Blown Away

 Marie gets set to go on her first flight

 Joni gets the hang of it, nice hand position

Marie takes control as the ropes go slack and she smiles

Joni gets high as he cracks it

  

Oliee gets set up for a tandem flight as Joe and Donna look on

Taster day group, less peachy and Kaz!

Well not quite actually but some of our customers were with their experiences.  On a brisk WNW forecast we headed to Perranporth where we met up with Joni S (N.Devon) and Marie D (Exeter) who were along for taster days on the hangy, already on site and rigging were Carez and "Steve from Oakhampton" out to make the most of it.

With the wind a brisk 24 -26 we got things going doing the theory and glider rigging whilst the other guys braved the air proving it was indeed windy enough!  Next it was a little ground handling at the back of the slope to get the feel of the glider before popping on the tether ropes.  Late morning saw both Joni and Marie getting their first flights in super conditions giving them plenty of lift and time to get used to flying.

Lunch time saw Scott P arrive for a Tandem flight which he had for his 40th birthday and in classic conditions he had a ball enjoying the flight, soaking in the views and having a go at flying the glider.  Nice to see the family come along to watch and enter into the whole experience.

Next we took a trip to the front with Nigel W hoping to get his second soaring flight in and his first on his new wing.  Conditions were still blowy and after  re assessing conditions we decided to give it a miss and wait for better times.

The taster days guys got back on the wing and having let their previous experience soak in progressed nicely taking more and more control and looking more and more relaxed.

Early afternoon and Joe, Donna and Ollie turned up for tandem flights in celebration of Ollies 40th and what a great time they had.  Ollie was first up followed by Donna then Joe, they were all great passengers and all a pleasure to fly with appreciating the whole thing and sharing in each others flights at take off and landing.  We must have done something right as they are coming along to the tow field next for some Paragliding flights.

The day rounded off with Joni and Marie having some final flights and both ending on a high note with some good flying despite the even breezier conditions.  In fairness they both did really well taking in the instruction and it was a delight to see them progress from "passengers" to "pilots" through the day, well done guys it was fun to have you along.

Nice to see Trev H (Torquay) and Andy R (Fourlanes) join in the fun on their hangers and Derek trying out his new small paraglider and having fun, if you want one just give us a bell and you to can fly with the hangers..........  thanks to Peachy on the tethers and Nigel for his help with the tandems.

Super Sunny Sunday

 Charlie gets off on the Mars nice and straight

 Emil does a classic launch and checks his canopy

 Tim works his magic as Emil climbs out

 Charlie heads to the top of the line

 Tony returns to planet Earth after a Tandem flight

Charlie rounds off the day with a super approach to land

After a few frustrating days where the wind would not play ball things got better in fact much better!  With a light SSW wind forecast we headed to the field where it was just glorious.  Whilst Kaz and Bill got Rodney (Rodders from Porstmouth/Moushole) and Emma A (Exmoor) going I took Charlie K (Winchester) and Emil K (Somerset) on the winch.  A couple of test flights on a Wills Wing U2 145 which we had done some work on proved both the air and the glider to be fine (anyone interested in a very very low hours U2 145?).

Next off was Charlie on the hanger and after a few flights on the Condor (Hang Glider) to get her hand back in she moved onto the Mars as she finished off her EPC tasks looking nice and relaxed.  Emil joined in the fun and followed suit on a Paraglider and also wrapped up his EPC tasks making and ideal situation.  After a briefing session they were both ready for the big one and with Charlie leading the way they headed to the top of the line.  They both made it look easy and had great flights with Emil building in his first taste of thermalling along the way!  That set them up for the rest of the day as they moved into their CPC tasks putting in a good two days worth of flying over their Twelve and thirteen flights respectively, well done guys.

Lunchtime saw us have a short break before Tony R (Torpoint) turned up for a Tandem flight on the Paraglider having bought a voucher at a charity auction for the Air Ambulance that we had donated.  Tony had a great time enjoying the views including watching the paragliders flying at Godrevy and amazing views along the coast.

With the wind filling in a little we took a break whilst Charlie took and passed her EPC theory exam, well done and we packed away some of the kit.  Like clockwork by the time we were ready the wind eased again and it was time for the day oners to get going. Emma and Rodders both did well fling across the field at heights up to 60' and both landing on their feet most of the time!  They cam back with big smiles making all the hard work well worth it and looking forward to coming back in the future.

