6 out of 6 and 3 out of 3 ;))

With the way the forecast was set there was a good chance that someone would be happy and a faint chance that everyone may be but that would be asking too much, wouldn't it??

Off to Sennen Cove on a brisk NNW forecast and on arrival it looked like Perran with plenty there, guess it was a bit northy at Perran then.  Whilst Jenny S and Nigel A both rigged the hangies hoping to get some hill soaring Julian M held fire with his Paraglider, hoping to finish off his hill conversion, as things were on the breezy side.

The hangies get sorted whilst the danglers chat

I tested the air on the Zero before handing it over to Steve M for a test fly, he seemed to get along ok flying over to the village and getting plenty of height, nice one. Bill joined him on his ASKA and Kaz popped up on her Hangy for a cracking flight.

Steve M top lands a car on the Zero 17

With the Tandem Hangy rigged and ready Karen P (Tavistock) arrived and we waisted no time in getting into the air for a lovely soaring flight in smooth conditions taking a good look at the houses and waving to those having a late breakfast on their balconies.  Slipping back in on top rounded off the flight along with a big smile from Karen, a good start.

With the hangies rigged and ready a quick demonstration flight on the good old Mars confirmed all was good and we got Jenny ready to go.  A little hesitant take off was followed by a super smooth flight with Jenny flying nice and confidently looking like a pilot rather than a passenger, great.  A good 20 minutes then with a bit more lift she came in and popped the Mars back in on top with a typical Jenny yelp, excellent , looks like the Sport 2 next then.

Julian M and Steve L share an ice cream as Jenny gets some airtime in

and loving it she's flies nice and smooth

Nigel A was ready to go and made a cracking launch on the Calypso before settling into the soaring beat.  It took him a few beats to relax and get in touch with the wing but soon enough he too was looking smooth and in control.  With conditions getting a little lighter the Paraglider began to rig and Nigel get a little lower, hmmm.



Bill N popped up on his crispy new Ozone ZERO 19 testing it out for the first time and just loving it, guess he will be flying even more than ever now, the man will grow wings soon.

Bill N on his new toy, one of the many he flew .......

With a little rain on the horizon the Para's held fire and I hoped for a little more breeze as it approached. Sure enough the wind filled and the lift increased and Nigel gained height nicely before coming in for a first class top landing, great.

Nigel goes forth and flies !

Now with conditions changing it was Julians turn.  A little ground handling to get the measure of his nice new Ozone Buzz Z4 as it emerged from its bag for the first time saw him looking confident and ready to go.  A good launch and he was off and away to join the increasing numbers in good lift soaring nicely.  10 minutes later and he came in for a nice top landing and a big grin, only two more to go and he will be sorted.

Wasting no time after a debrief he was off again this time taking off on the slope.  All went well and before we knew it another two flights were completed in the freshening conditions, a lot learnt and his hill conversion completed, amazing.

As the Paragliders including Bill N on his "normal" wing landed due the wind picking Cerys R (yes the same one that cam up on the Paraglider yesterday) got the call from Blackberry picking and with the Tandem.  We had a lovely flight with Cerys getting to see and experience what husband Geoff has been doing for years and just loving it.  In perfect conditions we checked out Sennen village before coming back in for a tip toe landing to be greeted by Geoff.

Kaz popped in a final flight on her Hangy as the hill became deserted so having the whole sky to herself and enjoying it.  Good to see so many having fun and making the most of the day and especially good to Steve M after such a long time.

there is  apace that says it all 

Quote of the day "that was absolutely b**dy fantastic"  looks like he is back to stay ;)

Fishing, Flying and Finishing

An early start saw me out on the water as the sun came up and a bag full of mackerel to pop in the smoker, a good start.  The wind was nil as forecast so we held off a decision on towing till mid day.  A recheck on the forecast and we canned it as when the wind did come in it was likely to fill quickly getting to the top end.

get the smoker out ;))

Kaz complete with new wetsuit decided to go for a swim out to the rock at Portreath so I thought it wise to paddle alongside on the Kayak just n case.  Rude not to dangle a line at the same time and the result was a nice 51/2 lb Bass, excellent.

get a bigger smoker!

