Ron's Impromptu DayTaster

Sunny spring flying!
(click image for more photos ->)

After near storm force winds and heavy rain yesterday, a new weather system moved in and with it came near perfect flying conditions for visiting DayTaster participant, Ron, from Vancouver (he was in town for just a couple of days with his partner and thought he'd try something new).

It was his first time on Saltspring Island and what a better way to experience it than by flying tandem? After taking the ferry to Fulford Harbour, we grabbed some snacks at Morningside Cafe and then checked out the Landing Zone. The wind was blowing straight towards the mountain so up we went, finding the same result on launch, albeit cycling in a consistent 15kph.

After going over the tandem launch procedure, we got our helmets and harnesses on, hooked in, and took to the air! Ron was surprised by how relaxed he was and it wasn't long before I had him take a turn on the controls, performing a few turns along the mountain face.

The views were worth it alone, and after thermalling our fill, we headed to the LZ where we had a one-step landing. We then paid a brief visit to local paraglider pilot Kuno and his wife Lisa, then drove across the island to Vesuvius where we caught the ferry bound for Crofton - back on Vancouver Island.

A quick pit stop at the Duncan Garage and then it was Training Hill time. After a few smooth inflations in light winds, Ron was ready for his first solo flights! He finished the day with a total of four flights and I bet he's still smiling.

Watch a short in-flight video of Ron's Tandem flight