Emil and Charlie used the last two lines of the day to round towing  off in a perfect way. Nice to meet Emils mum and his son Zac, hope they enjoyed the day as much as Emil did!

Rodney G (Falmouth) got in the air on his Paramotor again but unable to get into his harness kept his flight short and made his landing less than perfect, think he needs to come around and we will set it up for him in the BIG shed.

All in all a great day, well done to all including Tim J on the winch for some super towing.

Hanging out on Monday

 Dave gets the attention on his first day on the winch

 By the middle of the day Daves looking good as he flies the field

 Dean gets set for his first high flights on a hangy

 Paul l sets off as a qualified HG tow pilot

Dean back from the skies sets up a super landing approach

After our trip away to the canals up north it was good to be back out in the field and getting some training going again.  After letting a weak front pass over in the morning we hit the field at midday and were soon up and running with three hangies out to play.

Dave d Newquay was out for his second day (his first in the field) after having a day at Perranporth just over a week ago.  His previous experience paid off and we soon had him on the tow and flying across the field nicely.  The tethers came off and by the end of play he had put in eleven flights and moved well into his EPC with release flights and turns to his credit and a big smile on his face. Another good day should see him to the top of the tow line :)

Next off was Paul L (Plymouth) who had a fab day tidying up his CPC tasks, take offs and landings and looking very smooth by the end of his 12 tows. Paul is now fully CPC'd on the tow and it will be off to the hill when conditions permit although you may well see him in the field to keep his skills up in the meantime.

Dean F made a return to the "Dark side" and despite some pre light nerves he had a super day settling back in quickly and moving into his CPC tasks with high flights basebar and prone conversions taken all in his stride.  His 12 flights saw him looking very comfortable again and it would be good to get another day in before he disappears off to work for another couple of months!

A nice day out with everyone getting loads of flying in and where they wanted to be.  Thanks to John for the piccies and hopefully Daisy enjoyed his mushrooms ............

Fresh on Friday

After yet another visit to the dentist I dropped out to Chape Porth on the Bonnie to meet up with Kaz who had already arrived with the truck and the gliders.  Nigel W was already rigging and the Tandem was not far behind.  Conditions were smack on at 18 -20 so all looked good for both Nigels second soaring flight and the three Tandems we had booked in.

By the time I took Nigel's Sport 2 up for a test fly things were getting breezy and by the time I landed they were a bit breezier. By the time Nigel put his helmet on they were breezier still and by the time the Tandem passengers said hello they were very breezy!

We put things o0n hold for an hour after which the wind had eased back to fresh from strong.  Taking the  slot Di D (Oxford) came up for a Tandem flight and we had a fun time saving holiday makers from being cut off by the tide whilst bouncing around in the less than smooth conditions, Still Di had a whale of a time totally amazed at the whole experience.  Landing in a wind now a lot stronger than we took off in gave my arms some exercise  but was tippy toe all the same.

Despite hoping for another lull it was not to be so unfortunately Di's wife Amanda missed out as did Ollie and Nigel, sorry guys but there is always another time.

Thursday theory

With the wind forecast to pick up as the day went on we made an early start in the field with Keith B(Dartmoor) on the Paramotor.  By 09.30 Keith had popped in 3 nice flights to complete his CPC tasks and enjoyed every minute of them as he soaked in the views from 1000' plus.

The Hangies arrived at 10.00 and duly rigged whilst i attended to some running repairs on the bike.  By 11.00 it was breezy and bouncy so after a few test flights we decided to concentrate on the theory and see what the wind would do.  Mid afternoon saw the guys take their exams and much to their delight they all passed so congratulations to Dean F (Falmouth), Paul L (Exeter) and Keith B on gaining their CPC theory and particularly to Keith who is now a qualified CPC Paramotor pilot, nice one.

Whilst Tim and myself had some fun both flying and winching conditions remained on the edge for the guys so we called an early day, frustrating but not a total waste of time as I would rather do theory when it's not flyable then when it is !

Perfect at Perran

Well what a fine day it turned out to be after such a windy spell and no surprise there were plenty out to enjoy it. 

