Carbis Capers

The strip

Whilst the forecast looked solid enough the reality in the morning did not match up with the wind well off to the east making Carbis unflyable. Still with all the forecast for a NE backing more to the north it was the place to be and with a good number of pilots there early regular reports helped decision making for many, thanks guys.

Kaz joins in the fun

We arrived at lunchtime just as things got moving and were greeted with Wyn D high over the site and 4 or 5 others on their way up.  With the start of the new XC season there was a lot of energy and enthusiasm, more than I have seen for years, making it a fun place to be.  Whilst Treeve T (Hayle) set out his kit for what we hoped would be his final hill conversion flight I sneaked in a flight and found out just how sea thermic it was and in fact pretty bouncy at times....... Big Grey and Adi C made use of the conditions putting what are hopefully the first of many XC's this year as they flew into Carbis bay before drifting over the back and landing up near Tesco's, nice one's.

Dredgie up for it and Peachy just loving it

With Treeve ready I pulled out of a nice climb at around 1200' and came down to get him going. Picking a nice slot with not too many wings up Treeve did a lovely take off and got soaring nicely sharing the air with Dredgie.  Conditions being what they were he bobbed up and down in the thermic lift before a sink cycle came through seeing him having to work hard to stay up.  But stay up he did and with some nice flying he sat it out until the lift returned and he was back up nicely.  A super top landing saw him sorted and with big smiles and lots of handshakes he joined the ranks and gives Fergi a flying buddy, that's the end of work at Procreations when flyable then!

Andy R looks down as he thermals up

With the work done it was playtime and Kaz and myself headed back up to see what we could do.  Everyone had some excellent flying and with pilots trying hard it was good to see gliders circling up and making good use of the lift as it came through.  Sneaking away in a thermal I climbed up and drifted away finally landing near Castle Quarry where I was swiftly retrieved by Phil L (many thanks) and back on site within the hour.

Fiona A gets some in

Things were still working although you had to pick your time in order not to freeze up as the temperature dropped again.  As many called it a day another nice climb came through and hovered me away to Penzance where once again Phil found me and many many thanks again.

So this what an XC hound looks like, well done Adie ;))

So a super day for the club with 4 XC's on the board and plenty of flying to be had, special mention to Peachy who based on the forecast made the 300 mile trip to come down, glad it came good!

 thanks to Andy R for the photo's - more fun tomorrow?? quite likely :)

Quote of the day "where you too numb nuts??" never a truer description !!

Very Very nice at Vault

The start of a fab' day as Kaz shares the air with me

With a variety of sites on option based on the forecast we picked to go to Vault bay having knocked towing on the head due the wind forecast to increase by early afternoon and windier in the west.

As we neared the site we could already see Bi Gray up and flying on his paraglider so things looked promising.  With the wind a little off to the south we set up at the east end and got up on the Paragliders to make the most of it before the forecast wind backed and filled in.  We had some cracking flying along with Big G (who had now flicked to flying his falcon hangy), Fiona A, Nigel W, Tony P and a bit later Michel all enjoying super conditions and playing around.

Nigel W joins in the fun

and climbs out

Ian C (Plymouth) turned up for a flight on the Tandem paraglider and timed it perfectly with us getting into the air quickly and having a fabulous flight in beautiful sunshine and the coast looking at it's best,  Ian did a fine job of flying the glider whilst we put the world to rights and coming from a motorcycling background in Plymouth it was not long before Bill N's name came up and guess what, he knew him!  With the wind filling in we opted to land at the west end  and what a tippy toed one it was.

Ian C enjoys a front seat for the best view in the house

Big G has fun on his hangy

By now it was Hangy time and Kieth S (Oakhampton) led them off the hill followed by Nigel W, Kaz and finally Sam A (S Devon) who got his first flight on his new Wills Wing Sport 2 135 and looked suitably nervous at launch.  3 minutes into his flight he was checking out the hands off position and looking totally at home.  So good to see him settle into his new wing and get his thoughts on it which included , "it lives up to all I hoped for"  and  " I learnt more in that hour than in all the time on the Am*ur""  Modern kit makes life easy :))

Team mate Michel

Everyone had a ball on there hangies and all landed at the west end with the wind now well into the twenties.  Julia who lives near by wandered by to check us out and next thing she was clipped into the Hangy and up for a Tandem flight!  We had a grand time floating about looking at the scenery, looking at her cottage and generally having a good chat.  Really unexpected flight for her and one of those things when all the signs and the opportunity come together it would be rude to miss it.

