Hard Work Rewarded at the Devil's Dyke

I didn't bother with the Devil's Dyke on the Saturday, although it was north-westerly, it didn't look strong and that meant lots of paragliders. Besides, Sunday's forecast looked like a hang gliding only day!

At the Devil's Dyke it was certainly strong and the sky looked very inviting. Small little fluffy clouds had formed and that meant thermals! The sun was also out and I opted for the first time this year, not to use my flying suit.

It wasn't long before I was ready for launch. After being assisted, I launched and immediately went vertical - wow, this was strong. I grabbed the base bar, pulled in and stabilised the glider as it started to penetrate forwards. It was certainly strong and there seemed to be thermic lift everywhere! I didn't do too many 360's as each time I did, I found myself blown back over the Devil's Dyke. However, with a few 360's and s-turns when my vario beeped, I found myself well over 1,000 feet above the Devil's Dyke. A new personal best at the Dyke!

All this lift was followed by an equal amount of sink and soon, it took its toll and my arms had begun to protest. It was time to top land so I headed over to the Paddock. My first attempt I was too high and the inevitable overshoot followed! On my second attempt, perfect no stepped landing and a short walk back to the fence where I collapsed the glider.

Everything seemed to be aching, from my arms, neck and back! It was time for a much deserved break and some socialising!

An hour later, and some, but not all of the aches had diminished. I returned to my glider and with help from John, launched again. It was still very strong but this launch was much better than the last. The air was smoother but I wasn’t able to climb as high. After forty minutes I was ready to be on the ground headed home! It was just a matter of another top landing! First attempt I was again way too high, my second attempt, too high, my third attempt, too high, my forth, too high! It was getting monotonous, so I turned back after my last attempt, headed for the larger landing field behind the Paddock. That attempt resulted in the closest, but I still swooped over some people on the path and re-entered the lift band once again! Frustrated, I started my fifth attempt but this time, started my approach to the paddock from an altitude of 150 feet above take-off. This did the trick and I was down and promptly helped by John to the side of the field. That was enough for me today, but what a day!