The wind filled in so it was home to change toys and out to Chapel Porth for a spot of flying.  Meeting up with Cerys R (Geoff R's) other half in the car park having just driven down from Bristol was a nice surprise and even better when Cerys decided to have a Tandem on the Paraglider.

Down on launch it was perfect and we were quickly in the air joined by Kaz, Phil L and Geoff to enjoy as super flight and catch upon things.  Cerys had a super time getting to see what Geoff see's and experience what he rabbits on about!  Whilst up there we were lucky to see my niece Bethany complete her epic walk of the Cornish Coastal footpath arriving back at Chapel Porth with lots of waving from friends and family, well done Beth.

Chapel from Cerys's new point of view

 Back down and a swap of passengers saw Kaz and myself share the glider before off to the Driftwood for a few pints of Doom Bar with the Rogers.  What a super day ;))

Quote of the day " it comes to something when you have to get your wing out again to go flying with your wife"   that will teach you to put it away to soon! and don't mention Donkey's ..........

Cracking On in the field

Sunny September continues and it was off to the tow field for some training with Lawrence C on a taster day, Geoff P starting his CPC and Fran k H also moving into his CPC.

Lawrence C gets on with some PLF's

Whilst Lawrence got on with the basics Geoff and Frank got some ground handling in  and both looked pretty good at it to boot.  The wind played around a little but by lunch time with Lawrence sorted and the other guys nicely warmed up it began to settle a bit.  Well thats what we thought, a couple of winch moves and finally a nice NE breeze set in making it ideal.

Geoff was first away looking good after a few months off and back in the grooves he went to the top of the line.  Lawrence was next on his first low level tow and did a fine job to start with before loosing it a little and veering off to the left before return ing to the right a little too far and having to be backed off.  A slightly awkward landing resulted in a sore shoulder and end of play for the day, hopefully next time out life will be easier.

Geoff comes in whilst Franks looks on

looking good on finals

Frank joined in the fun and it was not long before the guys were ticking off the tasks working through  weight shift, normal used flying speeds, speed bar and active flying all whilst practicing spot landings on the way.  With 9 tows each under their belts it was a good days work seeing them only needing Big Ears and Assymetrics left on the flying tasks before heading to the hill.

Frank coming "home"

and looking pretty pleased with himself

Thanks to Peachy for being Steve McQueen and on site Physio, where else could you get that??

End of a good day for the guys

a born natural peachy finds his place in life ;)

Quote of the day " that was pretty good"  trust me coming from Frank thats amazing!

Back to work ;)

After a few days away it was good to have some keen pilots to get out in the field with and what a super day it was.

Whilst Kaz got the introductions down with the three taster days/ day ones I got On with Geoff P (Saltash) back for his second day flying his Paramotor.  With the wind still a little light Geoff got his kit sorted in readiness before starting his CPC exam and waiting for conditions to improve.

Steve, Paul and Peter were all along for a go at Paragliding and it was not long before they were clipped into the gliders and getting to grips with the basics under the watchful eye of Kaz assisted by Peachy and later on Phil, overstaffed or what, still can't complain:)

There's got to more to it than this ?

The wind filled just nicely making it easier work and encouraging Geoff to have a go on the Paramotor.  Up and away first time he popped in a cracking flight to put a few nerves to rest before coming in for a good landing and a big smile.

Geoff P buzzes off on his Paramotor

The Newbies were joined by Robin D back for his second day and spent the morning ground handling which I have to say was well worth while seeing a dramatic improvement over a short period.  With the hand tows underway Geoff took the chance for another flight demonstrating how take offs should be done, as near to perfect as you could ask, lets hope he keeps that standard up.

Lunch and it was time to get the winch out complete with shiny new alternator so no more jump leads!  A test flight proved conditions were good and convinced the guys we are not totally mad as they all seemed happy to give it a go.