A nice landing with the others rounded off a cracking day for all and there were plenty of happy faces as we went our separate ways, here comes summer :))

Hope to get hold of some of the Hangy piccies and will put up soon...

Quote of the day " order me one please "  ...............

High Fliers

Back to the field with a light WSW forecast and the now "usual" crew along minus John but plus Keith and Ollie.  We wasted no time and whilst the guys got sorted and Kaz started Ollie )Plymouth) off on his Taster day Paragliding Daisy set the winch out ready to pull through the gate giving an extra 200 meters of tow :))

Going for the long one ......

It was nice to have the extra length ( bet they all say that) particularly with the very light breeze.  After a quick demo flight Peter F (N Devon) was first up to continue his CPC tasks and had a great day working well into the final stages with only Asymmetrics left to go on the practical side, not bad seeing he only started in January.

Peter F heads off to the top

Shuan S (Penzance) was also straight off to the top and had a fine day moving steadily onwards and upwards getting more comfortable with the turns as well as moving deep into his CPC. By the end of the day he was almost enjoying it! only joking.

Shaun S floats back in after a high one

 Paddy B (Falmouth) was his normal calm self taking it all in his stride including his first flight which saw him floating about under some convergence cloud not wanting to come down.  With seagulls circling above him it took a while to find some sink but we did finally get him bad.  Paddy also moved well into his CPC tasks and will be up for the instability tasks next.

Todd a (Totnes) was a new man looking much more with it and putting in his final EPC flights before heading off to the top of the line and returning with a huge grin.  By the end of play he was in the harness and even looked comfortable with it.

Todd release on his first trip to the top

Keith W (Barnstaple) worked hard to keep up but keep up he did finishing off the day with a nice high flight to start his CPC, things should get easier from here on for him.

Kieth W finishes off his turns before his first high flight

Last but not least Ollie having done the hard work with Kaz got his flights on the winch which despite and interesting start soon settled down and by his final one he floated along pretty as you please before releasing the line and doing a perfect landing, what a way to finish. Sorry no piccies Ollie but sure we will get plenty on your next visit ;)  Whilst the guys packed up Kaz, Phil and myself extricated the truck from a mud pit which saw Phil head off to get his washing done .....

Quote of the day '... worried I wouldn't come down ..." lifes a bitch sometimes!

Doubling up at Perran

Maiden flight in the UK for Sam A's new Wills Wing Sport 2 135

A breezy morning proved to be ideal giving me time to build Sam A (Devon) newly arrived Wills Wing Sport 2 135 Hang Glider and sort out the paperwork before heading out to Perranporth just after lunch.

It was still breezy enough in the high twenties but by the time we had introduced sam to his new wing and how to rig it things looked do able.  Also out to play was jerry E down from Southampton hoping to do a Tandem flight, Sam J (N.Devon) hoping to complete his tandem rating on the hangy and Phil L hoping to fly! So with two Sam's, two Sport 2's and two tandems (does that get squared) it was a busy enough afternoon and one where you really wanted to get the names right.

First up i test flew sam a's new wing and boy do I love flying these gliders, having established all was well put her through her paces showing sam a few of the things she is capable of before popping her back in on top in what were not smooth conditions.

Nice Cornish colours on Sam's glider

Having tested the air Jerry came up on the Tandem for a cracking flight in super lift giving Jerry the chance to fly the wing and get a great feel of what Hang Gliding is all about.  With his knowledge of kiting, model glider flying and a variety of other sports it all made sense to Jerry who quickly got the knack of flying the wing.  Top landing was fine and with a good ground crew to help us life was easy.