On arrival it was still fairly blowy at 20 -22 so we took the chance to pop in a Tandem flight on the hangy with Dave d (Newquay) who was along for a taster day on the hangy. Dave and myself had a lovely flight along with Paul h and a couple of paragliders who braved the top end conditions.  Ending the flight with a nice landing was enough to convince Dave to take up the sport so his Taster day quickly turned into day one of his EPC.

Next we rigged the Condor and soon Dave was getting his first go as pilot in command. By the end of the day he was flying sweetly "down the top" on tethers and looking good, he even remembered to take his arse with him once or twice.......

With the wind easing back the sky got busy with Paragliders enjoying the smooth lift.  Steve D (Chairman) arrived and we wasted no time in getting the tandem Paraglider out to crack on with Steve's tandem training. We had a fun time popping in the take offs and landings as Steve perfected his techniques. Five flights sees him half way through the practical stage  so hopefully another good day should see him sorted.

Dougie (Plymouth) popped by on his Mantra M4 and showed us just what it can do by floating around at the top of the stack although to be fair Mike on his delta was not far behind

Russell S (Torquay) arrived as things  quietened off and after a hill brief and some ground handling to get him used to the hill he was off on his first hill flight ever.  Russell did a fine job putting in a good 10 minute flight before the lift dropped seeing him on the beach. Despite a couple of "moments2 he did well, learnt a lot and even managed a smile!

A super day to be out and nice to see so many there, thanks to the tether guys, Bill, Shuan,   Addie and Kaz for their help. Lets hope its the start of an Indian summer.

Quote of the day " only if i have got roller skates on"

Perfection

I just love it when a plan comes together and today was one of those days. With a cracking forecast and plenty to do we met up in the field at 09.00 only to find it fogged in! Still whilst viz was poor we made use of the time carrying out the Tow brief for Dave C (Lankashire) who wished to add towing to his hill paragliding ratings.  By the time Kaz arrived with Richard B (Tavistock) who was along for a taster day on a Paraglider things were looking better and the wings were coming out.

Still the weather played tricks with the wind being fickle and giving us the run around until nearly lunch time with only a few tows getting going .  Then it cracked, the wind settled the sun shone the clouds popped up and we were away.  The guys had a great day getting nicely organised making the tows flow. Dave C completed his tow endorsement having fun along the way and even some nice thermalling and Richard B had a super taster day ending with some lovely flights across the field and a very smiley face, be good to see you again Richard.

Meanwhile Steve W on his second day had a cracker (as soon as he relaxed) and moved all the way through his tasks putting in turns and rounding off with his first high flight and circuit to start his CPC , well done Steve.

Russell S had a fun day towing high, playing with thermals and practicing landing approaches in preparation for the hill and by the end of play was looking ready for it, nice one.

With the paraglider boys all sorted or worn out and the day calming down it was time to get the Paramotors out.  Kieth B (Dartmoor) was first up and did a great job on the school kit putting in 3 super flights to add to his one previous and looking pretty good on all of them.  An excellent experience for him adding reverse launching to his forward technique so giving him total versatility, another day and he should be CPC'd not bad in just 5 days.

Rodney G was next off and did a fine job of running on his first launch all the way till he lifted off, brilliant not even the hint of a jump! Rod had a nice flight circling the field to bring to fruition his efforts over the last two years which despite a few set backs (not flying ones) has seen him stay focused and determined, fantastic.  Rods second flight was even better and a super stand up landing saw him finish off the day in near perfect fashion.

So despite a dodgy start it came together with everyone exceeding expectations and getting where they wanted to be. Thanks to Tim (winch) Bill and Kaz for all your efforts in making it happen so smoothly ;)

Like clockwork

It was really back to work with a fun day in the field booked and a bit of nearly everything going on.

Steve W (Bideford) was along to start his Paragliding course whilst Marcus Kelly (Pembrookshire) was starting Hang Gliding with a view to power flying. They were joined By Emil K (Dawlish Warren) EPC Paragliding, Kieth B (Mortenhampstead) Paramotoring and Chris B (Plymouth) keeping his hand in on his Paraglider.

The day one boys worked well despite a very light breeze during the morning and both were looking good as lunchtime approached.  Kieth B after a little ground work popped the power unit on his back and practised ground handling with it and did a fine job building both his and my confidence.  Emil and Chris popped in some tows with Emil progressing well into his EPC building in turns and smoothing out his flying whilst Chris got back into the swing of things.

