Friday's Heat

Late morning flights at the Malahat
And training hill action in the afternoon!

(Click image for Malahat Photoset #1 -> )

Natalie, Rick, and I met Charlie, Torge, Norm, and tandem hopeful Thea at Bamberton Beach in the morning. The hottest day of the year thus far was forecasted with north winds so the Malahat was the best call.

We loaded up the Delica and crawled up the highway before hitting the logging road access then the trail to launch. Cycles were crossing from the north on takeoff with the odd one straighter in. Torge elected to be 'wind technician' and, after a couple of aborts, took to the air.

Clipped in to his virgin SPORT 4, Charlie displayed his kiting skills as he inflated the glider, allowing it to turn north and then back east as he launched smoothly. Great job Charlie!

He and Torge tried to work the lift out front but the predominate north wind messed with the thermals so flight times were less than desired.

Rick was up next with his brand new MUSTANG 2 and he took a straight cycle and was off quickly, checking surges as his glider bit in more aggressively than his KISS.

Natalie was last of the solo pilots and she launched off on her first attempt, marking her 20th high flight!

Norm helped Thea and I get set up with the tandem and, after one safe attempt, we were airborne. Thea had made the drive down from Parksville early in the morning and her efforts were rewarded with a great paragliding flight!

(<- Click image for Malahat Photoset #2)

Thanks to Norm for driving retrieve :)

We all then headed to the Training Hill where everyone put in some time in the warm sun.

(<- Click image for Training Hill Photoset)