The weather looked good. Post frontal instability, SSW winds averaging around 10 knots and its not raining. Arrived at launch and there are 4 or 5 keen looking guys all kitted up about to launch. By the time I have laid out my glider they have launched, a couple after a few interesting attempts. Maybe its too strong, but I'm keen to try. I think its is within my capabilities. After one fizzle and one "pickup and dump on your back" launch attempt, I'm away. Looking for the "guns" I spot them at cloud base rapidly disappearing North toward Mangawhai. Can't seem to find their escalator so I'm going to muck around the hill and practice thermalling. I fly for almost an hour and a half, and reach 513 m (approx. 1700 ft) above launch almost at cloud base, a personal best. I can stay up longer but I'm starting to feel the cold. Attempting to top land I find the lift too much and push out in front to circle down and land in the LZ paddock. Its my first fl...
A New Zealand Paragliding Adventure, Flying My Local Site.