It is an excellent site. Works in so many ways. Takes WNW to NNE. Ridge lift, bowls and is thermic in summer. Drive to lovely take offs as well. Hoorah!
It can get strong on that western take-off. I remember when a hang glider was flipped over onto its back. That steep slope at the edge comes in handy in stronger conditions and I'm surprised the pilot didn't go that far down at the start. Even trickier in winter when the ground gets really slippery - just to add to the fun.
True, When flying strong winds of 30 plus with hang gliders at costal sites mostly,I always go well over the front, that way the wing is in up going air and wanting to point down more, Bit like having a larger engine, and wind speed is always the higher in the ventury on top hill. If wind is that strong you can fly out front in the most up going air. Always good fun. Cheers, Pete
@kniefi We all pay great attention to wind strength and land if it picks up significantly. The lift band that we fly in extends out in front of the hill a limited distance so if we fly forward away from the hill we fall out of the lift and can land. The bigger problem with an increase in wind is being blown backwards and being unable to make a controlled and safe landing!
The amount of height you gain, at least in the scenario seen in this video, is a result of the wind speed, combined with the steepness and height of the hill. More hill, more wind, more lift. If this same situation was playing out on flat ground, this gentleman wouldn't be going anywhere.
I agree with pgpete, As and Cs every time, especially strong winds. He has the wing just about overhead, then 'bottles' and brings it down. If he'd kept going he would have been up and away much sooner and safer. I think it's an Artik - I have an identical one.
@SkyadventuresVideos There are inumerable techniques to launch in whatever conditions or sites or pilots! We all have to decide what conditons/sites we are comfortable with. The pilot in the video chose to use the launch he wanted, he did a good job! It wasn't me, I was behind the camera...........
Instructors will make you aware of dangers in the air , like clouds,winds,thermals.During a training your instructor would teach you technics to decrease your hight.Go for a tester day somewhere, you gonna love it! We have one kite surfer who have given up kiting..."flying is flying ! " he says.;)
Many years ago we were down there flying and a chap from, Holand I think it was, tried to take off with hang glider, no paragliders in them days, he was got ground looped and hit his head on the trig point. Was a hell of a site. When I think of the ground loops I have done over the years, boy have I been lucky, I have never got hurt. I think the chap I tell about really got hurt bad. NotE I say never GOT hurt. As Been wouldseem to imply I am goig to do more,, Cheers, Pete
All the pathetic negative comments from the experts around here. Regardless of what you read he did a good job in windy conditions. I've seen plenty of 'pros' dragged around the launch area in these conditions I can tell you
Not strong wind really, bad technique, poor ground control, laminar wind...with that skill if you put in turbulence, strong wind he is going to have a lot of problems. And if you dont see that, you are a newbie too.
Slightly disappointed there Reech, from the title was expecting a 'Murray Hay' style ripping off the feet, followed by a good dragging across the countryside through cow pats etc hahaha! Actually, very nicely done - compliments!
Try using different A riser assists like top A on its own or both A risers slightly or no riser assist and just sit back fast to raise the wing, also be ready to dampen it so it stops over head. :]
@robflybell I think it was a old technique not taught anymore. You've noticed there is a chance of not grabbing the brake handles and losing control just when you need it! Much safer to use do what you are doing.
Its always good to start lower on the hill in high wind so when you commit to the inflation and you get pulled up the hill you should end up at your normal take off height, just like this guy did. Super windy though, really pulling the d's to keep it parked.
It's not me flying so can only give you a guess. Probably just sussing out the wind strength. First few attempts were a bit too far back from the edge. There are a few trees a bit further up the slope which you really do not want to be dragged into........
I take off closer to the edge and take a few steps towards the wing as it comes up and careful brakes just at the top. If I use the brakes to slow the wing it tends to pick me up and then I get dumped and dragged as in the 'Pete has a drag' video. It takes very careful timing. In the video the first attempts were too far up the hill so he moved lower. Be prepared to be picked up facing the wrong way. Don't panic, chances are you will spin round and just fly away from the hill. Good luck!
@TheAdrenalineEffect HI! If you're in the uk look up the BHPA they will be able to tell you where the nearest school to you is. Normally takes about a year to get trained depending on the weather..................
Right behind this take off point is a tric point. It's already had one hang glider pilots brains smashed on it. Shame but shit happends. i won't ever forget that.
I think better start 30 meters right bellow the crest and not deploy in the compression area of the crest is better. Then one elevator one brake method (called the cobra) brings a progressive take in charge of the wind pull and avoid to be dragged away. But hey! I've stop to fly 10 years ago so what do I know....
Reechforthesky - its 7.15am. I got a lot of pleasure in watching your vid. I'm slightly uncharacteristically ready to fly now. I assume you are, let's say, more than aware of bands like Deep Purple, early Bowie, Marc Bolan etc. This is a good idea right..? Heheh - If you ever make it over to SE Asia drop me a line. some great strong wind flying - but I'll be honest, no grass to save you.....
I can't see how you could call this video an excellent example. Yes, you've got balls and you reacted fast enough (the second time). But try using A's and brakes in strong wind on a small site and you'll find yourself hanging from whatever grows there. The basic technique for strong wind launches is using A and D risers or A and C risers in even stronger wind. And then there are advanced techniques... ;) Safe flying...
Cuz - As & Cs in 30mk/h+ in Central Java last week - cant wait for my new wing; so underweight on my (old) Buzz3 - I'm leaning towards a Rush 4 but could be tempted by either a Gin Carerra (not so much, EN C by anything but the label) or a Chili 3 - any thoughts?
so, right after the start he begins to gain height pretty quickly! i always wondered what would happen, if wind starts to get stronger and stronger ?! is there a point when you just go "up into the sky" without chance of coming back down?? sry if this question sounds stupid, but i am just flying kites - up to 19m² though, which is almost a little paraglider since it is a flysurfer foil - and way too much wind could lift me up forever on it i guess... so really would like to know!
@georgekoskotas1 it breaks my heart and my eyes (perhaps my ears, if personally) to see how you treat Shakespeare's language, brother... :) P.S.: Ok, I am joking, but yeah, if i invested US$ 4500 on an equipment in which i trust my life, I'd be a tad more careful. Bravo!
This is not really an 'excellent demonstration' The wind is near top end but not 'strong' he leaves the hill at a pace that suggests the wind is around 16-17 mph at the most. He fails to let the wing fly during his first attempt and then loses control on his second attempt when he launches. However, he is one of the amazing people who flies a paraglider and that is 'excellent' thing he does. For the launch? All that is missing is the red streamer :D
just get a training video out of the bargain bin at the dollar store, or watch a few of these videos, buy a used glider at a yard sale. snap into your belt loops, easy money.
