Super Soaring Sunday

Dave K brightens up the sky

Pat G has fun as she gets her Tandem flight

Kaz and Sam A fly high

Newbies Paul C and Dave K duly pleased with their achievements

Mr Bloom goes flying

After a vary nice day celebrating yesterday we were back out on the hill bright and breezy with some more hangies to get going and sorted. Whilst the guys arrived and rigged i sneaked a cracking flight on the Delta (Paraglider) which made easy work of the strong enough conditions and still had some left to play with the lifty sea thermals coming through, if had not been for the students i would have been out of there....

Still back to work and Dave K (Bristol) was the first student off to complete his hill endorsement with a couple of nice soaring flights and top landings making his trip down well worth while. Watch out for him out on the hills in the Avon area.

Next to get a go was Paul C Plymouth also hoping to finish his hill conversion. Paul had a good flight looking relaxed from the word go and flying very smoothly. Top landing proved a little trickier and a moment of indecision saw him try to land to near the front and whilst he did make Terra firma a landing it was not! Still undeterred after a short break to gather thoughts and re asses he was off again for another nice flight but this time followed by as nice a landing as you could ask for, well done Paul and apologies for my tongue lashing!

Trev H having watched proceedings harnessed up and was soon at the front for his first hill soaring flight looking suitably nervous. He need not have worried, a super take off followed by a super flight was followed by a super top landing and a super smile so starting his hill soaring career. Trev popped in another before the day was out so hopefully only one more day and he will be sorted.

Michel having waited patiently then got in on the act and put in his second hill flight having done his first on Friday and looked smoother quicker to enjoy a solid 30 minutes and having some fun playing with the lifty clouds before making a good top landing all be it in the alternative location. Again one more day should see him sorted.

Add to this three cracking Tandem flights for Pat G (Marazion), Andre (Birmingham) and Ben F (Manchester, also known as Mr Bloom of CBBees fame) all of whom had a great time in stonking conditions and it was a busy day finally brought to a halt for the students as the tide came in.

great to see newly qualifiers Kev S and Sam A making the most of it and putting several flights each and doing very well too. Also good to see Robin M (Devon) get back onto a hanger and keen to do more so giving Paul C another flying buddy. Also good to see kaz back up there on her hangy having fun.

l done to all and it looks like another good couple of days ahead :)

Tidying up Tom & Managing Michel

Tom looking smooth and streamlined

Tot and Tom celebrate his completion

Michel flies high on his first hill hangy flight

Coming into land Michel concentrates for a change

Happy bunnies

We played the same game as yesterday and waited till early afternoon before heading out to Perran both for the tide and also to let a weak front pass and the wind veer which it duly did making it very nicely flyable by 14,30 ish.

After a quick demo Tom took to the air to finish off his hill conversion in conditions that were more bouncy than yesterday and with more west in the breeze so a little off the hill. Still he did a great job starting with a perfect launch making life easy. The lift was good and he took advantage of it to pop in a few 360's whilst racking up the airtime before coming in for another top landing and gaining his qualification.

Whilst Tom took a short break I sneaked a flight in on Luke C's WW Sport 2 and had a ball, these must be the most fun things around....

Tom then got back up there and again proved his take off technique is well sorted and had a fun 15 minutes before the wind backed a little reducing the lift. His top landing was a little short emphasising the need to adapt to changing conditions and giving Tom a valuable lesson one of many he has yet to learn as he starts out on his flying career. A debrief and some maintenance later he was back up there making it look all to easy again before redeeming himself with a good top landing and putting that big smile back in place :)

By now Michel K (Penryn) who had arrived was suitably nervous so we got him harnessed up and off he went for his first hill soaring flight. After a little wobbly start he smoothed out and got back into the hangy way as he racked up a 35 minute flight in what were the days best conditions seeing him way up in the sky which he now had all to himself as Big Gray opted to land, strange that!

With a little encouragement Michel got back in on top on his second attempt and promptly turned into a jibbering mess as he extolled the virtues of Hang Gliding.

Another good day with Tom completed and Michel nicely into his hill conversion and even some nice flying for me. day off tomorrow ( 60th wedding anniversary actually(not mine)) then hopefully more fun on the hill on Sunday Monday and possibly Tuesday by the looks of it.

Funtastic !

