Viva Espania !

Algo'2012 gets going in earnest with hard boiled eggs and more amazingly hot showers so we must have done something right.  On the weather front a bit of low cloud greeted us along with a very pleasant 22 degrees.

As the guys settled into life in Algo Kaz did the first of 147 packed lunches and I checked the weather. We opted for El Bosque and were up and on our way by around 10.00 ish so pretty good going.  On arrival the cloud was still on the hill so we checked out the bottom landing and went for a coffee and saw a young lady who we decided and had grown into her leather jeans and the chance of her getting them off was pretty minimal, but Phil was up for trying, I digress.........

With an extra one and despite a "bigger" car Phil looked a little cramped

A coffee later the cloud lifted a little and we headed up the hill.  By the time we were on launch things were looking a lot better and with other groups arriving we guessed we were in the right place.  Bill showed the way being first off the hill and whist he sunk out to start with he did a great job of working the ridge and got back up proving it was doable. Chrissy was next off and did pretty much the same which encouraged the rest to get going but by then Bill already had nearly an hour up there.

The Flag gets to see another site

Peachy joined the fun followed byMark, Michel, Phil, Mike, Simon and last but not least Martin.  Some went up and some went down but everyone had a ball and it is fair to say no one went in a bush although one went through one!  Kaz headed down and brought up the first group and by the time I got back to the top they were back in the air with only Peachy and Bill left , even Kaz was up there as Bill after his morning epic kindly offered to give it amiss and drive the car.

Bill gets set to start the trips flying

next thing his up and away

Peachy was soon gone up and away into what was now a very lift sky trying to catch Kaz just short of cloud base.  One by one the rest took off with conditions now making launches easy in reverse.  Everyone went up and pretty much stayed up for as long as they wanted. With Chrissy deciding to take time out i got a chance to join in the fun and share the air.  The new boys had a ball with Phil, Simon, and martin all getting in cracking thermalling and all smashing previous height gains  by about a thousand plus feet.  Mike C excelled himself as did Mark W both having flown very little (if at all) since last year you will have to ask Mike how good it was :)

Phil looks mean (nervous) as his turn await

Late afternoon/ early evening finally saw us burning off height to get down and it was a field full of happy faces to say the least. It two cars of very happy bunnies that headed back to Algo and guess where we went eat?? and mor challenging guess what Bill had to eat??

 Classic El Bosque from the landing field

Martin pretty pleased with himself after a cracking flight and some extra from the village people in the background

Quote of the day"if you are going to buy a Russian bride by a good one (Dad)"

Left Luggage and exploding Pork pies

The gang arrive in Malaga and Phippsy tries to drum up more custom.

So  Algo 2012 gets going with the main group meeting up at Gatwick at 05.00 (oh my god that's early) but all turning up on time and with the right kit.  Kaz, myself, Martin J, Simon L, Phil L, Michel K and Mark W all had a good flight out with BA who's baggage allowance is excellent and gave us no problems at all.

Whilst waiting in departures we got a phone call from Tony P (peachy) letting us know that he had had all his personal belongings out of his hand luggage as security in Birmingham had decided that he was carrying explosives!  Turned out it was all down to a Pork Pie, must be something to do with the Gelatine or something.

Arrival at Malaga saw us get together and head north to Algo' arriving early afternoon only to realize i had left a bag at the car hire place. No worries the follow up party Mike C, Bill N and Chrissy S who had taken a later flight saved the day and kindly picked it up and arrived in time for a full group meal out in JJ's.

 Bills Balls complete with name tag!

End of a long day and Kaz flakes out

No flying as the wind was a bit fresh but we got  plenty of shopping and stocked up for the week in fine style.  Group T shirts were issued and it was smart team Cloud 9 that brightened up Algo in the evening.  Forecast is good for tomorrow so fingers crossed.........

Quote of the day "that's a big one"

Off on your trolley

A picture tells a thousand words. Michel turns up with the mk 3 version of Kaz's new toy and carts her off on it.  Very kind of you michel and saves me carrying her hangy everywhere so guess it's as much for me as Kaz!

