) getting back into it and flying his new wing held up the Hangers end.

Whilst Adi practiced ground handling and did a very good job of it Ross went through the basics of Paragliding and getting to hand tows by lunchtime. The hangy boys turned up later and were rigged and ready for the afternoon session.

After a couple of test flights we put Trev' up the line on his hanger which he soon got to grips with and by the end of the day was looking as smooth as they come putting him just where he needs to be for his hill conversion. Simon soon joined in the fun and after a couple of low flights was off to the top of the line to have a good afternoon refreshing his skills and getting better with every flight.

The Para's joined in as the wind eased a little and Ross had a great taster day doing very well on the tow flying up to 60' high across the field and even getting the landings cracked and finally the turn and deflation as well.

Adi worked hard and moved from low flights through release flights and into gentle turns from 100' so putting him well into his EPC tasks and only stopping because we had to go home!

A nice relaxed day made all the easier with Tim the winch and Bill the Bike making things as smooth as silk, thanks guys.

Worming tablets and Hatchlings

The Z3 boys get together in the air

The hatchling presentation

Smooth Bob joins in the fun

Sam gets set to eat dirt as Kaz flies high above

With the NE wind still persisting it was another day at Carbis Bay where it was smack on and ideal for Paras when we arrived. Shaun W and Paul W were ready to go just as the wind filled in with Shaun taking the lead. His 3rd soaring flight was another cracker with plenty of lift around and plenty of other pilots to dodge. Paul soon joined him and they both completed their hill conversion flights and were duly pleased with themselves.

It was good to see them join in with the other pilots and fly unsupervised for the first time and even to get the chance to fly with them. As a celebration of their "hatching" we had a small ceremony with involving Kinder eggs and alcohol.

Smooth Bob H all made a long overdue appearance and put in a couple of soaring flights doing a good job and hopefully one more day should see him sorted.

As the wind filled in the Paras landed and it was time for the hangers to get going. A quick demo flight an it was Sam A's turn on the Calypso. He did a first class take off and had a super flight settling in nicely and looking very smooth. An excellent top landing followed and the Sam smile.

Whilst Sam took a break, Rekah S got in the air followed by Kaz and the two girls had a great time with the air to themselves. Sam went for his second launch but an overenthusiastic trimming in saw him heading for the fence which was followed by an over enthusiastic flair which saw him heading skywards then ground wards. Sam was fine but the Calypso will now be retired from active service. Can you get worms from eating earth????

Nice to see Big Al out on his Hanger and thank you to Gay for the use of her glider.

"Like the Germans"

Paul gets up there on his second day of soaring in succesion

Not to be out done Shaun joins in on the act (the higher one)

Shaun looking pretty pleased as Michel practices his Goose stepping

Paul best side (only joking)

Well another strange day at Carbis bay as the high pressure continues. With plenty to do in the office again we waited until there were signs of the wind backing to the NE before we headed to the site. On arrival things were just getting good amazingly for the Paragliders on what had started a breezy day!

Wasting no time Paul W (Truro) put his experience from yesterday to good use and was soon up amongst the other pilots for his third soaring flight. Whilst his flying buddy Shaun watched Paul had a fine time playing in the ridge lift and sea thermals so expanding his knowledge. a good top lading saw him back on terra firma and smiling as usual.

Next off was Shaun who made a super launch and climbed nicely in the ridge lift as the clouds cleared and the sky turned blue. Within a few beats Shaun was looking smooth and relaxed and in tune with his Buzz Z 3. Another good top landing and another huge smile saw the lads having a fine time. They took turns in flying and by the time the wind picked up on to the strong side Paul had put in enough flights for his hill conversion and Shaun just needs one more. Nice to see them progressing together and I guess Paul is a good omen as his new glider (yes another Buzz Z3) only arrived on Monday!

Trev H had been patiently waiting with the hanger for the wind to fill in but by the time it did the beach was disappearing fast making it unwise to send him off for his first hill flight. We reckoned that the Paraglider "twins" had used it all up "just like the Germans" they got there first and took it!

Still Trev and Sam A both had the benefit of seeing some good demo hangy take offs and landings in preparation for their flights.

