Paragliding New site in Southern California called Blossom Valley! (Video)
At one point I would guess that we were all about 500 feet above the launch. Incredible day for me.
From what I hear, this site is world famous. Some people call it "Awesome Blossom" Guys have been flying this site since the 70's. There are a few things that you need to consider before flying here tho. There have been a handful of casualties here because of ridge off to the right of launch. In just the right conditions, you get a real strong thermal that jumps off the lip and has caused several frontal collapses. The house thermal is called thumper for that very reason.
For the record, I stayed away from that ridge for the most part.
The other thing that makes this site challenging is the fact that there is no landing zone at the bottom. "Top land only"
Nevertheless, I was up for the challenge!
I received the site briefing from Tony, and Phil. Both, 20 year pilots who both fly Hang Gliders and Paragliders. The weather was perfect. I was in for a surprise. As soon as I brought my wing up over my head, only intending to kite, I was lifted strait up to about 250 feet above the launch. It was incredible.
I felt privileged to fly with these guys. Everyone of them had great insight for me. There were a few little things that I needed to adjust with my flying to be for efficient in the air. Crossing your legs, and checking the brakes when the wing surges in front.
I am super excited to fly there again soon.
https://steemit.com/video/@captainobviou3/what-is-top-landing-in-paragliding
Image credit www.sdhgpa.com
I nominate a name change to "Captain Insane-O" what do you think?
lol
Hey Cap, I notice the girls have stopped posting on a regular basis although your blog is still going strong. I know it can be tedious when starting out (and it is not my role to be a nag) but followers will begin to bail if the author is not posting on a regular basis. Just sayin'.....
Yup. I agree. They girls have been active on insta tho. LOL
No bottom LZ??? Outta my comfort zone there buddy ;)
What's the general consensus on side landing there if the wind/thermals quit or BIG sink? Off to the right (from above) looks like zero vegetation as Plan B option? Though your side was pretty good considering the conditions :)
You really need to know what the weather is going to be doing if you want to fly here. If you have to land out in the valley, it is frowned upon. But if you have to you have to. The side hill landing was kind of improv. I was actually trying to use that horn to get some lift and get back up to the bail out landing area where everyone else landed at.
You've definitely been expanding your skill level, it's very obviou3 from the early to recent footage :)
Thank you my friend!
btw, that was something I was gonna mention in a previous post re: crossing legs. I also find it helps me relax more into a flight :)
I have grown accustom to flying with my legs out. I will eventually need to bring them in because I want to fly pod harnesses. But, for now I like the balance and the feel. Phil (former instructor) was yelling from the launch "Hook your feet together" You can't hear the audio in the video very well, but I was like "Hook my feet together? I need to hook a thermal so I can top land or I am going to land at the bail out" LOL