Matt flies by on the Tandem at the start of a fun day
Charis and Matt (and Phippsy) after their Tandem flights

Tom soars high on his first soaring flight


Coming into land Tom sets up and corrects nicely

The guys - Sam A, Tom D and Kev S

Rounding off the day like it started Rob beams as we fly by

What a cracking day out on the hill with lots on and perfect conditions all day :)

We arrived at 13.30 giving us time to rig and let the tide drop out so opening up the beach nicely for the hangy hill conversion boys. Whilst they got themselves sorted I took the opportunity to get Charis and Matt (Essex) up on the tandem hangy in super conditions. They both had super flights alongside the seagulls and in Charis's case alongside the most beautiful bird of prey as it soared beside us. The guys got the feel of flight on the hangy and both did well flying it themselves so adding nicely to the Taster day they had yesterday, the full package and how lucky were they!

By the time we landed the "students" were ready and Kev S ( Yeovil) led the way putting in the first of four soaring flights and converting onto his own glider and harness along the way.

Next up was Tom D (Warikshire) who was back down having completed his CPC tow with us a month or so ago for his hill conversion. Tom did an excellent job and soon settled into the flight looking very smooth and co ordinated after just a few beats. By the end of play he had racked up 3 flights and was looking very pleased with himself and so he should.

Sam A (Tavistock) was back for his second day on the hill and got back on the horse in fine style making a cracking flight on the Calypso before converting onto his own glider to complete his hill conversion and put some ghosts to bed, nice one.

At the end of the day Rob (Holland) took the opportunity for a Tandem flight so whilst the guys derigged we had another top flight in very lifty conditions just playing with the whole sky to ourselves before coming in for a lovely top landing. Rob just loved the whole experience and would have stayed up till dark (and beyond) if he had the chance!

Nice to see some other hangies out too giving the newbies someone to fly with.

A great day and whats more it looks like we may have a few more over the next few days :)

Dream makers

Adi sets off on his first hill soaring flight

Flying high a dream comes true

Chris watches the sun go down with the sky to himself

It was a fun day with both tow and hill work getting sorted to keep everyone happy!

We started in the field where Matt and Charis (Essex) were along for a taster day on the hangy whilst down on holiday in St Ives. In super conditions they both were a pleasure to teach as they worked through the ground based activities with looks of wonder as the glider tried to lift them off the ground.

Early afternoon saw them onto the winch and under Daisy's steady hand they got their first flight in. despite the now slightly bumpier conditions they both did really well showing good glider control in both pitch and roll and even landing on their feet every time. Matt rounded off his day with a couple of untethered flights getting a little higher and realising a dream that he has had for some time.

With news from Kax (on "staff training" at Chapel) that things were good for soaring Paragliders it was off to Perranporth for the evening where we met up with Adi C (Iloogan) and Chris B (Plymouth) for some hill conversions on their Paragliders. After a demo flight by Kaz Adi was next off and performed a lovely take off on his new Mojo 3 and was soon soaring the ridge alongside Bill N who had come over from Chapel to see the fun! A good top landing was followed by a less good deflation and then by a huge smile as Adi also realized something that had long been a dream to him as well.

Not to be outdone Chris followed suit and made a cracking first soaring flight with the whole ridge to himself enjoying both the experience and the views. Chris did an almost copy cat top landing and had a smile just as big.

Both guys then popped in a final flight as the wind eased and the sun set and both top landed to round off a super evening although a little more work on collapsing canopies won't come amiss.

Well done to everyone and lets hope we can get out for their second days soon :)

Windy Wales

Kaz's cake tasting session at Pontlottyn
Daisy explains to Big Gray avoidance techniques

Sunny walk by the canal and itchy bits

Looking good at the Malverns as I tog up to go

The start of an 85 K flight, yummy...

The first round of the British Open Series, and the British Open itself was held in SE Wales over the period 29/4/11 till 3/5/11. We headed up accompanied Daisy M early on the 29th having had a cracking afternoons flying at Carbis Bay on the day before where I actually got my Comp' hangy out to make sure it was still all there.

To cut a long story short the first four days were a bit on the breezy side meaning no tasks were set but unusually the weather was lovely with sunny skies making for some nice walks and chill out time, rare, normally its wet and windy!