Nice :)

By now Phil L had plucked up the courage to give it a go (or maybe the wind eased a fraction) and had a super flight playing in the abundant lift before putting in a good landing back on top.

Quote of the day "Awesome'

Kaz gets to go on the bike before Phil commandeers it (along with the camera)

A light wind day saw us head to the field where the sheep had given it a good grass cut leaving it like a bowling green, all be it as lightly messy one.

The day started with the wind being light and fickle so whilst Kaz got the Paragliding students going I spent some time with Triston J (Torquay) introducing him to his new Dudek Synthesis 31paramotoring wing. With the wind still not settled enough to set the winch out Triston got ready and it was not long before he was off on his first flight on his new wing.  The very light wind and faster wing gave him a good run but he got off cleanly and proceeded to have a super flight getting used to the more sporty feel of the wing compared to the training ones.

Surrendering to the power

With the wind making its mind up we set out the winch as the Paramotor buzzed overhead and the guys got set to tow.  Triston came in for a super stand up landing dealing with the extra speed and glide well making it all look far to easy :)

Triston just loves it

 The guys got going on the winch with Kieth W who we taught some four years ago getting back into the air for some refresher training after a long lay off and making a pretty good job of it too..  Next off was Todd A (Totnes) back for his second day with us followed by Peter F (N.Devon) on day four, Shaun S (Penzance) on his second day and last but not least Paddy B (Falmouth) on his third.

Paddy bundles a bundle

Kieth W gets back in the air after a long lay off

Everyone made steady progress through until lunch time when we took a well earned break for hot soup and tea.  Triston refuelled and  refreshed went up for a second flight on the Paramotor and had another cracking flight playing around for a goof 40 minutes before coming back in in zero wind conditions and pulling off a very acceptable landing despite the speed of it, yes he stayed on his feet again!

Todd does an impression, you decide........ possibly a Morris dancer

The wind went fickle again so we held fire on the towing but it was not long before it did a 180 and filled to a very pleasant light breeze making things easy and we got going again.  The tows rattled up and the guys worked steadily through their tasks until we called a halt at 17.10 in order to get the kit away before dark.   Keith was back in the groove, Todd moved well into his EPC, Shaun had a blinder and completed his EPC tasks finishing the day with a high flight, Peter F moved nicely into his CPC tasks and also managed to complete his EPC exam (congratulations) and Paddy finished off his EPC tasks and moved nicely into his CPC with 3 high flights.

Pete F comes in after another high flight

Triston was his usual beaming self and is now waiting for the delivery of his new Parajet  power unit which should be a few weeks with a bit of luck.  Kaz put away 40 tows on the winch and thanks to Phil for the help in bike riding and piccy taking, yes that was piccy not p*ss........ but there was some of that as well.

Quote of the day "a little harder please" ............

 Phil shows his autistic side , sorry artistic

The Frostbite Day One

Test flying Pat B's rebuilt glider, guess will have to do it again sometime !

With a late call on an improving forecast the Kernow HPA frostbite comp' was called for Perranporth with a 10.30 brief.  Arriving at 09.15 the wind was smack on and low 20's seeing a few Paragliders up playing with the top end conditions.  It did not take long to get the T2 rigged and skoot up and down the ridge to find suitable turn points for ridge run.

 By 10.30 there were plenty on site and with a slightly lighter breeze a good number of paragliders up and playing.  Those on the ground got the full briefing outlining the Spot landing and ridge race tasks before the window opened and things got going.

Claryfing the finer points of the tasks in french

 The hangies were first to set off on the ridge race with those that were rigged keen to get going as the wind was forecast to drop and back.  The scorers/flight controllers did a fine job as a stream of hangies and paras got off the ground and out on task.  The forecast drop in the wind soon arrived seeing a number of both disciplines on the beach for some shell collecting and making those in the air more cautious!  It was not long though and the breeze returned and hangies and paras were sharing the air again and that was repeated once or twice more for some, me included.

Paragliders join in the fun

Well done to Treeve T for popping five hill conversion flights on his Paraglider four of them landing back on top as things quietened down a bit and thanks to Adi C and Phil L (mainly Phil) for the entertainment as they tried out my Ozone Delta .........

