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What's On What's On What's On What's On What's On |
This page was last updated 09/02/2010 18:10
This page lets you know what we are up to, or what we hope to be up to and what we have been up to. It is updated as regularly as possible. Please phone to confirm any given details as we can not guarantee the information on this page due to weather or circumstances beyond our control.
Less Walking, Less Waiting, Less Effort
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More Flying, More Training, More Fun!
Tow Training gets you flying quicker and easier
"The man who tries to teach himself to fly has a fool for a student"
What's On
We are planning our "Winter Sun and Fun" trips from October onwards
these are ideal for both low airtimers and experienced pilots, call for details
Updated regularly to keep you informed see below
Saturday 6th saw a fun day at Carbis Bay click here to see what went on. Wednesday is looking like it could well be another hill day at carbis bay as maybe Thursday if the wind is as strong as forecast, if not we will be towing. Then it looks like more of the same as the week goes on so call us if you want in. We will soon be "Re branding" (changing our name) so please check outour new website www.flycloud9.co.uk and let us now what you think. Our trip to Algodonales in October has been booked and has already got some takers so let us know if you want to come along as it is likely to fill up pretty quick. We will be back in Lanzarote in January 2011 and taking bookings now , just let us know.
Lanzarote 2010 check it out on the blog here
We are now supplying Independence reserves ( as well as their other kit) as an alternative to the now unobtainable Meteamorfosi range and they are certainly worth a look at particularly for Hang Gliders, call for details. We have Quick Pack bags, Xcertina bags and Thermalling books in stock all of which have proved popular, treat yourself (and your glider).
If you are stuck for that unusual
gift why not give a Gift Voucher, anything from a Tandem Flight to a Taster Day on either a Hanger
or a Dangler all available now. 
We carry a good range of stock items including those below and can get you pretty much anything that's out there all at competitive prices. Add to this our experience that goes back well over 25 years in the sport and we can back it up with good advise on what you want and what you need so saving money by getting it right first time... just call....
We supply videos DVD's and Books (on HG or PG) so call for details. Check out our pre owned page as there has been some interesting additions and also some tempting reductions on some items.
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In order to speed up the loading of "What's on" what's been on from 2002 till 2007 has been archived and can be accessed via the following links. In 2005 we will continue to post recent activity on this page but will archive at regular intervals in order to keep speeds up. Happy Flying.
What we have been up to
We have moved "what's been on" to here for a trial so click view
Tuesday 15th was a glorious day in the tow field with the convergence cloud looking stunning up the middle of the county. Ray P from Barnstable was along for a Taster day on the Hang Glider and had a top day ending with some cracking flights across the field and even some good landings, he left the field with a big smile.Chris s pushed on well into his CPC tasks after a good morning of ground handling. Over his 10 flights he also experienced some of the thermic lift that was around making life interesting. Adam W sneaked out for the evening and completed his CPC flights and had fun playing with the elusive (well for myself and Nick g anyway) lift, congratulations to him on his qualification.Paul H appeared with his Doodle bug and went off to play with the convergence cloud and came back wishing he hadn't before having amore sedate evening flight. Tim J and Bill also got some flying in as did I on the Rush 2 which towed very nicely indeed. P.C did a good job on the winch carrying out the final tows just before 19.30, lets have more days like this.
Monday 14th was good at perranporth first thing where several of our ex students got some good flying in. We arrived just as the wind picked up grounding most pilots. However keen to try the |Rush 2 again I gave it a shot in winds i would normally reserve for hang Gliding and was delighted with the way the Rush 2 dealt with the conditions both in the air and on the ground, the more I fly it the more impressed I get with it. As an added bonus we got our first sale on one as well, don't get left behind get out there and try it.
Sunday 13th April saw us out at Perranporth early but not as early as Nick G who had already put 30 min's in by the time we arrived. Unpacking the all new Ozone Rush2 I had not even got the plastic off it when Michelle arrived, being a gentleman I offered him first flight, well it was extremely light, and in no time at all he was off the hill after the briefest of ground work. landing as the wind got even lighter he was amazed at the Rush 2 both in the air and on the ground where his comment was " even I can ground handle like the pro's in the videos with this wing". I managed to get a go myself as the wind filled in and have to say that it is a very impressive wing with super characteristics, try it for yourself. With the wind further increasing and moving off it was time for the Hangies so borrowing Voyteks Wills Wing Sport 2 again I had an enjoyable 20 minutes before the wind moved to far off. Still winds look lighter tomorrow so hopefully will get to try the Rush 2 on the winch
Saturday 12th April started off windy but calmed nicely as the day went on and by late afternoon it was good conditions at Perranporth where we did some tandem hang gliding flights and also I ebjoyed some great fun flying on a Wills Wing Sport 2 what a cracking glider they are.