Mid afternoon saw it all going on with Steve and Marcus getting on the tow and both doing really well rounding off their days with release flights and both looking like they had the basics grasped, well done guys.

A couple of demo flights on the Paramotor and it was Kieths turn. After a couple of aborted launches he was up and away circling the field at 600' and having a ball before coming back to land in good style with one of the biggest grins i have seen for a long time!

Add in to the mix a couple of tandem flights one for Mark (Redruth) who had it as a birthday present who had a great time and may well return to learn so keep an eye out for him and the other with Chris's son Lucas who just loved it and was scared at the same time, still he really enjoyed it and can fully understand why Chris does it.

Good day all round and a nice way to get back into the groove.  

No peace for the wicked

Well i don't think we are that wicked but whist driving back from Dover the phone rang asking weather we could finish off Karen M's (Bristol) hill conversion as things looked good for Monday and she was down till then.

Indeed the weather did look good so after some chores and unloading on Monday Morning I hopped on the "Bonny" with paraglider on my back and headed to Sennen where things were pretty good.  After a quick demo flight Karen was soon up and away playing in the moderate lift.  Top landings needed attention as the car park was full so landing on the front was required but with a little guidance Karen quickly cracked it.  Two flights later she was sorted and fully CPC'd in both hill and Tow so now she can go flying with partner Dave who we taught on his hanger a few months ago.

Not wanting miss out i had a final flight during which Karen joined me as a qualified pilot and did a fine job consolidating her skills.  Safe flying for the future guys and hope to see you again soon :)

Send us some piccies dave ....

Fun and flying in France part two

The second week we moved base to St Andre where the British Nationals were taking place along with the French nationals so making a comp of nearly 100 pilots.

Arriving on Saturday afternoon gave me the chance of a warm up flight which was fun and bouncy with lift up to 10,500' reminding me of just what St Andre can be like!  The comp started on the Sunday and with a first class forecast the classic task of Dormilloes / Chamat was set.  Conditions were great with some of the smoothest 8 to 9 up climbs I have ever had taking us well up to the 12,000' mark.  An easy run saw us past Cheval blanc and into the amazing area beyond where the fearless go low and I stay high!  Racing along the ridge to the end a short climb and its out to the turn point, well that's the plan.

Whilst circling up I spot a glider way below in an area where I would not want to go and doing manoeuvres I would not want to do.  Next thing its upside down and a parachute is popping out only to get hooked up on its A frame,  Still it stabilises and descends landing on a scree slope at the base of a cliff.  Whilst pilots tried to climb high to get radio messages through to base i head out into the valley to land and get on the phone, the pan works and the pilot gets rescued by helicopter  although his glider still remains there.  Not a dissimilar start to the last time I was in St Andre for a comp!

We get two more tasks in both with some stunning flying and even higher cloud bases giving amazing views and glides, with no other problems to land for i make goal both days one back to laragne and the other a flight from Lachens back to St Andre.

The "down" days are taken up with swimming, wind surfing, kayaking, tree climbing and generally relaxing, nice...............  Jenny who flew home on the Monday was replaced by Da (Dad) who had a great time mixing with the pilots meeting lots of new friends and plenty of old ones.  Kaz flew her Paraglider and we met up with Michel K and Mike C who were passing through along with Pat and Kat B on their 3 month honeymoon!  A Great party rounded off the week and my legs still ache from the dancing or was it the 5k run to get fuel having run out on the Peage on the way back?

Another good week making it a very special holiday altogether only wish more of the family could  come,
 next year??.  Picccies to follow I hope

Fun and flying in France Part One

 Girls in the Gorge

 The water fall and play pool

 Up the hill putting the tandem back together

 Campsite cooking

Lakes and mountains, perfect

The first week on our "summer holidays" were spent in the Laragne area which is a super spot for flying, gorgeing and generally having fun.  Accompanied by jenny (daughter) we took a trip down memory lane as whist we ar regular visitors jenny had not been there since she was 5 some 20 years ago.

The weather was great the water warm and the air full of gliders what more could you ask.  Jenny and myself took the opportunity to get some Tandem flights in on the hanger both off Chabre and Aspe which were both fun and exciting!  Much time was spent in the Gorge swimming , chilling and dam building as well as a bit of "sight seeing"...........  On the Friday team Kernow popped into the campsite so we headed up the hill to get a flight in before heading to St Andre. Tim, daisy and myself had a fun flight off Chabre landing back in the campsite after which the guys headed off to St Andre whilst we had a final night at Laragne.