By the end of play there were plenty of scores on the board and some spot on spot landings by the Paragliders whilst the Hangies were not quite so accurate ........  with the wind back again Geoff B and Greg E flew until dark on their hangies over the now deserted cliffs

These weren't the only skid marks for the day but the only ones we can show !

A cracking day with both disciplines mixing well and the loose organisation working well.  Great to see Nick Collins on his Atos VR cruising around and making the most of whatever lift was around and then entertaining us with his landing approaches, ohh and thanks for letting us have the windsock back!

Only one incident of note when Pat B nearly wiped out the entire scoring team resulting in a few breakages but fortunately not to any of the aforementioned. Huge thanks to evreryone who helped out in one form or another and to all that came along to play.

Scores are here

Quote of the day "nice dancing"

Sunrise at Sennen

Every picture tells a story

Ok so the forecast reckoned the wind would back, ease and the rain come in just after midday so it was an early start to catch the best of it.  Phil L arrived at 07.15 and we were loaded and on our way before half past.  Hangy Dave was also up early and heading to Sennen armed with his new Wills Wing Sport 2 155 ready for his maiden flight on her.

The "repaired" Truck caused a slight delay as the new radiator sprung a leak ........ still armed with plenty of water we pressed on arriving at 08.15  to find the wind nicely on at a steady 22 -24, ideal :)

Dave was not far behind us arriving just as Kaz finished rigging and wasted no time in getting his new toy out.  08.45 and Kaz was up and away into cracking lift seeing her climb out to 500' in minutes.  Phil quickly joined her and they played around like a couple of novice fighter pilots chasing each other around the sky.  With Dave's new wing rigged and checked I got my chance to give her a test flight :)) boy I love flying these wings......  10 minutes was enough to confirm all was well so it was back down to hand her over to her new owner.

Dave sets off on his maiden flight

Suitably nervous (well cacking himself actually) Dave stood at launch, a deep breath and he was away making a perfect launch.  He need not have worried as he climbed out to join the other two and explore his new wing.  It did not take him long to settle in and soon he was looking relaxed and enjoying it.

Kaz on finals

Kaz and Phil landed back on top leaving Dave with the ridge to himself whilst we made tea to warm ourselves up.  30 minutes later in came Dave for a first class landing and with a huge smile.  If you want to know what he thought of the Sport 2 just ask him and put aside an hour or so.... easier than the old Calypso for sure.

The guys share the skies

Refreshed and warmed up they all went for a second flight as conditions just eased back a tadge. Dave practised 360's tightening them up bit by bit and loving it.  Meanwhile the terrible twins moved onto stall turns with varying degrees of success ..........
 

Dave rounds off a super morning

All three made great top landings and time for another culpa whilst i sneaked a flight on Kaz's wing.  With the wind on the back  Phil gave ii one more go to prove conditions were not so good and made good use of his new found "skill" to help out on approach to the now shrinking beach.

So it was time to go and with the front coming in our timing was good getting home just as the rain arrived.

Quote of the day "Rome was not built in a day, nor were stall turns"

Hanging out at St Agnes

Stewart T takes off on the Tandem hangy

With a cracking forecast hopes were high for some good flying at St Agnes with a moderate Northerly on the cards and unstable air to match.  Well as it turned out the latter part was right but the breeze somewhat brisker than forecast blowing 30 plus in the morning.

Whilst the braver headed out there we waited at home and measured Mark H (Devon) up for a new Wills Wing Flylite 3 harness which a refined Cocoon type making a revival, well to be fair they have always been pretty popular in the States.

With everything indicating the breeze beginning to drop we headed out after lunch picking up Stewart H and Carys (London) on the way (from Redruth) who was down for the weekend and hoping to have a Tandem flight on the Hangy as his 30th birthday present.  On arrival it was breezy enough but not that bad and whilst the guys who had been there a few hours sat and watched we began to rig hangies as quick as we could.  The collective negativity cracked and more hangies came off roof racks and emerged like butterflies from their cocoons.