Paul led the way and set a good standard for the other sot follow doing pretty much as asked, ideal.  Steve followed suit and Peter brought up the rear.  They all managed three flights and in fairness did a pretty good job ending up with stand up landings and some nice flying, ok we did have the odd "jumper".

Happy Bunny after his first flight

With the day ones sorted Robin popped onto the line and had a fine time moving deeper into his EPC finishing off with 200' release flights and good turns down to land. Hopefully he will move into his CPC next time out.

Sums it up

Geoff got another two flights in to round off a full day for him having also used his time to good effect with some ground handling to sharpen his skills.

So another good one with everyone happy, in fact so much so that Steve booked in for a full course and Paul will do when he next returns to sunny Cornwall.  Great feed back from the guys, thank you and it was pleasure to meet them along with Nicola (Pete's other half) hope you have a great holiday and enjoy the surfing next.

Zzzzzzz

Quote of the day "It doesn't get any better than this"

Yorkshire puddings

The final round of the BOS (Hang Gliding ) took place in Yorkshire and thats where we headed for 5 days of fun and frolics and even some flying ;)

Thursday saw us (me and Tim J) arrive just missing the briefing but there being no rush we pitched the tents then headed to Tailbridge where a task was set at 70 k to anywhere.  Gliders flew before the forecast rain and again after it but despite a few good efforts no one activated so it was an early finish.

Day Two Friday wet and windy, very windy so day canned and a mixture of chess, politics and beer saw the day disappear.

Day Three bright and windy so a trio north to visit Tims friends resulting in goof food , good beer good company and two dirty stop outs!  Can't be bad.

Getting set :)

Day Four  an early start saw us back in haws for the briefing and up the hill at Wether Fell under good skies and a warm day.  Task set at 114 K via a turn point at about 60 k.

Off and away

Take off straight to base at about 3700,  this is good lets get a better start by tracking south ........  1 hour and 20 minutes later after a lot of boating around guess what I am back where I started at cloud base over the same patch of hill!

Up to base

back with the masses

Up again and lets go ......

 Ok lets go.  A super flight with stunning views crossing the moors before making it out to the flat lands.

Coming out of the moors at cloud base :))

 Here things got tricky seeing a lot of grovelling at about 600 feet off the deck before landing next to the turn point for 4th place, missing 3rd by .4 of a point :)

Time for a rest

A cracking day with lots of smiley faces and Tim doing well for 7th place.  A fun evening and the Baked studs went down very well, thoughts for the future.

Day 5 Day canned early, why ???  Pack up tents go up hill and get glider rigged for test flying.  Tim has fun flight , Steve B and Shedsy both fly T2 C and land with big smiles and comments on how light and easy a glider it is to fly, and this coming from Moyes Boys :))))))))))

So the end of the series and a 4th place overall, not bad for an old timer!

The trip home, well interesting ending up via Worthing but I got there in the end.  A fine time away and good to catch up with all and have a few laughs.  We are looking for a new Meethead for next year any offers ??

 Quote of the comp'  "how long is yours upright"

Seven at Sennen

Well 07.15 to be precise and we arrived at Sennen Cove in a bid to catch the wind the tide and the car park!  The latter of the two we got right but the former we had to wait for!  However Mark L was rigged and ready for when it came and made a near perfect first flight on the Hangy for his first flight off the hill after a long lay off.  Mark performed a super take off and did a good flight down to the beach for a nice landing.

Waiting for the wind

I got some physical exercise in carrying the wing back up by which time it was flyable for the Paragliders so sneaked a nice flight in whilst Mark recovered ;))  After his rest it was time to do it all over again so off he went, hmm not quite such a good take off so asking the Paraglider who had decided to rig on launch to move was a good idea, why do they do it ??  Still an acceptable flight down and another landing under his belt Mark was pretty happy as the tide began to come in and the car park fill up.