Still the forecast as usual was looking better for the last day and those of us who stayed were rewarded with a fantastic days flying at the Malverns,a site where I had not flown before, with a race to goal via one turnpoint giving a total of 85K. Launching early saw me quickly to cloudbase at 6000' followed by a fairly straightforward but thoroughly enjoyable flight across wales to the goal arriving 6th for the day not bad for my first thermic flight on a hanger since August.

The rest of team Kernow had a fine time as well with Tim J, Gray M and Big Gray A all putting in the K's. Next round end of May in Yorkshire.........

Time for both at Carbis

Settling in on the T2 C
Pulling in on the T2 C

Chilling out

With some unexpected time on our hands due to last minute changes we headed to make the most of it at Carbis bay. On arrival it was very nicely Paraglideable and myself and Kaz had a fine time sharing the air with several others whilst checking out the scenery as pointed out by Bill......

By mid afternoon the wind had filled in and it was time to get the hanger out giving me a chance to get a little practice in for the upcoming BOS series in Wales over the next few days. Always good to get back on the T2C and what a fun time I had racing the trains and chasing the seagulls. With kit checked and instrument s tuned looks like I am as ready as I will ever be. Lets see what the next few days bring.

Location, location

Kaz and Rob share the air
Adi practces on the ground
Rob takes his CPC exam in a super location

Nigel W hasa fine day out

Big Phil sneaks back around the point

With a light NE forecast we headed to the tow field with a mixture of students all wanting different things. On arrival it was breezier then expected in fact quite breezy, Rob B (Wollacombe) and Adrian P (Devon got out their Paragliders to show us what they could do and spent an hour playing whilst we waited to see what went on weather wise.

With the wind remaining on the strong side for towing we upped sticks and headed to Carbis Bay where it was nicely flyable for Paragliders but a bit light for the hangers.

Rob who was down for a check out and hopefully CPC rating having learnt some years ago at a non BHPA school wasted no time and after a site brief and demo was up and away. Four flights, Big ears, an asymmetric, some slope landings and top landings later we were convinced with his flying ability and attitude. Taking time out he went through the theory side with Kaz before taking his exam which he passed in fine style to gain his rating, nice one. It is always good to see pilots getting sorted and hopefully apart from that Rob learnt a bit more along the way and a few holes which may just keep him safe in the future get filled in.

Adrian put in some more ground handling on the hill in preparation for getting back onto his Paramotor and possibly taking up free flying as well, we shall see.

Nigel who had come down with his hanger to get onto a power unit took the chance of a Tandem Paraglider flight and had a fun time with me scratching the front as the lift dropped off before a small thermal gave us enough to pop it back in on top, phew.

Field Training

Charlie K gets set to go

Pete W does a nice take off

Charlie shows them how it's done

Pete W starts to get the hang of it

It was another sunny day and with lighter winds we opted for the hill which proved to be a wise move by all accounts. The forecast was to pick up as the day went on so we canned the Paragliders and went ahead with the hangers.

We had Charlie K (Winchester) on day one of her HG course along with Pete B (Newquay) and Pete W (Newquay) both on taster days and yes they did come together and were father and son in law.

Things soon warmed up in the filed with the ground training getting going and by lunch time everyone was ready for a break whilst we set the winch out. The afternoon saw the guys getting into the air and little by little each one started to get the hang of it and even relax, although in fairness to charlie relaxing was never a problem.

By the end of play although not perfect we had made progress and with all the hard work done everyone was well set for another good one should they choose to return! watch out for Charlie who should be back in June if all goes to plan.

Kaz and Bill returned from the hills where things were poor at best and several people had visited the beach at Carbis and even more not flown at St Agnes......

Patience Patience Panic!

Charlie K gets her tandem in

We were always on a time scale as previous commitments meant we were booked up from 13.00 hrs so time was of the essence.

It was back to St Agnes for some more hill soaring and whilst conditions were flyable they were not good enough to tempt me off on a tandem so we waited. As sods law says as the deadline approached things began to get better with an increasing breeze and lift. In fact things began to get that good that we managed to renegotiate an hours time extension and what a fine job we did.