A lovely week in a lovely place with lovely company, looking forward to going back there next year.

Super Sunday

 Nigel W soars high on his first hill flight whilst Suan checks the breeze

 Happy Nigel back on the ground, pretty chuffed and so he should be :) 

Hangies get ready to fly as we get ready to leave!

With a ferry booked from Dover at 22.00 things were on a time schedule but with such a good day forecast we decided to make the most of it.  Arriving at Perranporth at 08.30 things did not look so good with rain and wind!  However, soon enough the skies cleared the wind settled and whilst a bit breezy for the Paragliders it was spot on for hangies.  After the mandatory demo flight a nervous looking Nigel W  stood on the edge for his first go at hill soaring a Hang Glider.  He need not have worried after a super take off he settled into the flight with sharp turns turning into smoother turns as he cruised the cliffs.  30 minutes later and after a couple of practice runs Nigel came in for a lovely top landing so rounding of a cracking first soaring flight with a big smile :), well done hopefully the first of many.

Next it was up with the Tandem Hang Glider taking Smooth Bob's nephew Kester up for a lovely flight in lovely conditions. We had a fine time playing with the air, chatting, and generally putting life to rights before popping back in on top.

We  must have done something right as Kesters wife Amy then decided to give it a go so after a short rest we were off again in super conditions, despite her nerves Amy had a fab time quickly relaxing into the flight and enjoying every minute of it. Rounding off the day with a super landing and big smiles it was a quick derig including short packing the tandem and off home to finish packing before heading to Dover then across the channel.

Great to see so many hangies out having fun, sorry could not stay to fly with you but hear that all had a fun time:)

Frolicking at freathy

 Andy S gets going on his first soaring flight at freathy

 Andy (left) and Bill N (right) have fun in the sun as the weather clears

Happy Andy all sorted at the end of his holiday :)

Despite a drizzly day down west we headed east to Freathy where we hoped it would be a bit drier and less windy so that Andy S (Buckinghamshire) could complete his hill Paragliding conversion and that i could test out Nigel W's 2new" Sport 2 155 hanger.

Luckily the gods were with us and on arrival the cloud lifted and after a handy demo' flight by Bill n who was already on site Andy S was ready to go.  He popped in couple of short flights to give him practice in take offs and top landing before the cloud lowered and the wind increased. i took the opportunity to try out the Sport 2 and had a fine time zooming around at an ever lowering cloudbase! what a fun glider :)

The cloud lifted and the wind eased allowing the Para's back up and Andy put in his third flight of the day racking up another 30 minutes or so before coming in as the wind increased and exploring the limitations of Paragliders and wind!  Congratulations to him on gaining his CPC Tow and hill on the Paraglder during his two week holiday and hopefully we shall see him again soon possibly in Algo on our October trip (which still has a few places in you are interested).

There were some other fun and frolics on the site involving sheep and brakes but you had to be there to appreciate them.

Spain at Sennen

Testing the air on the Delta, just lets you go anywhere :)

Sennen was just glorious and looking its best with bright sunshine and the wind smack on the hill.  The only downside was a car park that was full so making top landings tricky and a beach that was small (the tide was in) and full to capacity so leaving only a small area for bottom landing!

Still on arrival i nipped in a quick flight on a hangy sneaking back in on top as the car park filled, but by the time Shad was ready to go on his new Sport 2 the wind had eased and the car park filled, still we sorted out his hang loops and bits so he is fully ready to go next time out, let us know how it goes Shad and his family had a great time on the beach!

With the wind a bit less we entertained ourselves on the Paragliders as the lift came and went and perfected our slope landing techniques both with lift and without it. Rob M (Fly Spain) was over hoping to do some towing with us but had to settle for a lovely days surfing and flying instead pinching my Delta for some fun flying.

 Kaz gets some in at Sunny Sennen

 "Unknown pilot" shows off new line in flying footwear

 same "unknown" pilot

Andy S uses up the day and gets soaring

By late afternoon the car park was clearing the tide going out and the beach emptying so Andrew S (Buckinghamshire) got his chance to hill fly paragliders. After a spot of ground work to check him out he was off and away for his first hill flight.  Andy had a super evening putting in three lovely flights, one beach landing and two excellent slope landings to wrap up nearly an hour and a half airtime!  With the Sun setting we called it a day and left a near deserted car park.