Yep it's arrived :)

The Tandem gets flying

The wind was nicely on so it was time to Tandem with Alison and Darren (Birmingham) both down on holiday taking advantage of the conditions for a super flight in stunning surroundings.  Despite her initial nerves Alison soon settled into the flight and took great delight in checking out the various roof tiles in a bid to select some suitable ones for their home renovation project, ideal.  With Darren being somewhat taller than myself I enjoyed a slightly longer flight than him and he did a fine job of staying on his feet to make life easy.

On finals

Alison back down to earth

Conditions just got better and better so Kaz made the most of them whilst with the arrival of Dan H down from Sussex to collect his shiny new Wills Wing U2 160 (test flown yesterday) I introduced him to it and showed him the finer points of rigging.  Looking well pleased Dan gave it a float test and all seemed good so we loaded it onto his car and along with wife Lorreta who had enjoyed the views off they went.

Kaz flies in as the car park fills, cracking sky inland ;)))

Flown out and with a few others arriving we took our leave and headed back east, what a super day.

Quote of the day "natural or not?"

Off to the North and off at St Agnes

Sometimes you just have to make the most of what you have got and where you are and sometimes you just don't!

Perranporth and the wind was on and looking good so we rigged the hangers with myself popping a nice new U2 160 together for test flying.  Kaz was ready to go, hangy Dave was in the air and Mark L rigging the Falcon, Kaz waited while I tested the U2 which turned out to be handy as it turned out.

Hangy Dave landed and I took off as the wind moved a little more to the north.  The glider was just lovely, perfectly set up and light as a feather despite being a little large on me but the sink rate was superb!  With the wind moving steadily to the north I popped her in after 20 minutes with the lift becoming very limited and the windsock well off.

That is where it stayed for the rest of the day despite various forecasts saying it would come back. Plenty of fun flying on the Falcon along with a few danglers but with the tide coming in so no chance of throwing Mark off we finally cracked at the sight of Tim J circling above St Agnes and headed west.

Sure enough on arrival the wind was on and somewhere between ideal Hang Gliding and Paragliding, hmm which to do.  With a couple of Paragliding Tandems on the cards we decided to test conditions to see if suitable for them so it was out with the Tandem Paraglider.

A brisk enough launch convinced us it was not ideal for paying customers although the lift was superb once away. A swift climb out saw us soon joined by Phil L on his Paraglider, Carez and Tim on their Hangies and we all had great fun chasing the sea thermals as they came through.  Tim got it cracked and circled away over the back soon becoming a dot in the distance.  Kaz and myself got oh so close but a little greed on my behalf saw us pull out of  a steady climb in the hope of even better!

Climbing out and looking back at Perran

Still a fun flight and a great learning curve for Kaz in thermalling.  Carez and Phil had a ball as the temperature dropped and we all headed back in to warm up :))

Well done to Tim who made it just short of Carnon Downs where I found him with a huge grin on his face.  Also well done to the guys who stayed at Perran and made the most of it with some mini XC's, just like the old days.

Some people get all the luck, nice one Tim

Quote of the day " i don't think we will do that again!"

Dom & Domer at Chapel

it's not as bad as it sounds, honest.  With a nice slot forecast for some flying at Chapel Porth we headed off for some fun flying and hopefully  couple of Tandems to complete.

Things were not ideal on arrival but after an assessment of conditions and based on the forecast things seemed to be heading the right way so we contacted our potential passengers and got the Tandem Hangy rigged.  

By the time our first "victim" had arrived conditions were spot on so we wasted no time in getting them briefed and ready.  Dom  (Norfolk) had seen us flying on his arrival with his family on their holiday and mentioned that he "would like a go at that".  His mum Claire did a quick search and found us on the internet and hey ho here he was on his 17th Birthday gluing into the air, how lucky is that!

We had a cracking flight in perfect conditions in a mixture of ridge and thermal lift giving plenty of height to play with. Dom had a ball and did a fine job of flying the glider so giving me a rest ;)  Spiralling down we rounded it off with a super landing and round of applause from his family, thanks guys and girls.