Charlie K (Winchester) down to start her HG training took the slot and we had a good time up on the hanger for her first flight on a hanger despite having been around the sport since a child, even now she is only 16. Charlie was very chilled and did well at flying the glider as we flew with the gulls.

back on planet earth we packed up and made it with plenty of time to spare, nice one but sorry Pat.....

Soaring at St Agnes

Elanor at Launch
The Tandem takes off

Flying high in a blue blue sky
Elanor and Kerry after their flights

It was a strange day at St Agnes and the theme from Vault bay continued with wind but lift that was not as good as expected. However we still had fun and as the low cloud lifted conditions improved with fun for all.

On arrival the Paragliders were having a fun time with "Uncle" Bill N enjoying his Rush 3 and showing us how it is done. I had a nice play on the Delta and Kaz got back in the air on her Buzz Z3 in fact it looked like an Ozone demo day! Lee K took the chance to fly the Delta and did a super job of it looking quickly in touch, flying smoothly and enjoying the extra speed and glide that it provides along with feeling comfortable and solid on it, big smile and "how much do you want for it?"

With conditions better Sue K took the opportunity for a Tandem flight on the Paraglider and had a great time putting her fear of heights behind her and thoroughly enjoying the whole experience and the amazing views of the cliffs.

By the time we had landed the wind had filled a little more and it was time to get the hangies going. Elanor and daughter Kerrie were up for Tandem flights and it was not long before with a small yelp at launch Kerrie was up and away. Her nerves soon settled and we both enjoyed a cracking flight as the sun shone and the seagulls soared alongside. After landing and a bit of a break as we let conditions improve again Elanor got her flight something she has wanted to do for a long time " exactly as I thought it would be " was the comment just after launch, fantastic.


So nice to take all the guys tandem who appreciated both the flying and the environment so much, thanks guys.


Good to see a nice crowd out on both Para's and hangies such a good place to be., more tomorrow ??

Sun Worshippers

Perfection in formation ground handling

Bill launches one to many times

It was a glorious day at Vault Bay with a pleasant on shore breeze and no lift! Still we had fun with some ground handling and Bill and myself sneaked in a couple of quick flights before Bill took one too many resulting in a walk up from the beach.

Even though the flying was lacking it was a grand day out soaking up the rays and a very useful one for Adi C getting used to the site and the difference between the hill and the fleld. Hopefully tomorrow will see some more action.

Sorry about the lack of piccies we have had camera problems but hopefully all soted now.

Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant

Well the title of today's blog is what Bill N said after I asked him what he thought of his new Rush 3 which he got to fly on the hill on Sunday, if you want a more in depth account ask him yourself!

Back to the days activities and it was another super sunny day in the field where we had Kieron d down from Plymouth on a Paragliding taster day along with Jim S (Wiltshire) for a taster day on a Hang glider and Richard g (Praze) on his second taster day also on a hanger. Dan L (Truro) joined us for some keep his hand in/ experience flights whilst he waits for the wind to play ball for the hill.

It was a cracking morning as the guys worked through their ground based activities and it was a warm bunch that sat down for lunch having cracked the bulk of it. Whilst the wind sorted it self out we did the tow brief then with it settling in a light NE we set the winch and got going.


Dan led the way and had a fun afternoon popping in some high flights in amongst the students. Richard G on his second day showed a vast improvement and was soon of the kingpost tether and by the end of the day was flying untethered very nicely across the field to much applause.



Jim S showed his natural ability and also got off the kingpost tether in a couple of flights looking very smooth and controlled, I get the feeling learning to hang Glide would not be a problem for him should he decide to carry on.


On the Paragliding front Kieron did 3 super flights across the field floating along and keeping the wing nice and straight making life easy for Tim on the winch.


To round off the day Jim added a Tandem flight to his day on the Paraglider and had a ball enjoying both the views and the thrill of what a Paraglider can do....


A fun time for all and good enough for Richard to decide to go the whole way and learn to fly a Hanger, watch this space.