Classic Sea Thermic sky as we fly high

Still a bit on the windy side for the Tandem I popped in a super flight on the T2 C joined by Mark on his Atos and we had a ball playing around and coring up in the sea thermals to 1000' + before pulling back to the front, tempting to go but not fair to leave Stuart sitting there I think!

The speed wings get in the air as we fly above

The wind slowly eased back and after another test of the air on my glider it was time to get the Tandem up.  Stuart and I had a cracking flight in near perfect conditions as the wind played ball at the end of the day and the sun shone through the cumulus over St Ives.  a good 30 minutes of play saw Stuart get to fly the glider, soak in the views and watch the mini / speed wings get into the air to join us.  Patience is a virtue and it certainly paid off with our timing being spot on.

Cracking end to a cracking flight and big smiles
Whilst there was still enough day light left Phil L took the opportunity to come up with me for a reccie flight of St Agnes having not flown there before to get the lay off the land (and the sea) in preparation for when he does.

So a fun day as it turned out, shame it was a bit windy early on resulting in a few missing out but there will be other days,  lets hope it's similar for the Frostbite planned for next week end ;) Thanks to Carys for the piccies.

Nice onK

Kaz takes off at 08.50

The forecast gave the chance of a morning slot so after an early weather check we were up and loading the truck (now with new cylinder head and no smoke;)) with para's, ASKA and Kaz's hanger to cover all conditions.

Chapelporth saw us arrive at 08.00 where the wind was pretty much smack on and 16 -18, ideal.  By the time we had carried forward and rigged the hangy it was a little lighter but looking like picking up again judging by the sea.  I gave the air a quick test on Kaz's glider which showed good lift as the wind filled in up to the low 20's.  Kaz was off and away at 08.50 in good lift seeing her quickly up to 650' ATO and cruising the ridge and jumping across to the Porthtowan side with ease.

Where is everyone?

Having not taken my hangy I gave the ASKA a go and joined in the fun bobbing around below Kaz and watching the seagulls flying around like swarms of WWII fighters.  The lift was smooth and the fying relaxing even though some light sea thermal drifted by.  40 minutes of flying saw us both landing as the wind began to back a little for a break.  Paul H arrived just as it eased again and wasted no time in jumping into my ASKA and legging it off the hill.  The lift was not so good and it was a few minutes before we saw the top of the ASKA flitting up and down the ridge resulting in a slope landing..

Kaz heads off to Porthtowan

Next Adi and Big G turned up closely followed by Phil L and the Glen, Gary and Wyn who had come over from Perran.  Big G got out his Paraglider and did a pretty good impression of Pauls flight but landing even further down and even quicker confirming the wind was not only light but now well off.  Adi sorted his wing, Phil aired out my Delta and we packed up the Hangy.

So yes it was a slot and very nice while it lasted, anyone understand Clifford alarms ????????

Quote of the day " males always look better " Guess that's why he is still single then .............

Weather what weather ??

Triston flies high over the cliffs during an "amazing" day for him

Whilst not to far to the east much of the country was  under snow making travel a bit tricky down in the west it was shaping up for a nice day so we headed to the tow field.

On the Paragliders Jon R (indian Queens) and Paddy B (Falmouth) were back for day two and joined by Peter F (St Mabyn) for day three.  They were also joined by Triston J (Torquay) who made it down despite conditions to get up on the Paramotor.

After a bit of ground handling we set the winch out just in time for the wind to drop and back. Undeterred we moved around the field just in time for it to do a 180!  Ok a bit of theory and give it time to settle.  Triston got the Paramotor ready and as the wind finally settled all be it very very light he got set to go.  In near nil wind conditions he made a good launch for his second ever flight on it and was soon circling the field as he climbed high in the sky.

Whilst we moved the winch once again Triston enjoyed himself looking pretty relaxed as he explored the flying characteristics of the unit and wing.  With the tow launch reset and ready to go Triston came in and landed looking just as pleased as he did on his first flight, magic.