Next piccies should be from sunny Spain with a bit of luck .................

Perran at Chapel

Perran gets set to go at chapel

Confusing or what, well not that confusing actually.  A bit like Monday we saw a slot for hill flying at chapel before the wind backed with the approaching front and went for it.

09.30 at chapel and the wind was smack on and 24 ish ideal.  After a quick test of the air on Kaz's hangy I finished rigging the tandem whilst kaz got some air time in joined by Bill N on his ASKA.

Bill N gets some ASKA time in

Take of and plenty of legs to run with

Perran I (Hayle) turned up at the perfect time as Kaz landed to give us a hand off and he was soon up in the air on his 18th birthday suprise which he nothing about until a few minutes beforehand.  Perran just loved it and I guess being a different version of his main hobby, diving, just floating up in the air rather than under the waves.  We had a great time in classic conditions and perran had a good time flying the glider as well and not making a bad job of it I have to say.  Time passed quickly and all to soon we were coming into land back on top making a nice easy one to round off a cracking flight.

 Up and away in classic conditions

 Back down again and looking happy

Whilst Kaz  popped back up on her hangy Bill helped me launch again on the tandem but this time with Steve M as passenger.  Conditions were still as good as ever and we had a ball with Steve getting plenty of airtime in flying the glider.  He quickly got it sussed and after a wobbly start we were flying nice and smooth as he adapted to it's subtleties.  Sharing the air with Kaz was fun and looking down on Bill on his ASKA makes you realise just how small they are.

We packed up around 14.00 just as the wind began to back and the high cloud moved in  and headed off for pasties and ea in St Agnes (again).

Quote of the day "WoW"

Handy for Andy and Jolly for Jerry!

Andy T celebrates a super flight on the Hangy

As forecast and by keeping a close eye on the changing conditions we hit it just right at Chapelporth turning up as the front cleared and the wind veered.

Andy T (Manchester) who was on the last day of his holiday in Cornwall dropped by on his way home and got his timing just right.  After testing the air on the ASKA we clipped into the hangy and a couple of steps later we were in the air with the words "this is just amazing" the first to come out of Andy's mouth.

Indeed it was and with the visibility becoming crystal clear as the sun came out the views were amazing too. We had a fine timing soaring the cliffs looking down on the seagulls and the peregrine falcons in nice conditions whilst putting the world to rights at the same time, cant be bad.  The flight was rounded off with a super landing much helped by Andy staying on his feet making my life easy.  I am sure Andy was still up there long after we landed judging by his reaction and we may well see him again and more of his family and friends next time they are down, thanks for the excellent feedback.

Whilst Kaz derigged the tandem and Jerry (Somerset) rigged his Wills Wing U2 145 I had another flit on the ASKA in what were now freshening conditions and also the wind backing a little to the SW.  Still there was plenty of lift and as Jerry launched for a very nice flight on his glider i popped back in on the ASKA to help Kaz and carry back.

A very nice couple of hours and good to sneak some good flying in all rounded off with a Pasty from the best pasty shop in the Area, ummy.

Quote of the day " the extra 3 inches makes a lot of difference" 

Congratulations and Jubilations

It will all make sense by the end

After a top day yesterday at Perran for the Hangies we opted for Sennen cove today as the forecast was for a brisk NNW mellowing through the day and backing to the WNW by the end of the day so hopefully giving something for everyone.

With a busy day on we arrived on site to find it perfect for hangies and the wind indeed well to the North.  Whilst the students began to arrive and rig their hangies I took the chance to fly my T2 C on the site where I flew it for the very first time. Sharing the air with Paul h, Sam A, Nigel W and Kaz all on hangies it was nicely sea thermic seeing me top at well over a grand and looking down on the incoming Isles of Scilly flights.

