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Displaying page 41 out of 55
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In early January another exceptional Forbes Flatlands comp in Australia saw seven consecutive tasks, with Rory Duncan beating seven-times winner Jonny Durand into second place by just one point.
The extraordinary career of Ollie Chity continues. Unfazed by finishing 44th on the third task after coming second and fifth on the first two, Ollie bounced back to win the fourth task, a mammoth 388km - another Forbes world record - and the fifth, a mere 153km.
Eventually Ollie had to settle for 7th place with Gordon Rigg - third in 2015 - not far adrift in 11th. Alexandra Serebrennikova took first place in the woman's task just ahead of Yoko Sano.
Posted: 3 February 2018
By: Paul Dancey
Parafest, set for July 27th - 29th, now has a spectacular new home at the huge ex-military airfield at Llanbedr, between Barmouth and Porthmadog on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.
Parafest's combination of a flying event and trade exhibition with a music festival is unique in the UK. Paraglider and hang glider pilots will be within easy driving distance of many great sites, and power pilots, including SSDRs, can fly out of the airfield and explore the coastline and the local mountains and valleys.
Manufacturers, dealers, and schools for all aircraft types will be exhibiting, alongside many non-flying stalls and sideshows including a kids' zone, a variety of food caterers and a licensed bar with real ales and cocktails. Parafest will also host the British Vintage Hang Gliding, last seen in the Lakes in 2016.
Professional acts will perform on the main stage on Friday and Saturday until midnight; details can be found on the festival's Facebook page. Those that like to party on can head to the Asbo Disco, far from the camping fields, for DJ sets till the early hours. Full details and ticket sales can be found on the Parafest website. Keep updated on developments by visiting the Parafest Facebook page.
Parafest isn't just a fly-in, it's a festival that you can fly at!
Posted: 3 February 2018
By: Paul Dancey
The BHPA's 2018 Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday February 17th at Nottingham's Belfry Hotel (adjacent to Junction 26 of the M1). The event will take place in tandem with the BGA AGM and trade exhibition.
The meeting will include the election of officers to the BHPA Executive Committee, officers' reports and a members' discussion forum. A 2018 AGM pack is available for download on this web site. The pack includes formal notice of the meeting, details of members standing for election, and a proxy voting form.
Posted: 16 January 2018
By: Paul Dancey
Following the success of the first South East Wales Hike-and-Fly Race last year (see October Skywings), with the kind permission of SEWHGPGC, Alistair Andrews of Team Evol Paragliding will be organising a second event to be held on the weekend of July 14th and 15th 2018. To register your interest please contact alistair@goteamevol.com.
Posted: 4 January 2018
By: Paul Dancey
From this month Gareth Aston's V12 Outdoor at Llanberis will take on the UK distribution of Swing and Gradient paragliders. Brad Nicholas of Snowdon Gliders, current UK distributor for both brands, says, "I'm delighted to have made this step forward; the promotion of Swing's new RAST system in particular will benefit from V12 Outdoor's investment."
Gareth is already well known within the UK paragliding scene as a vol-biv explorer and BPCup Meet Director. He will bring fresh ideas and energy to Swing and Gradient distribution, while Snowdon Gliders will continue to offer paragliding instruction in the mountains and be a fan of both brands.
Brad, who has been involved in UK paraglider distribution for more than 20 years, says, "It makes complete sense for V12 to take over as they have a high street showroom, a web-shop (www.v12outdoor.com) and a large customer base - a perfect launch pad for the new enterprise." Contact Gareth at V12 Outdoor, The Old Baptist Chapel, High Street, Llanberis LL55 4EN, tel 01286 871534, e-mail: shop@v12outdoor.com.
Posted: 4 January 2018
By: Paul Dancey
The 2018 Lakes Charity Classic runs at the Grasmere Showground on July 14th - 15th. The venue includes an indoor bar, toilets, showers, plus wi-fi and good phone signal. As well as the competition itself, the popular coaching groups will run on both days.
Alternative bad-weather tasks are planned, plus plenty of free activities, and lots to do for non-flying family and friends. On-site camping is available (fees are extra) and there's local accommodation nearby. Flying activities are also planned for the Friday and Monday.
Full details can be found on the Cumbria Soaring Club website. Registration for CSC members opens on January 21st and for non-members on February 4th. The LCC sells out quickly - don't delay!
Posted: 4 January 2018
By: Paul Dancey
The Northern Challenge Trophy is a new collaborative effort from the six BHPA clubs north of the M62 and south of Hadrian's Wall. It's a response to the difficulty of getting enough pilots - and the weather - to coalesce around fixed-date paragliding events. Pilots either don't sign up to formal comps, or don't turn up if the forecast is doubtful.
The NCT will provide a series of 12 main tasks (eight scoring, to allow task dropping) and two subsidiary hike-and-fly tasks to be flown between March 1st and September 30th; the aim is convenience and flexibility for those involved. Its emphasis on instrument use, navigation, decision-making and exploring what's possible will also make it a useful vehicle for pilot development and coaching activities.
Tasks are hosted on xcmap.net which provides easy downloads of task maps and cylinders, and straightforward uploads with integral scoring. Downloads cover the NCT's aims and rules, a task list with links into xcmap and task guidance notes. A growing prize fund is being supported by the clubs and by personal donations. The main tasks are limited to members of the six northern clubs, but the Hike and Fly is open to all BHPA members. Details can be found on the xcflight website.
Posted: 4 January 2018
By: Paul Dancey
The BHPA office will be closed for the Christmas holiday from Friday 22 December 2017 - Tuesday 2 January 2018. Our on-line shop will continue to be available during that time, but any orders placed will not be processed until the office re-opens.
Posted: 21 December 2017
By: Paul Dancey
last updated: 26 February 2026
Displaying page 41 out of 55
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