Wednesday 9th April was a busy day at the field with lots of progress made by the students and some good thermals as well. Chris S (Pg) started off the day and on only his second ever high flight caught a nice thermal which we finally managed to talk him out of. he then progressed well through the day moving nicely into his CPC tasks with a total of 9 flights and some more thermals. Adam W (Pg) back from his holidays made light work of his final CPC tasks including Big Ears and Assymetrics which whilst fun did mean that he missed out on some thermalling opportunities over his 9 flights, still next time out he can just play. Nick H (HG) got back into the air after a two year layoff and did surprisingly well over his 12 flights getting him back up to speed and moving him onto the chest release. Teressa came along for a Tandem flight (40th B'day present) on the Paraglider and had a cracker when we thermalled up to well over a 1000' before leaving the lift to head back to the field rather than sticking with it and heading to the Lizard, still all was not lost as we cruised back easily then played with more lift over the field before rounding off with a first class landing. Nick G, Pete L and Kaz P all used the "spare" lines, thanks to Bill N for riding the bike. Paul H and Al J had good flights on their powered hang Gliders doing a round trip to St Ives across to St Michaels mount then along to Praa Sands before returning to the field mid evening to end a super day.
Thursday 27th was a cracker with sunshine and light winds giving near perfect towing conditions, where was everyone? Chris S from east of Plymouth came back for his second day and had a stunner. Working steadily throughout the day he moved from his first towed flights right through his EPC tasks to round off with a high flight by the end of the day. With 21 flights to his credit Chris couldn't believe his progress but that is what can be done with small student numbers, the right conditions and a winch. Hopefully he will be back soon to carry on with his CPC and we will get him qualified ready for the summer, watch this space.
Tuesday 25th and it was almost like spring out in the fields. An early start saw us out at 08.30 with towing underway by 09.00. Chris H put the finishing touches to his CPC with a couple of "Big Ears" followed by a couple of Assymetrics to complete the course. With his experience gained in Lanzarote and on the hills he also gets his his hill endorsement so making him ready for the big outside world, look out for him on the hills. After a tea break and with the news that it was still very light on the hill and not soarable we shifted fields and spent a very pleasant afternoon towing at North Cliffs where we were joined by Bill N. Kaz P and Kieth S (on a hanger). Pete handed the winch over to me so he could get some flying in, his first this year. It was a fun afternoon with tow heights steadily increasing as the wind moved around and by the end of the day some pilots were getting up to the 1000' mark. if only every day was like it
Wednesday 19th started early with Bill N and myself meeting at Carbis Bay at 07.30 to hopefully catch some soaring before heading to the tow field for 10.00. On arrival there was a fair breeze off to the east but within 30 minutes it began to ease and come more on the hill. Bill put in a couple of first class soaring flights with some sea thermals added in for a bonus along with two near perfect top landings to finish off his hill conversion in fine style. Well done Bill who at the age of 67 is an insparation. It was then off to the tow field where Chris S and Ed C were back for more and moved nicely through forward launches and hand tows in the fickle conditions. The wind once again didn't do as forecast but we managed to get Ed on the tow line and by the end of the day he had put in 4 flights getting him well into his EPC tasks. Chris also made good progress and awaits the improving weather. Adam sneaked in a high flight before the wind made things a bit uncomfortable so halting operations. A good day despite the wind and a super day for some including ex students Gunny (Mark T) and Pete L who had a fun time at Carbis Bay later in the day.
Tuesday 18th March and we were out in the fields playing with Paragliders. Chris S and Ed C both started on their courses and made good progress despite the ever challenging conditions as the wind steadily increased despite the forecasts to the contrary. Still they both had a good day setting them up nicely for the next time. Adam was also out in his never ending pursuit of perfection and actually did get airborne but not intentionally.
Sunday 16th March saw a break in the weather which we took advantage of and headed to the tow field. Whilst a bit breezy for Paragliders Craig J had a top Taster Day on the Hang Glider getting through the ground work in fine style before taking to the air as conditions eased in the afternoon. By the end of the day he was flying nicely across the field with a big grin on his face and before landing neatly on his feet. Even the winch man commented on how easy Craig made his job in the variable conditions which is always a good thing, must be a natural, will we see him again??
Sunday 2nd March was an early start on the hill where we waited for the wind to ease as forecast which it duly did. Gunny (Mark T) consolidated nicely on the hill flying that he did in Lanzarote with a top day putting in over 2 hours airtime spread over 8 flights giving plenty of experience in take offs and top landings. Pretty good going for someone who only started in November, who said you can't learn over the winter months?? Adam put in some more ground work on the Mojo and now puts a lot of more experienced pilots to shame before coming up on the Tandem for his first experience of hill soaring Paragliders, he enjoyed a super flight dodging the now masses in the now busy sky before getting his first "top landing" in. With lots of other pilots out it did get a little busy at times and pilots needed to be on the case which fortunately most were. Paul H also got to try out his Wills Wing Falcon Hanger before flying his Paraglider and finally his model to round off the day. Also good to see Paul and Maud who have just moved into the area making the most of it.