Happy Birthday Dom

Next up was Dom G (Falmouth) who's flight was also in celebration of his birthday but it was a while ago.  After a bit of untangling after launch we had a nice fly around with Dom amazed at the unique perspective that flying the hanger gives.  With the wind beginning to back as fore sat we kept a close eye on it before nipping in as the lift began to drop off.  Another lovely landing and big smiles all round.  The wind backed and picked up so we sat and waited to see what would happen, well actually we went to the cafe on the beach for a coffee.

Flying High with Dom 2

On return Tim J was in the air and things looked bait better so Mark L  took the opportunity whilst waiting to start his hill conversion on the Hangy for a Tandem and gained some useful experience in both the art of soaring and got his hands back on the base bar after a long lay off.

That was it all down safe and sound then off home for a rest.

Quote of the day "you have no idea"

Prop er Job

With 2 Taster Days cancelling off Kaz could relax as I headed off to the field to meet up with Jeff P to get his paramotor training underway having completed an EPC plus course with us on the Paraglider.

With a bit of dampness in the air we went through the theory side and checked out the tasks already well covered in his training.  Spot on time the skies cleared and the sun came out as did the Paramotor and the wing :)  Geoff got his first taste of ground handling with a power unit on his back which stated off less than ideally reinforcing tha fact that you can never practice it enough.

Ready to "play"

Still with a bit of encouragement and a few rests he soon improved and by lunchtime what seemed impossible started to become doable.  Next we got the beast fired up and practiced some runs under power up to take off stage which went well.  With conditions mellowing and after a test of the kit and the air by yours truly Geoff was ready for the BIG One.  Suitably nervous he went for it and on his second attempt made a fine launch up and away.

Flying high Geoff just loving it

somewhere in there is Geoff and the Banner Plane

He soon settled in and climbed nicely to enjoy a super flight around the field clocking up his first 15 minutes of solid airtime.  Despite the still lumpy conditions he relaxed a little and enough to come in and do a pretty acceptable landing all rounded off with a huge smile.

Sums it up

A cracking day for him and a tough one as well but hopefully thats the bulk of it sorted and things should get easier from here.  Great to watch Wyn D coring away from "the Brea" under a good looking sky and nice to talk to Chris H to find out what was going on.

the evening sunset :00

A nice spot of fishing in the evening saw plenty of Mackeral to pop in the smoker, nice

Quote of the day "I wish I had"

Mixing and Matching

NO pressure today with Ralph (Ireland) making his way down from the Isle of Whight by public transport for a Tandem Hang Gliding flight and just here for the day in fact he had to catch the train back at 14.30!

Having successfully made it to Redruth I picked him up from the railway station and we headed to Perranporth where amazingly it looked doable :)  We wasted no time in rigging the Hangy and after the brief and checks were soon on launch.  A couple of steps and we were away into the blue and soon floating nicely above the cliffs and dunes.  Ralph just loved it and with the added bonus of some very close views of a Kestrel that flew with us it was something special.

Kaz dives for cover as Ralph and myself go for it

The lift varied from pretty good to not so good and bit by bit it dropped off leaving us scratching around as the Paragliders began to launch.  The sight of them also struggling did not inspire hope for a top landing so after a super flight we opted for the beach where we had a classic landing on the wheels, they are always such good fun.  Thanks to hangy Dave for the help up the dune where, having passed Ralph over to Kaz to drive him to the station where he caught his train with one minute to spare (this guy is seriously lucky) I managed to fly the glider back up saving a full on carry up.

just classic

on the beach ........

A bit of a rest then with the wind filling in it was Darrens (Plymouth) turn on the Hangy n what were now loftier if bouncier conditions.  We had a fun time with Darren achieving a long time desire to experience Hang Gliding and finally getting his 40th Birthday present!  With plenty of height to play with came back in on top for gentle landing having observed Hangy Daves excitement from the air ;)

Darren gets the camera angle 

the moment of aviation

Ian was along for a Tandem Paraglide and with the forecast for the wind to ease back he patiently waited.  the site of the hangies however impressed him sufficiently to get him to give it a go.  Harnessed up and briefed the wind duly eased so it was back to plan A and out came the Paraglider.