 Iang L tries out the "comfy" harness on his Sport 2 175

 As the breeze moderates things get busy

With Ian l ready to go it was time to land and give him a guiding hand.  Fresh from getting his hill conversion sorted yesterday along with conversion onto his new Sport 2 175 Ian was now ready to try out a new harness as well. After a good briefing he was up and away and soon looking far more comfortable than in the training stirrup!  A couple of nice flights consolidated his flying and convinced him on the new harness and it was a very happy Ian that headed back to Bristol with his new toys.

Malcolm P gets set to join the Para's on his hangy making the most of the day

Phil l was also out on his new Sport 2 155 that he converted onto yesterday and had a fun time whizzing around the place under Pauls watchful eye.  Malcolm P (Crawley) was down again but this time to enjoy some free flying and had a great time getting in a couple of super flights to top up his fun box before heading back up country.  Add in Gay j on her hangy and there were a total of 9 flying it would have been 10 but Michel turned up just a little late as the wind eased back.

By early afternoon the wind began to ease a bit and back as forecast and with perfect timing Paul and Ben from Plymouth turned up on site to have tandem flights. we broke out the Tandem Paraglider and with Kaztesting the air first on her glider it was not long before Ben was up in the air taking in the amazing views over Sennen Cove, Lands End and as far as the isles of Scilly.  Next up was Paul (happy birthday for tomorrow) who with an interest in Paramotoring wanted to know how everything worked. We also had a super flight and made a first class landing with both guys helping out by staying on their feet, thanks guys.

Paul H has some fun on his ASKA proving it's lighter wind capabilities


The paragliding hill conversions were now underway with Kaz taking one whilst i took another and a steady stream of them took to the air one after the other.  Alan H (Bideford) was first to go and put in a couple of good flights on his own kit dealing with two jobs in one and completed his hill conversion before being let off the leash and flying as a qualified pilot.  John S ("Speaky", Helston) was next and followed suit although still on the school kit but hopefully his new glider arrives next week.  With his hill conversion sorted Speaky had a cracking third flight un supervised and did a great job of scratching up before topping put on the Element as only Elements can!

"Snakey" (John S, Stithians) had more to do and popped in three flights to complete his hill conversion on his new Buzz Z3 and looked very pleased with himself and almost relieved!  Russell S (Plymouth) worked hard to get his conversion signed off not because he could not soar but landing approaches needed sorting, however we finally got there and the look of jubilation on his face was classic.

The two Johns show their appreciation

Emil K (East Devon) finally got the right day off from work and and made the very most of it popping his first hill soaring flight and following it up with three more to get himself just one flight away from qualification with a bit of luck. Emil's enthusiasm and patience are both to be admired and it will be a shame not to see him in the field from here on.

Nigel and Kaz fight with the tandem whilst best buddies Chris and Emil get some practice in

 Chris B makes the most of what was left at the end of the day

Last but not least Chris B (Plymouth) who had patiently waited through the day, along with a bit of surfing, got his chance late on and put in a superb soaring flight in not so easy conditions showing that he had not forgotten how to do it despite a bit of a lay off.  Chris flew smoothly and efficiently maximising every bit of lift to stay up before a nice little sea thermal popped him up and in he came for an excellent top landing.

Best buddies

With pork chops on the stove and the sun setting we rounded off a superb day, in fact couple of days and thanks for the wine, the chocolates and PENS :) 

Finally it's time to eat

Quote of the day "that was one of the best days of my life"

Sporting at Perran

 Michel sets off on his second flight of the day on his Sport 2 135

What a cracking day..... as the front cleared along with the rain we headed to Perranporth with a roof full of hangies and high hopes.  Conditions were ideal and after a quick test the air flight we got Ian L (Bristol) up and away on the Falcon to get Perran sussed before letting him loose on his new Wills Wing Sport 2 175.  After three nice flights and landings and having finished his hill conversion off (congratulations) he took time out to rig his new wing whilst Kaz got some nice flying in on her hangy.

With Michel turning up with his Sport 2 135 and Phil L with his new  Sport 2 155 we had the full range on site! Michel wasted no time in getting into the air as soon as conditions were good enough and put in a couple of super flights making it all look far to easy.  He has a nice feel for the hanger which came through in both his top landings which were very nice.  Best of it was I got the chance to test fly the new wings and pleased to say they were all perfect straight from the box.