Thursday 28th saw us at Carbis Bay for some hill soaring. with the wind forecast to get light we were out early to make the most of it. However as it turned out the wind was on the strong side and refused to ease as forecast. Paul and Glyn made good use of the time practicing some "strong wind" ground handling whilst the rest of us played safety net. Our patience was eventually rewarded with conditions becoming soarable and even good by late afternoon. Glyn put in a couple of nice soaring flights and top landings to gain his hill conversion making him a qualified pilot. Bill N got in his second soaring flight which was a beauty, so good to see him cruising up and down the cliff and even better to see his huge smile after a super top landing. Adam W took the opportunity to put in some ground handling on Kaz's Mojo 2 all helping towards his flying. Paul H and Kaz P also got some nice flying in along with several other Kernow members who turned up just at the right time. Well done Glyn and Bill may the weather return.
Sunday 24th February we headed out to Perranporth to hopefully get some soaring in as the wind swung. Unfortunately it rained as the wind moved but fortunately it did dry up later although the wind was a long way off. Still we made the most of it with Gunny and Adam putting in some good ground handling practice.
Thursday 14th Feb' till Thursday 21st Feb' saw us in Lanzarote with a group having a fun time with plenty of flying, sun and fun, look for a report somewhere on the site.
Sunday 10th February and it was back to Vault Bay where despite a foggy start things improved allowing some good flying. Chris H got the ball rolling on the paragliding student front putting in a nice 30 minute flight and top landing to get his hill conversion tasks out of the way. Glyn P followed next and had a cracking flight enjoying the view and looking very relaxed before also putting in a nice top landing to get his formal hill conversion under way. Bill N got his first taste of hill soaring with an interesting flight before slipping in for a top landing as conditions began to change. To the delight of the Hangers the wind filled in and it wasn't long before it became top end paraglideable but ideal for hangers so all change. Kieth S had a couple of cracking soaring flights and top landings to complete his Hill conversion and round off the day. Adrian G sneaked off early from the coaching course to keep himself current on his Hanger and only landed when he realised we were all leaving.Big smiles all round and a lot accomplished, here's to the next one.
Saturday 9th February was a super sunny day on the hill at Vault Bay. Unfortunately the forecast breeze did not materialize until very late in the afternoon. However, Bill N, Chris H and Mark T all put in some useful groundwork and enjoyed the sunshine. It all came together just as we were getting ready to leave necessitating a quick unpack by Chris who took full advantage of the winds increase to pop in a 25 minute flight landing as dusk fell. Some of the guys from the coaching course also dropped by and sneaked in a nice flight before heading back to Big Nick's for an evening of fun.
Friday 8th February had us at Godrevy in the afternoon where Bill N and Chris H both had fun practicing slope take offs on the lower to middle slopes. Whilst it was soarable it was a little bouncy for the students although myself and Michel put in some airtime. By the end of the day both Bill and Chris were getting on well dealing with a technique very different from towing, all good fun.
Wednesday 6th February saw a rare sunny day and one that we managed to get out and enjoy in the fields. Luke from Exeter way was along for a Taster day and had a cracker putting in four flights by the end of the day up to 60'. He was so impressed that he has decided to sign up for a full course so watch out for his progress. Mark T got his first go on his new Ozone Buzz Z which looked super in the sky and had a fun day landing with a huge smile, is he pleased, just ask him. Adam W dropped by between lectures and squeezed in some ground handling and some flying before heading back to college, can't be bad. Mark W, Kaz P and Bill N all got some towing in to round of a lovely day.
Monday 28th January was another good day in the fields where Mark T had a busy day completing his CPC flying tasks over a total of 14 flights. He rattled through his instability tasks with no problem putting in a very enthusiastic Assymetric along with his Big Ears tasks, just the exam and some top up flights and he's completed. With a Ozone Buzz Z on order Mark will hopefully be ready for the hill when the weather gets suitable. Adam W had a fantastic day putting in a total of 12 flights and plenty of ground work to complete his EPC flying tasks in record time (2 days) and get his first high flights and circuits in so starting on his CPC. Not only was his flying smooth his spot landings were on the mark so setting the standard for the day. Bill N played around on the lines before helping out by riding the bike, thanks Bill.
Sunday 27th and the glorious weather we brought back from Lanzarote continues so we headed to the tow field where we had a good day with Mark T putting in some good high flights for his CPC. Adam W came along for a Taster Day and did really well enjoying it enough to sign up for a full course so watch out for his progress. Glyn P, Bill N and Kaz P enjoyed the sunshine keeping their hands in using the spare lines. All in all a nice day and hopefully another one tomorrow.
Saturday 26th January saw us attend the Kernow Frostbite Comp' which was held at Freathy in the form of a ridge race and spot landing. A great time was had by all (well nearly all) in superb conditions. The Wills Wing T2 proved itself more than a match for the other gliders taking the fastest race time for the flex wings being only bettered by a ridged wing (Atos VR) and even then not by to bigger margin. It also proved a very landable glider taking 2nd place on the spot landing only 1 pace behind local pilot Mark Nichol so giving it overall 1st place and so aiding the Kernow Club to an overall victory.
Thursday 10th -24th January was spent in Lanzarote with a group of low airtime pilots and what a time we had with it being flyable every day! to many stories to put in here so whatch out for a full report soon (ish) with photos............