Up and away there was plenty of lift as we mixed it with a few others who had also waited on.  Again the lift came and went making it a game of chess to stay in the best areas as we shared the air with Colin N who was having a ball.  With some nice lift coming through we popped in for a top landing as the clouds darkened out to sea and the sun got low.  Ian had a great time and we look forward to seeing him back for a go on the Hangy soon :)

Colin was last one in as darkness fell making the most of it as usual and kindly helped me reload the hangies back onto the van in the gloom.

A fun day again with plenty going on which varied from the exciting to the very exciting to the more than exciting ....

Quote of the day "for that kind of excitement it should have lasted longer"

Now that was FUN :)

The front passed the rain cleared and we headed out to Chapel Porth for some Hang Gliding.  Phil was already there reporting plenty of wind if a tadge off to the right.  Chris W was at Perran with the wind smack on so we thought we would be sociable aided by the sight of good clouds that way.

Chris launches as we arrive under a super looking sky.  We rig PDQ and I launch into a brisk breeze, a bit of a play down low to settle in then lest see if these clouds are working?  Yep lift everywhere and soon circling up and up under a fine looking street. With crystal clear air after the front passing the views were amazing, never got a camera on when you want one!  It was just like a spring sea thermal day and in fact as good as I have ever known it in August at Perran, fantastic.

Phil  L joined in the fun and a bit later  James R (Dorset) also made the best of it.  A truly fun day and hardly anybody there amazing, all rounded off with a bite to eat in the Green Parrot.

Quote of the day "I could feel my face"

Getting High & Stoned

It's not quite as bad as it sounds .........  Perranporth was on for the day and whilst the forecast was for the wind to increase in the afternoon it never really happened and it was largely flyable for Paragliders for most of the day.

Perran gets going nice and tidily ;))

After some fun flying on the Para's it was time to to take Penny A up for a Tandem flight who was really looking forward to it and had patiently waited for the right day over the last few weeks.  We had an absolutely lovely flight in what were changeable conditions with the lift filling in nicely throughout the flight giving us the opportunity to fly the whole length of the ridge, nice.

Penny really appreciated it and was full of questions about how and why whilst soaking in the views and keeping a close eye on the birds of prey as they hunted for lunch.  It was great for Penny to experience what her son Carl R who we taught a few months ago now does for fun and no doubt talks about, shame Carl was not there to fly alongside but work got in the way.

Penny gets in amongst the action on the Tandem

The rest of the day was taken up with a bit more flying and carrying out an assessment on Simon S to sort out his Paragliding rating, always an interesting exercise from both sides and Simon took it all well. Simon also took the opportunity to have a fly on my Delta 2 his reaction ......  well I nearly did not get it back!

There was plenty else going on including a few altercations involving a Dog, a "pilot" and some projectiles.   All interesting ones, but at the end of the day who has most to lose?

Quote of the day "where's Adie ? Oh he's only a stones throw away ;))))))"

Flipping and Flapping

ready to play

Well what to do and where to go that was the question.  With Phil L and Peachy arriving in quick succession and the news from Chapel Porth that it was well off to the south we had a coffee and a vote.  With Kaz wanting to go to the beach we opted for a day at Carne to make a change.  Gliders loaded we all piled into the Van and headed off with Phil and Peachy nattering in the back.

Peachy and the wall

It was off to the west and windy so it was down to the beach for an ice cream before heading to the low cliffs with the mini wings.  Phil convinced us it would come on and bit by bit it did.

We had a fun time with some flying on the smaller wings and also on the Delta during a nice lull allowing soaring from Nare Head along to Pendower and back.   Peachy and Kaz honed their skills on the Zero's and Phil proved that the rotor comes further up the hill the squarer the wind is on!

Kaz floats off

Peachy braces himself or is he doing something else

Kaz ended up in the sea so we boys thought we had better wonder down to check out the scenery and have another ice cream before we headed home after Kaz had dried off.

There has got to be a caption in this one .....  Kaz Zero's in on Peachy .....

 Quote of the day "has your cup cometh over?"