Ian L gets his Sport 2 175 off the ground in fine style

 and quickly looked very happy on it

Ian got his chance and made a fine launch on his new wing settling in quickly to the lighter handling, higher performance and more subtle pitch of the wing.  After a good 15 minutes it was time to get him in and it is fair to say it did take a few attempts . However, each one got a bit better and by the fourth we had him back on terra firma with a big smile quickly followed in by Michel as a rain shower headed our way.

Phil set to go on his Liquorish Allsort (Sport 2 155)

With the brief shower gone it was Phil L's turn to join in the fun and after waiting for a little more breeze to return he put in his first flight on his new wing.  Again he made it look easy and quickly got the measure of the wing and was soon playing with it.  15 minutes later he brought her in for a cracking top landing first time, excellent.

 setting up for a classic top landing (see did not even mention the correction, oops!)

 By the end of play Michel had two flights to his credit and about an hours airtime and no overshoots, Ian also had two in the bag and had learnt a lot about top landing approaches and Phil put in three and only overshot once.

 Ever smiling Michel had a ball, and chuffed he should be

I rounded off the day with some fun flying on Phils glider (thank you) which once again confirmed what great wings the Sport 2's are :))

 happy bunnies all round

Quote of the day " I like to get in this way" 

Few in the field

Graeme A comes back to take off as towing gets going

With a good day forecast it was a shame that a couple of those booked in failed to show for one reason or another however for those that were there it was a bonus.

In very light conditions we got the kit out and whilst kaz sorted out Treeve T (Hayle) and Graeme A (Plympton) who were on their CPC's I got Dave D (Truro) started on his taster day.  With no wind to speak of it was always going to be a challenge but Dave was up to it and was soon running across the field and making forward launches look easy.

Treeve comes in on the spot

By the time Malcolm P (Croydon) had arrived with his powered hangy a little breeze was filling in making life easier. Treeve and Graeme cracked on into their CPC 's racking up the flights and the spot landings as conditions continued to improve.  As conditions got nice we popped Dave onto the line and he put in his first flight in fine style looking every bit like he had done it before.

Getting the ears in as treeve moves into his final CPC tasks

Malcolm took advantage of a rest in the towing to get his powered hangy up and away and had a super flight as the sun came out taking in some amazing views around the coast and across to St Ives before coming back for a wheeled landing.

Malcolm omes back on his powered hangy after a super flight

Towing recomenced and by the end of play Graeme had sorted getting into his harness, Treeve had completed his CPC flying tasks and Dave had had an amazing taster day ending on a cracking release flight, nice one guys.

 Dave D look happy as he gets his first flight on a Paraglider in

So an early finish for a change with everyone flown out and plenty of smiles all rouns, looks like we may have a few days off if the weather forecast is right.

Quote of the day "just superb"

Topping out at Perran

A tricky call whether to go towing or to the hill but in the end we opted for the hill based on the wind being brisker than forecast in the morning.

On arrival at Perran it was breezy enough but plenty of paragliders were having fun so we joined in whilst we waited for the students to arrive.

First on site was Anna P (Gwithian) hoping to complete her hill conversion and she was shortly followed by Mike S (Exeter) hoping for the same.  With conditions varying between nicely soarable and scratchy (seeing a few on the beach) we had to pick our times.  Anna was first away and had a good time soaring mixing it with the masses before a little bit less lift and one too many gliders saw her head to the beach.  Still no worries it was not long before she was back up and ready for another flight.

Mike S waited for conditions to improve  stood at launch and his patience was rewarded when Kaz took off and promptly thermalled up to a nice 650 above launch chased by Glen and a stream of others!.  Mike had a cracking flight popping back in on top to complete his hill conversion :).

Anna was quick to join in the fun and rattled off a total of 5 flights by the end of play also gaining her hill conversion so two very happy bunnies. Mike made good use of his new qualification having a ball soaring the cliffs and racking up nearly two hours airtime.