Malcolm in the middle

Well not in the middle but pretty close beside me as Malcolm P (St Ives) came up for a Tandem flight on the hanger at Chapel Porth.  Nice to be back there so soon and again great conditions for Hangies although a bit breezy for the Paragliders as the day went on.

Malcolm had a great flight in classic conditions taking in the very different views of the cliffs and cows as we flew above them. We had a great time chatting and picking out various landmarks before floating back in on top for a first class landing.

Good to see plenty out with the Paragliders making the most of it before the wind filled in and Tim J and Kaz P representing the Hangies.  Thanks to Shad C for letting me test fly his nice new Wills Wing Sport 2 155 which we assembled on the hill, such a lovely glider yummy, hopefully we will get Shad up on it over the next few days.

Two for the price of one!

 Elliots view as we soar the cliffs at Chapel

 Elliots mums view !

Back on the ground after a super time

The forecast kind of put us between Chapel and Perran and between Paragliding and Hang Gliding as it turned out we picked both the wrong options to start with but turned the day around by being at the right place at the right time with the right kit by the end of the day!

Starting at Perran it was a bit off and a bit breezy although not so windy that Andrew S did not get his first go at ground handling Paragliders on the hill.  We had a fun hour introducing him to the hill before things went further off the hill and increased. At that point we opted to shift to Chapel with the tandem hanger.

Conditions were much better and it was not long before Elliot turned up for a flight as his 18th birthday present.  In cracking conditions we were soon up and away having a ball over a stunning crystal clear sea.  It was not long however before we spotted some rain on the way so nipped in before it arrived. As it turned out it did not rain but cloudbase came down to meet the land so a good decision made.  A short wait and it cleared then we were off again to top his experience up and had another super flight with the added bonus of some seal spotting, great!

Glad you enjoyed it Elliot and hope you had a great time on the rest of your action packed holiday in Cornwall

Powering Up

We headed to the field mid afternoon with the Paramotor to meet Rod G (Falmouth) for some fun with fans on our backs!  The wind was pretty light but with some high cloud coming in we hoped it would calm the thermals down making conditions more mellow than the morning. 

i gave rod a couple of demo' flights on the school kit and was pleasantly suprised at the amount of smooth thermals around allowing me to circle up with the enging off and drifting away from the field before restarting to head back, great fun.

Rod decided to give it a miss as with the light wind take offs and landings were fast enough and for his first go not ideal. Still a fun time and nice to get back in the air with the power pack on my back!

Nicker bocker Glory

Kaz gets the day oners set to go

 Richard r leads the way with a nice launch

 Andy C takes it all in as he sets up for his first flight

 Young Nick does the right thing to bring the canopy back on line 

 Trev H demonstrates a perfect "Nodding dog" as he is silhouetted against the skyline

Nick C (mature Nick) looking pretty chuffed after his high flight and completing his EPC 

  

What a fab' day in the field with some super flying going on and some excellent progress being made.  In super conditions Andy S (Buckinghamshire) completed his CPC on the tow having started it yesterday although to be fair he does have lots of Paramotoring experience, still he has worked well and now looks every part a "free" flyer.  Kieth B (Dartmoor) also made good use of the winch finishing off his EPC tow and moving into high flights in preparation for Paramotoring which he will start next time out.

Meanwhile Kaz and Bill worked hard with the Taster Day / Day one boys getting them sorted and ready for the tow. Richard R (Warickshire), Andy C (Paignton), Nick M (Yelverton) and Trev H (Paignton, yes the same one) all did a fine job and by early afternoon were ready to go flying.

Nick C (Stithians) joined them on the winch and had a cracking day getting into the groove and completing his EPC tasks in fine style then rounding of his day with a high flight to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine and view, well done Nick :)

The Day oners all had a good time and as their tows progressed each one improved ending with some excellent flights and landings and only one jump between them, well done guys.  We shall no doubt see Trev again as he adds Pg to his HG skills and hopefully we may see some of the others too when time permits.

Nick C and Kieth B both completed their EPC exams so gaining their qualifications, congratulations guys.