Another nice day with plenty out and whats more looks like more of the same tomorrow :)

A Grand day at Carbis

Well somewhere near that either a bit above or a bit below! Knowing it was a bit easty we went to Carbis with the hope of finishing of some hill conversions but on arrival although flyable it was on and off and up and down seeing some pilots not quite making it over the fence and some wishing they had not!

Still there were flyable slots and I decided to get the Delta out in the breezier one and give it a go. Having sorted the ground handling technique nicely now the glider is a joy and its performance edge showed both in sink rate and glide as it lifted me well above the other gliders in the air allowing use of the sea thermals to take me up to around the 1000' mark. The ability to move around from there meant I could "chase" the gulls to the right spot and enjoy a very pleasant and fum 30 minutes before the cold got the better of me.

Having always been very hesitant of higher performance Paragliders the Delta gives me the confidence to spend more time on it and look forward to getting in an XC soon. Call if you want a go, but you may just fall in love with it.........

Rush 3's due end of March inc' medium demo other sizes to follow when released.

The Need for Speed at Carbis

Oli after his tandem flight

Said getting high on his first soaring flight

Paul (when's the baby due) setting off to launch

Paul and Kaz share the air

End of the day as Kaz comes in and the Sun drops

It was Carbis bay for hill conversions and tandems and although the wind was forecast to the north actually it was more on than we expected although breezier than forecast at a low to mid twenties.

We got things going with a cracking tandem flight on the hangy with Oli who is down on holiday for the week to celebrate his birthday and what a good week he has chosen weather wise. Oli had a fun time taking in the views, flying the glider and generally just soaking up the whole experience. Maybe as he only lives in Devon we may see him again sometime........

Next "off " was Kaz who confirmed the need for good airspeed control at take off to deal with the bumpy bit by putting her shortest ever flight yet... Still no harm done and a valuable lesson learnt along with drumming the message home to Said who had come back to us to do his hill conversion.

Said was next to go and got away fine to enjoy as super soaring flight in classic conditions for 30 minutes before popping back in on top for an acceptable landing. With Paul h, Gay J and Graham M all joining in the fun on their hangers Kaz was soon back in the saddle and had a lovely flight putting in a super demonstration landing for Said.

After a short rest said was off again for his second flight and looked much smoother as he now mixed it with a couple of Paragliders that got airborne as the wind eased back a little. Another top landing see's him one more flight away from his qualification, hopefully tomorrow.

Paul W who had patiently waited all day whilst Shaun cracked after only 4 hours was quick to get the Paraglider out as the wind dropped along with the sun. 15 minutes of ground work allowed the wind to become sensible for him and after a demo flight by Kaz he was off and away for his first hill soaring flight. He did a fine job and was soon joined by Kaz who kept him company until the light began to fade when they both came in for nice top landings.

Sorry to Trev and Shaun and Bob for missing it but your days will come!

Fast Fun at the Frostbite

Tim K sneaks up under Karez

Mark H (his better side)

Julian on his speed run gets the bar in

Andy F very colour co ordinated

Pete A wonders if the rumours about Tims pregnacy are true

With a bright and breezy forecast the faithful assembled at perranporth for the 2011 frost bite comp. By miday there were 18 hangers rigged and ready but Para's were kept in the bags as it was blowing mid to high twenties. Visiting pilots from The Mercian Club, Sky Surfers, Devon & Somerset Condors and South Devon joined the local boys.

After a test the air flight and demo top landing for those new to the site a ridge race task was set along the dunes but the spot was given a miss due to the breezy top landing. Pete A (Mercian) got things moving with a very low level run proving it was bouncy near the ground. He was followed by a stream of pilots keeping Kaz, Wendy and various helpers busy both at time keeping and launch.

Some flew faster than others some high and some low and some the wrong way! The rigid's were impressive with their speed making swishy sounds as they passed by. Top landings were fun and needed some concentration but in the main went well with a couple of exceptions resulting in some bent ally but no broken bodies. More excitement was provided at take off in a couple of instances.......

By late afternoon the wind picked up a bit and pilots called it a day encouraged by Pete A again demonstrating turbulence at low level just in a different area.

Back at the pub score manipulation began by giving the Rigids a 10% penalty and the King posts a 30% advantage.......this proved about right as results showed a good mixture of gliders in the top 5.

Results so far.......In reverse order 4th Mercian, 3rd Odd and Sods (DSC & Sky Surfers), 2nd South Devon and with a marginal lead strangely enough in 1st Kernow !