As things quietened down Steve V (Lelant0 turned up for a Tandem flight and was rewarded with a cracker as we caught the evening lift seeing us pop up nice and high and being on the verge of going XC the views were superb.  still we resisted and had a good time playing on the cliffs before landing back on top with big smiles if a little chilly.

Good to see the recent ex students making such good progress and behaving themselves, proud to say i would own up to all of them!

Icing on the cake was a phone call from Coady when we got home who sounded delighted to say the least having flown a nice XC to the Lizard from carn brea in challenging launching conditions on hi hang gilder, fantastic and good to see him back to his old tricks on a hangy .

 Quote of the day " best day at Perran ever"

Monday magic

It looked like another good day for hangies at Chapel so that is where we went and indeed it was.  Paul H, Gay J and Nigel W were already on site and rigging when we arrived and although the wind was a little on the light side it was forecast to increase and all the signs were there.

The Tandem takes off

Mandy b and her daughter Ellie were along for a tandem flights on the hangy and a soon as Paul had tested the air on his hangy we wasted no time in getting going.  Ellie was first up to show mum how to do it and we had a great flight playing in the lift, chasing the seagulls and discussing life in general before coming in for a tippy toe landing. Mandy was suitably impressed so was up for it and it was not long before we were up and away again, conditions were still as good and we had a fun time joined by Nigel W on his hangy who just seemed to go up for ever.  Another nice top landing saw two very happy girls having shared the experience, nice.

 Up and away and having fun

 Mandy and ellie after some cracking flying

Michel had now arrived on site with his "new" hangy and after a 16 month lay off due to a "minor" op he was ready to get back into the air solo on it.  A quick test fly of the Wills Wing Sport 2 135 confirmed all was well so after a briefing on its characteristics he was clipped in and ready to go.

In breezy enough conditions he made a good launch and was soon settled in and climbing away in the increasing lift.  he looked like he had not forgotten a lot and whilst he had the sky to himself he even looked like his head was moving!  With some dubious looking cloud moving in from St Ives and Michel at around 600 feet we thought it best to get him down.  A bit of speed flying and burning off height finally saw him set up a good approach and make a very acceptable landing.  What came next was an unstoppable torrent of words extolling the virtues of hang gliding and how much Michel is looking forward to mastering the sport:).

Michel and his amazing machine (s)

Phil L also turned up but with the weather on the change and the tide coming in decided to give it a miss but no worries his new wing will be here soon......

Quote of the day "that was amazing etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc"

Changeable at Chapel

With good low tides and the wind to the west we opted for Chapelporth to make the most of the beach.  Turning up just as the beach opened up and the wind came on Kaz tested the air on her paraglider before we got John S (Speaky(Helston)) up and away on his second soaring flight on a paraglider.  Speaky did well and as conditions continued to improve he quickly gained plenty of height. Keeping a weather eye out we could see an increase on the horizon so he popped back in on top with time to spare making a fine job of it.

Sure enough the wind began to pick up and by the time he was ready to go again it was more than top end so he held back.  good choice and even the other paragliders who had now arrived decided to give it a miss.

Out came the ASKA and I had a fun time playing while we waited to see what conditions would do.  The sight of Kaz and Phil heading off to get hangies confirmed it so I nipped back in to get the tandem hangy out.

Mandy B and Nigel p were both along for tandem paragliding flights but decided to give hang gliding a go and both were really pleased they did having stunning flights in classic conditions. Visibility was super and the sea was really clear giving good views of the seals swimming by.  Thanks to both of them for being such easy passengers and maybe come back and try the Paraglider on another day.

Wyn D took the opportunity of trying the ASKA out and after some ground handling to get the measure of it he was quickly up and away settling in easily and looking like he had done it all before.  despite being quite a bit heavier than me he had no trouble soaring and rounded off with a nice top landing all be it a foot too high!  Interesting to see a low airtime pilot on the ASKA and it just confirmed that it is not the reserve of highly experienced pilots only and can give airtime to all when conditions dictate, come and try it.