A perfect landing rounded off Tristons day

Now it was the turn of the Paraglider boys and with a light breeze we wasted no time in getting going.  John  R led the way followed by Paddy B both getting in their first release flights before moving steadily on into gentle turns and higher flights seeing them well into their EPC's by the end of the day.  Peter F joined in the fun and had a great day finishing off gentle turns before going higher and making tighter ones and rounding off his day with a flight to the top of the line resulting in a very happy Peter.

They all did well making good progress and sorting out techniques as they went along and having a laugh with it.  In between tows Triston managed to pop in another three flights on the Paramotor to have a cracking day which saw him cruising around well over 1000' up and taking a sightseeing trip along the coast.  Another good day in the field and he should be ready to fly as a CPC pilot ;)

Sorry for the lack of photo's of the Para' boys but they kept me far to busy to take any!!

Thanks to Kaz for some good towing and getting me off in a slight tail wind and to Triston for the use of his 4x4 to move the winch as the truck is in for repair, hopefully back soon.

Quote of the day "Brilliant, just brilliant"

Sneaking one in

After another fun morning on the paperwork (and i thought it was in good shape) a quick check of conditions showed the chance of a flyable slot at Chapel Porth after lunch.  Needing a break we headed out to find the wind light but on.  With all the vital signs on the horizon looking good we opted to get the Paragliders out in readiness.

Sure enough the gulls went up and I quickly followed whilst Kaz sorted her wing.  The lift picked up quickly but as it did the signs out to sea looked like the breeze was about to as well, so after 10 minutes in the air it was Big ears all the way down landing in breezy enough conditions which quickly turned into very breezy ones within minutes.

Still we had a nice walk afterwards before getting back to the accounts, honest Phil.

Quote of the day "I thought computers made things easier??"

Sub Zero's and Hero's

 A pictures worth a thousand words and this one says it all

Well it felt sub zero in the field but at least it was dry and the wind was light so we should not complain when compared to the rest of the country.  Having had a busy day booked things quickly changed with a few people failing to make it for one reason or another, still it made life easier and once again Triston cashed in.

John R (Indian Queens) and Paddy B (Falmouth) were along for day one on Paragliders both with an interest in Paramotoring as well.  Whilst Kaz got them going and warming up with the ground work I took Triston J (Torquay) to finish off his high flights on the Paraglider before him switching to the Paramotor.  Three nice flights under his belt and Tim hopped off the winch to help Kaz and Trtiston got introduced to the Paramotor.

Pretty soon he was running around with it on his back, followed by some ground handling with unit and glider and was feeling pretty hot!  Whilst Triston cooled down Kaz brought over the day oners and got them set on the winch.  In near perfect conditions Paddy led the way into the air for his first flight on a Paraglider.  He did a fine job setting the standard for John.  No worries John followed suit and made a good job of his first flight both returning with big smiles.

They both put  in two more flights each and both improved with each flight almost looking like pilots by the end of play.

Next it was Tristons turn to get back on the power.  A couple of practice take off runs and it was time to go for it.  A nice reverse inflation and nice turn into forward a nice run and he was away much to his amazement.  Triston did well circling the field and looking more relaxed by the minute.  Rounding off the flight with a super landing resulted in one of biggest grins I have ever seen, fantastic. So good to see someone progress step by step towards their dream of flying:)

Happy bunnies at the end of a super day

Another lovely day with plenty done and everyone happy if a little chilly, keep an eye on the Blog to see how everyone progresses as Spring approaches.

2 degrees above

Thats what makes for good sea thermals and there were plenty around today with the boys at Carbis Bay getting up to 1000 ATO where it was even colder.  Kaz and myself had a fun day doing a bit of walking and a bit of flying in some of the less flown areas of Cornwall and whilst it has to be said where we flew is not ideal for all (no bottom landing) we had some cracking flying in very thermic conditions and if it were not for being underdressed an XC was on the cards.

 Looks like a variable week coming up so could be good or could be not so good

Perfect timing

Having spotted the chance of a flyable slot at Vault we kept a close eye on conditions during the morning and as things began to fall into place we packed the van gave Graeme A a call and headed to Vault bay hoping it would pan out as planned.