Tasting Day

Summer is really here with another glorious day in the field and with four taster days on board the conditions were ideal. Gary P (Swansea) Pablo F (Swansea) and Richard G (Praze) were all along for day one taster sessions on the hanger whilst Richard M (St Austell was on the Paraglider so giving a nice mix. Everyone turned up on time so we made a prompt start and all worked hard through the morning doing the ground work whilst the fair weather clouds drifted by over head ....... Mid morning saw Steve G (a friend from Surrey) join us for a look at our operation to get and give some ideas which we make make more of in the future. After a relaxed lunch things really got going and the guys got on the winch. To be fair the Hangies made me work pretty hard although bit by bit they got the hang of it, some more than others and by the end of play they were showing promise. Hopefully Richard who is on a 2 day taster will put it all into practice on his next day with us and Gary who would like to continue to learn will do the same and Paoblo I am sure we can sort out with a little more effort. On the Paraglider Richard had a much easier time and was looking sweet as he flew across the field on his flights getting nicely up to 60' and landing on his feet every time to result in a pretty much perfect day for him. Everyone had fun and caught the sun and it was a tired but happy group that left the field at the end of the day. Steves views on the operation were very positive and having tested out other activities on taster days reckoned we were well ahead in both value for money and "slickness" of operation, nice to hear.

Toms Twenty, Sam Screams & Adi Adjusts

Tom comes in watched by Tot (dad) as the Calypso awaits

Sam waiting to go Sam looking happy after her flights

Tom (the young one at 16) and Phippsy (the older one) pose for a CPC celebration photo

With Tom D coming all the way down from Birmingham we made a special effort to get out despite no other students booked in.

In very nice conditions Tom went for it on the hangy and moved onto the tow release on the mars before cracking prone, slow flight appreciation, prone flying and spot landings ohh and yes converting onto the Calypso over a total of 20 flights to complete his CPC! Tom worked hard yet took it all in his stride making for a very pleasant and relaxed day, thank you and well done.

He got a break in the middle when Sam (Essex) came along on her 25th Birthday for a Tandem flight on the Paraglider and had a fun time ending with a "fairground" ride down and plenty of screaming. Nice to meet her and Darius and Darius junior and hope they enjoy the rest of their holiday.

Adi C (Illogan) also took the pressure off Tom in the afternoon by putting in some experience tows on the Paraglider as well as getting his new Velvet 2 harness sorted and adjusted to both his liking and so getting in and out is nice and easy.

Good to have Paul H back on the winch for the day and have to say his towing was just like he had never taken a break, super. Looks like the next couple of days should see more in the field.

Paradise

Chris comes back down after playing with the thermals

Carolyn after her first high flight

the sky clears at the end of the day

After the wind of yesterday what a contrast with a light NW breeze in the tow field giving perfect towing conditions along with some nice thermals giving plenty of lift as well.

We had a mixed bag of hangers and para's making it an interesting day and plenty going on. Whilst the Paras got themselves sorted and did a bit of groundwork the hangers got rigged and going.

Chris W (Bristol) was along for a recap and to practice his landings having learnt to fly over 5 years ago but having not put a lot of time in. Chris had a good day getting his confidence back and also converting to a chest release on the tow. His flying got smoother his landings better and he even had time to enjoy the views, whats more turns out he lives just down the road from Martin H who was down yesterday, small world.

Adrian A got high again on the hangy and began his base bar conversion after practicing them yesterday on tethers. His flying was fine but his enthusiasm resulted in his first XC as he wandered from the filed so landing "out". Kaz and Carolyn were soon on their way to fetch him back.

Carolyn ( once the glider was returned) cracked on with her EPC tasks and did a great job of them again with yesterdays tethering paying off and by mid afternoon was sorted. She finished her day off with a couple of high flights putting the icing on the cake along with an even bigger smile:) congratulations Carolyn.

On the Paragliding front Paul S (Wiltshire) was back after his taster day for some more and had a full on day putting in the tows and working higher up the line and building turns. Not sure which was louder his "cries" at launch or yelps of glee at landing......

Chris B (Plymouth) came along and polished off his CPC tasks with some Big Ears and Asymmetrics before taking his exam and becoming qualified on the tow. Having got sorted he used the rest of the day to play and had some cracking flights and thermals looking every part a pilot as he circled up.

With a relatively early close i managed to get some nice tows in on the Delta and boy does it tow well, a very nice package .

Meanwhile Pete C had been out on his new Rush 3 firstly at St Agnes then up Carn Brea where he had launched into a nice thermal and put in a cracking XC to Cadgwith with heights of 4,500 ' on the way. His view of the Rush 3 "10 out of 10" well done Ozone, book your test flight now.....