Kaz tried out the air for  the hangies and had a super flight on her Eagle and should have taken a quick flight on the ASKA to make it a full house for her.

Phill L was up and ready for it and was soon away on the hangy to keep his hand in as the arrival of his new Wils Wing Sport 2  is now imminent. Phil did a great job looking smooth and co ordinated and performing a superb top landing to a round of applause.

So another good day all round with pretty much something for everyone , nice..............

Quote of the day "it's small isn't it"

Working for a living

Don't ask

It was all go out in the tow field where with 4 hangies on and 3 Parag;liders all at different stages it kept us on our toes.

Whilst Tim and myself sorted the hangies Kaz took the paras  with the aim of getting towing going by mid day and as it turned out we managed it ahead of schedule.

Tom G gets set to go

James C and Tom G were back after their taster day a couple of weeks ago and were joined by John b also on his second day.  Henery G was along for Day one having been reccomended it by James and Tom so you can imagine there was a bit of banter and competition going on.................

Henrey gets his taster day flights underway

The hangies all worked hard and kept me running around until one by one they came off the tethers and I could "relax" a little.  Some did a little better than others but i reckon one more day should see them all click the secret of airspeed and roll control and then they will be up and away in no time,


Jackie D (N.Devon) was along for a Taster day on the paraglider and put in the ground work in the morning before joining in the towing and it all coming together in the afternoon. Jackie put in trhee nice fligts across the field and ended the day tired but happy.

Jackie D up and away on her first day whilst bill counts his fingers

......and looks pretty happy with herself

Simon C (Helston) was along to do a tow conversion and to get some instruction having been out of flying for a couple of years and had a good day seeing his ground handling improve under Kaz's watchful eye and getting his towing underway under mine.  By the end of the day he had completed half his tow conversion and was looking pretty relaxed, well at least compared to the start of the day.

Tim surveys his victims

Last but not least Treeve T (Hayle) made a welcome return to the field to carry on with his training on the Paraglider having completed his EPC last year.  treeve was sson back in the groove and popping in the high flights and moving well into his EPC tasks. great to have you back T.

Treeve gets back in the air as he starts his CPC

A full on day with plenty of running around but well worth it especially to see so many hangies getting on with it.

Quote of the day "show us your bits"

Fine Flying Friday

It was back to Perranporth for the afternoon where it started off a bit on the breezy side and a bit northy but it quickly moderated and came more on making it good for hangies and ASKA's.  Hangy Dave (Newquay) keen to build on his recent airtime was first off and had a super flight on the calypso before top landing very nicely and having to head off to work.

Alison gets set to go on her tandem flight

Kaz made the most of conditions on her hangy and popped in a couple of tidy landings before helping me with the tandem hangy.  Alison M was along for a flight on her second attempt and timed it nicely with super conditions making for a cracking flight.  She had a fun time enjoying the whole experience and having a good go at flying the glider as well.  Fun to fly with Michel on his ASKA which still looks amazingly small as it flies by even with Michel on it.

To round the evening off Michel came up on the Hanger to get his hand back in after a long lay off and did an excellent job flying me around the sky for 15 minutes showing he had not lost all he had learnt and instilling confidence to both of us for his return to hanging!

Quote of the day "look left, turn left"

Very Pleasant

 Just the two of us

After a hard day in the office the weather looked like it was on the clear late afternoon so we decided to pop out to Chapel for a look.  On arrival it was low cloud and rain so we cooked up a coffee ate munchies and chilled.  30 minutes later brightness began to appear and e made our way to the front to find super sunshine and light winds.

Lovely

With the wind a little way off to the right Perran was an option but we decided to stay put and have the site to ourselves.  What a lovely evening it turned out to be with gentle lift and gentle cloud suck passing through as some low stuff formed and dissipated..  After an hour or so the wind began to fill in and we had had our fill so called it a day. very nice :) Hope the guys at Perran had a good time too.

end of a perfect evening flight