Arriving at 14.15 it was still breezy enough but within 15 minutes it eased and I tested the air on thew Delta which saw me quickly climbing high in the strong lift and thermic conditions.  Kaz soon joined me as Graeme arrived so I nipped in to get him ready for day two of his hill conversion.

Kaz and Graeme share the air

Armed with his "new" Ozone Buzz Z3" after a site brief Graeme was soon away and climbing nicely in the abundant lift.  It took a few beats to settle into the wings handling but he was quickly in tune. 15 minutes later after a demonstration landing by Kaz he came in and popped her down as pretty as you please :)  A quick debrief and he was off again this time launching from the corner launch to enjoy another super flight and start to play with the thermals as well.

Another top landing and looking happy

Another cracking top landing and another cracking flight after it saw Graeme complete his hill conversion just as the light began to fade and the breeze freshen, well done.  I sneaked in a final flight on my Delta which saw me  coring up to 1000' and having to pull Big Ears and Speed bar to get down again!

That's how lucky we were, the wind eases from arrival at 14.15 till end of play at 16.30, think we should try buying a lottery ticket!!!! 

 Cracking unexpected afternoon slot, great day for Graeme (Billy Whizz) so watch out for him on the hills in South Devon and Cornwall.

Graeme A (Billy Whizz) celebrates his qualification :) 

Quote of the day " Thank you, thank you, thank you"  trust me it's a pleasure.

Sunshine & Soaring at Sennen

A fresh NNW forecast to back and ease as the day went on saw us heading to Sennen Cove where hopefully the wind would play ball for all.  On arrival it was perfect for hangies so whilst Kaz rigged I broke out the ASKA and had some fun flying in sea thermic conditions.

Kaz was ready so I nipped in and Kaz took off skying out in no time and having the whole ridge to herself. After a fun flight Kaz came in and landed back on top and to save rigging my glider I took the chance to to have a fly on her glider whilst waiting for Graeme A(Plymouth) to arrive to hopefully start his hill conversion.  It was great fun playing with the thermals and with the airport closed due to boggy runways there were no limitations, nice.

With the arrival of Graeme (and Fiona A) the wind began to ease so it was time to go to work.  After a hill brief and some ground handling to get used to the new environment Graeme was ready to go.  He soon joined Fiona and Kaz in the air who were popping up and down in the thermals.  Graeme did a fine job using both the lift when it came through and dealing with the sink bits in  between.  15 minutes later he came in for a top landing sorting out his approach as he went resulting in a stand up landing in the end.  Huge smile a very happy Graeme was bouncing.

With the wind dropping steadily it became more important to use the sea thermals and whilst there was lift around if you could use it Graemes second flight saw him heading to the beach after a few beats.

Still a good day all round and Graemes hill conversion underway.

Quote of the day "where's the water?"

Lucky 13

And we had it in the field on what turned out to be a cracking day.  Sadly some of last weeks students could not make it but that played well for those that could!

With a slightly delayed start students turned up at various times but by mid day we were fully underway.  Saun S (Penzance) was keen as mustard and got straight into his PLF practice but a combination of over enthusiasm and the previous days Yoga resulted in a painful muscle so he decided not to push a point and after a spot of ground handling gave it a rest.

Tristan J (Torquay) made full use of the now even quieter day and after a ground handling session was soon on the tow line rattling off 13 tows and finishing off the day with his first flight to the top which resulted in a huge grin ;))  With his EPC flying tasks behind him and only a couple more high flights to go he will soon be strapping the Paramotor to his back  so watch this space.

Angela I made a late start but worked nicely on some ground handling before joining Tristan on the tow lines and popped in 6 tows taking her to the end of her EPC (congratulations) and ready to go to the top on her next day out.  Despite a few nerves she progressed well through the day with each flight getting smoother and more controlled, nice.

 Good to see Phil L and Steve W drop by on their way back from flying at Carbis where there was plenty going on by the sound of it.

 Quote of the day "what time is the train?"

Sorry no piccies still searching for the camera!!