Sunday look possible so thing may yet change .......

Thanks to Adi for all the piccies which will follow

Vindy at Vault

Go0d take off run as Katie starts her tandem flight

Into the "blue"

Happy landings

With a pleasant forecast for light to moderate SE winds we headed to vault bay hoping to get some Paragliding Hill conversions sorted in the morning and some hangy ones in the afternoon. However on arrival at 10.00 it was already blowing 18+ so top ending for the para's but good for the hangies.

Shaun (Camborne) and Paul (Truro) both passed their navigation test in finding the site and although disappointed at conditions made good use of the time with a site briefing and recce so putting them at ease for next time.

Kaz wasted no time and was soon up there floating about on her hangy and practising 360's and tighter turns in readiness for the thermal season. With the wind well to the south her landing options were either between the hedge and the road or in the "normal" field at the western end. She opted for the latter which was fine although the expected turbulence and wind gradient was present making her work hard but resulting in a very acceptable landing.

By the time Trev (Paignton) had arrived and was sorted things had picked up a bit more and both launch and landing were getting bouncier so after a site brief we waited to see what would happen.

Katie (Tintagel) arrived for a tandem on the hangy having missed out when on holiday in Rio so figured we were the next best thing! Although the sun had disappeared the wind had backed a bit so we gave it a go and had a cracking flight in loads of lift allowing us to play to our hearts content and Katie a go at flying the glider. A good landing in the "normal" field despite the wind shear rounded off her experience and confirmed it may not be ideal for Trev's first flight.

Whilst Trev made good use of the time by completing his CPC exam in fine style the wind increased and we derigged ending flying for the day. A steady stream of pilots then appeared having been to the KHPA Parachute packing day ( which was once again very successful) to make sure they had not missed anything and left again very relived.

Fun day, not as much done as hoped but a very happy Katie even if it's not Rio.... Ohh and yes offers now being accepted for small item with approx 24 hours use including 45 minutes of airtime.

Mikes magic works again!

Steady on guys

Adi gets it cracked on his first day

Paul flying by the light of the moon

Is it a bat or is it paul, Trev tries to work it out

It was an interesting day in the tow field where things got off to a good start with Adi (Illogan) on his first day of a 2 day taster going through the basics under Kaz's instruction whilst Paul W (Truro) nearing the end of his CPC Paragliding, Trev H (Paignton)and Shaun W (Camborne) both out for additional experience tows in preparation for the hill readied their kit.

As we got the winch going conditions were perfect and I popped in a couple of demo'/check out flights then Trev got going with the hangy. Then Mike C turned up for some towing to keep his hand in between hill flights and the wind dropped and moved. The next few hours were a little on the frustrating side as we moved the winch to and fro chasing a wind that was up and down and round and round with only the odd tow in between.

Shaun finally cracked and after only one flight on his new Buzz Z3 (which he got on with well)called it a day and was soon followed by Mike C and Trev deciding to de rig. Just as in the old days no sooner had Mike left the wind settled down at a perfect strength and the games began!

Adi having done all the hard work was soon putting in his first flights on the tow and did a great job over three lovely flights each better than the one before seeing him getting up to 60' in the air.

Paul cracked on with his CPC tasks and by the time the sun had gone and the moon was up he had completed them all and got a couple of extra flights in for the fun of it totalling 11 flights so finishing off his CPC, well done.

Sorry you missed it Mike but thanks for leaving , next time could you go a couple of hours earlier please........

Post frontal at Chapel

Classic take off as phippsy gets things going

Classic photo by Steve H

Andy R gets in on the act

Kaz touches down in tippy toe fasion

As we hoped the occluded front passed through a little earlier than forecast and the wind veered to the west coming on at Chapel Porth nicely. A bit on the strong side for paragliders Kaz and myself nipped out there with the hangers and were joined by Steve H and Andy R.

After a quick test of conditions on Kaz's wing which proved it very lifty (just as well as there was no beach) we swapped around and Kaz got back in the air after a few weeks enforced leave due illness. She was soon joined by Andy R and both had a fine time playing around before popping very neat top landings, well in one case any way!

A pleasant afternoon with Steve taking the piccies and me using Kaz's glider when she wasn't. packed up and got home just before the next showers arrived, perfect.