Rodney G (Falmouth) got back in the way of Paramotors with some ground work with a unit on his back and we look forward to his first flights soon.

 Great weather great day great company, and that includes you Peachy.....

 

Peachy

 Kieth B looks suitably impressed as he gets set to go

 Russell a fine figure of a man in a perfect pre launch stance

 Kieth off and away as he moves deep into his EPC

Andy S gets into Paragliding 

The forecast was for a misty start but hopefully clearing by midday so we opted to delay things by a couple of hours which proved a wise move.  Arriving in the field the wind was very light but cloudbase was on the rise and by the time we really got going the wind filled in to a near perfect breeze and the air became very buoyant to say the least.

Andrew S (Buckinghamshire) was along on holiday to hopefully add paragliding to his Paramotor skills and had a great day showing us what he could do whilst picking up the different techniques between the two disciplines.  He worked hard and by the end of the day had put away 10 tows with half of them to the top of the line and shown us all the instability tasks so putting in a super position to get both his Tow and hill rating this week if the weather plays ball.

Kieth B (Dartmoor) returned and also had a cracker of a day moving close to completing his EPC tasks and looking very pleased with himself. As Kieth is aiming to fly Paramotors another day should see him to the top of the line then its time to get the Power unit out, watch this space!

Russel S (Torquay) made the most of the day putting in 10 flights and completed his CPC flying tasks as he Big Eared, Asymmetriced, Speedbarred and Actively flew through the day as well as sharpened up his spot landing Skills.  A bit of sweetening up and it wont be long before he is off to the hill.

Nick C (Stithians) put in a bit more time on the Paraglider but took and early bath again so keeping his feet on the ground.

Lawrence O (Brixham) was along for a Taster day on a PG and looked pretty chuffed with himself as he went from zero to hero learning the basics before getting onto the line and putting in some super flights all of which ended in near perfect landings. thanks to Rachel for buying him the experience you may just have started something off.

Rodney G (Falmouth) popped in to show us that he could still ground handle his paramotor wing and hopes to be back in the swing of it tomorrow when he brings his power unit along to try out.

Good to see Tony P out in the field and in the air, thanks for your help on the bike, did someone really say you looked like Steve Mc Queen, oh no that was Tim they were talking about..........

Return of the tasters, and Nick

 The start of a beautiful day as the guys get ready to roll

 Dave R on his Taster day flight gets it together

 Steve T on his second day out gets hooked :)

 Nick C gets attached and ready to go

Jack E works his way up the line on his second day with us

A glorious summers day in the tow field saw lots of happy faces and a few sun tanned ones as well!  Pleasantly busy would be the way I would put it with Dave R (Plymouth) along for a Taster day with a view to taking up Paragliding to compliment his Kite boarding, Nick C back after a year long break to carry on with his EPC Pg, Paul L (Plymouth) on the Hanger cracking on with his CPC and Steve T (Luton) along with Jack E (Polzeath/Southampton) coming back after their taster Days having had so much fun  looking for more.

Whilst the Paragliders got set up and the boys sorted out their ground handling Paul got onto the winch and moved nicely into prone flying as well as sorting out his landing technique making use of the quiet period.

Jack then joined us and moved deep in to his EPC tasks mastering release flights and by the end of the day turns as well so pretty much completing his EPC in 2 days, oh to be young again. 
Steve (featherlight) T joined in the fun and also cracked release flights and gentle turns so having a cracking second day with us and making him more determined to return in the near future and it will be great to see him. Steve has had a cracking week in Cornwall learning both surfing and flying and enjoying the super weather, i get the feeling that heading back to Luton i not top of his list.....

Next Nick C got back into the air and after a recap flight was ready for release flights but somehow they never quite happened, maybe next time, still he had not forgotten everything and by the end of play was pretty much back where he left off.

Dave R who had been working hard all morning joined the winch que in mid afternoon and was soon off across the field for his first flight.   Despite a hop skip and a jump Dave soon had it cracked and was looking good by his third one with a super landing to boot.  Dave must have a good day as by mid evening he had let us know he is up for more and we look forward to seeing him again.

Also nice to Alan P along and thanks for the flight on your glider dad, it still flies just as nicely as it ever did :)

Missing Pictures

So Sorry about no piccies but not only piccies missing but also Camera........someone somewhere has "aquired" Kaz's camera along with piccies from last Blogs.  Still although a real pain in many ways not nearly so bad as some of the things that have been going on in the world.