New Boys and New Toys

Finally it was time to get back in the field and to get some training underway having not been there since before Christmas.  The sheep had done a great job and the grass looked like it had been freshly mown!

The student split was 50/50 with Miles T (Illogan) back after a 6 month break to continue his CPC Paragliding, Kieth W (Barnstaple) and Peter F (St Mabyn) both back for their second days on Paragliders.  They were joined by three newbies, Todd A (Totnes) who had some paragliding in Spain, Tristan J (Torquay) who also had some previous experience and Shaun S (Penzance) who had no previous .....

Everyone got going as soon as we hit the field and it was not long before gliders were popping up as the ground handling got underway.  Whilst the newbies carried on with Kaz (assisted by Steve M, thanks Steve) the other three got onto the winch and into the air. I took the opportunity to do the test flights on a brand new Ozone Element 2 straight out of the bag which just reminds me how nice new gliders are ;).

Miles was quickly back into the swing of things and finished off his weight shift tasks before moving nicely into speed bar.  Keith W moved through release flights into gentle turns as did Peter F both improving steadily with each flight.

With the Newbies ready to tow they had a bite of lunch just as some drizzle arrived seeing us popping gliders in vans as the sunshine disappeared.  As luck would have it by the time we had eaten and carried out the tow brief the drizzle stopped and it was all go.  Todd A led the way for day ones and did a pretty good job but also leaving plenty for the others to improve on!  Tristan was next and made it all look pretty simple which only left Shuan.  Based on Coady's well proven theory that one in three day oners jump into the air on take off Shuan was now convinced it would be him, he need not have worried, he did a fine job returning with a huge grin on his face.

We worked hard until the light began to fade and all the day oners got through to first release flights and were impressed enough to sign up to carry on so watch this Blog.

Back home and with a van full of wet kit we had to summon Phil L to come around and remove his kit. hangy and Para, from the drying room where it had been following a damp time at Struddick a few days ago so we could hang the gliders out to dry. Hopefully they won't take long and we will be ready for the next good day.

Quote of the day "you can take the back end if you like"

Good to get out

After a few promising days did not play ball finally it came good and we dropped tools and headed to the hill as the drizzle cleared unexpectedly.  A quick load and it was off to Chapel where we found a few Para's up in what were breezy enough conditions (18-20) so we choose to fly the hangs.  Whilst I test flew a repaired wing Kaz rigged her Eagle and we had some super flying with heights up to 500' using the Paragliders as turn points.

A couple of hours were enough then it was off home again.  Nice to meet up with the guys and wish a few Happy New Years. Lets hope it starts off better than the last one finished........

Quote of the day " are you sure there's enough lift????"

F1rst timers

The Slug takes to the skies

A slot in the weather appeared and fortunately we were ready to take it and make the most of it so it was off to the tow field to play.

Peter F (Wadebridge) was along for a Tatser day with a view to taking up paragliding and was joined in the filed by Paul H who was out for his maiden flight on "the Slug" a sit under the bar version of a powered HG but by Paul himself and Treeve T who was keen to get a bit of ground handling in on his "new" Firebird F1rst Pg before taking it to the hills.

In very light winds Peter got his day underway and did a good job with the basics before getting in the hand tows ready for the winch.  Meanwhile Paul had set up and was ready to go, lest try a Bunny hop soon turned into a perfect take off, flight and landing with the smile on Pauls face saying it all.  So good to see his work and planning come together to realise another dream.  Whats more it looked right, pretty impressive for it's first time out.

Treeve gets his first flight on his F1rst

With the basics done for Peter and Treeve having  got his first taste of ground handling his new wing it was time to tow.  Kaz took the sticks and after a demo' flight by myself we got going.  Treeve popped in a couple of nice flights before heading off to pick up the kids with a big grin on his face.

Peter got his first towed flights underway and did a fine job improving with each one and finishing off the day with a nice release flight and silly look!  Shame not a few more out as you have to take it when it's here at this time of year.

How good was that Peter returns after his first flight

Quote of the day " that was so much better than I could ever have thought it would be"  guess he will be back then ;)