Will sort out something soon to get your smiley faces back on the blog... 

Mist o meaners

No it was not really that bad but it was misty!  With a forecast to clear up as the warm/occluded front slowly passes by we went for it and with three taster day paragliders on it was always going to be a chilled day.

Setting up in the field we wondered if we had done the right thing but by late  morning things improved nicely just in time for the guys to get to grips with their wings. Steve T (Luton) , Trev R (Twickenham) and Christopher G (Truro) all worked well getting used to the canopies and working up a sweat in the humid conditions so losing a few pounds as an added bonus!

A welcome rest for lunch saw the sun pop out in amongst the rolling banks of mist.  Still by mid afternoon the hand tows were out of the way and the guys were ready to fly.  Trev led the way followed by Steve and Christopher, Coadys theory that one in three would jump into the air was up held but I am not saying which one it was.....

Each flight saw them improve and by the end of play everyone had achieved some nice flying and even some nice take off's and landings were in amongst them.  A nice relaxed day for us and a nice relaxed group to be out with, we gave the tandem tows a miss as the view would have been limited to say the least but we may get them out on the hill if things are good over the next few days.

Jack, Russell and Kieth

Despite a bright forecast it was low cloud and mist in the field but not quite low enough to stop us from working!  Jack E (Stanstead) was along on his 16th Birthday for a Taster day Paragliding something he had wanted to do since the age of five! Kieth B (Dartmoor) was back for his second day and to hopefully get in his first flights on the winch having missed out yesterday and Russell S (Torquay) was along to continue into his CPC training also on a Paraglider.

Whilst Russel sweetened up his ground handling Kieth and Jack got going on their canopies and were soon looking good both in reverse and forward launch.  With the day forecast to get mistier we cracked on and by early afternoon got the guys onto the winch.  Kieth put in his first tow flights in fine style with some enthusiastic air running  so definitely not a jumper.  Jack proved to be a total natural and that youth is on his side by being well in line for student of the year award.  They both had some great flights and Jack rounded his day off with a release flight in front of the family who turned up to watch.

Meanwhile Russell was grounded due to the low cloud base so made use of his time by completing his CPC theory and exam which he passed and learnt some useful bits along the way.  Amazingly no sooner had he finished than the sky opened up allowing him to pop in some high flights so move a little further into his flying tasks, another couple of days should see him pretty much there.

a lovely day as it turned out and so nice to see someone achieving their ambition, quote of the day "that was one of the best days of my life"  :-))

Floaty in the field

Tricky call to make Field or hill as both looked like goers but we opted for the field knowing that Perran would be busy.

It was a lovely day and with a mixture of Hangers and Paragliders something for everyone was to be had.  Whilst Kieth B (Dartmoor) got started on his first day with the aim of Paramotoring and Matt A (Bodmin) played with his Paraglider on the start of his second taster day Paul L Plymouth got flying on the hanger.

By lunch time Paul had finished off his EPC tasks and moved nicely into his CPC ones with high flights and circuits and making a fine job of them too with some super landing approaches to arrive near to the windsock every time.  By now Matt had joined in the flying and after a refresh flight moved into release flights with no problems at all.

After lunch tings got a little more lively with a super cloud street over the field creating regular lift. Paul popped up on the line and had a job getting down and learning just what turbulence is on the way. He did a grand job both on and off the tow  but proved it was a bit too much for the Paragliders.  Things looked like a test flight was needed so I took the Falcon up  and had a great time bouncing around up to cloud base then floating around the field at base for the next 20 minutes or so before it was time to land and do other things.

Based on this we decided to hold fire on flying for an hour or so and whilst the Paragliders ground handled Paul took his EPC exam and passed with flying colours at 100% so gaining his EPC qualification, nice one.

Kieth took an early bath as conditions were still lively enough and he had a long drive but Matt and Paul stayed on.  No sooner did Kieth leave the field than things got better and Paul was back in the air rounding off his day with base bar conversion and still perfecting his landings.  Matt finished off his day with higher flights and gentle turns seeing him getting up to 100' and loving every bit of it.

A good day all round and topped up by Kaz sneaking off early and getting some excellent soaring at Perran where the "guys2 had been flying all day so fun for all :)