HGFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 15 January | February 2019 M y local Central Coast sites are considered pretty limited, as far as going anywhere is concerned, however, the two dream flight runs are Bateau Bay to Terrigal, and Wamberal to The Entrance – both about 11km long. A local pilot, Hayden Leeke, had been leading the way and working on The Entrance run for some time getting as far as Blue Bay – very close – and we have both been trying for Terrigal for a while. The knowledge and skills are there, but something had to change for me to be able to do it. One reason is the wing – it has to be able to launch in winds in excess of 25km/h and to be flown in winds in excess of 30km/h, as well as have an efficient glide and climbing ability. The change came for me when I lost 10kg weight and had to get a more suitably sized wing – a four-year old Iota 1, an easy high B. This wing fit the bill exactly, as well being very easy to launch. On 10 November, I launched from Crackneck to just fly, but then the wind strength and direction were saying ‘Terrigal’. I climbed to 840ft and started the run south. Not having enough height, I stopped at South Forester’s beach to top up, then raced on, getting to Wamberal Surf Club with adequate height, then working my way along the waterfront houses and low dunes all the way to Terrigal beach. Yahoo! It only took me 20 years to get here. A short walk to Terrigal pub, followed by a cold beer, and goal achieved! On 25 November, I was sitting at home checking the Holfoy wind at Forester’s beach – it was 19km/h, gusting 27km/h, increasing, unstable and perfect direction as well. I jumped in the car and rushed to the low dunes to get airborne before it got too strong to launch. Launch was uneventful, lifting off at less than four metres above the bottom of the dune and it immediately became obvious that I was only moving forward at 7km/h at my trim speed of 38km/h. The dunes here tend to have higher wind speeds above them than at higher altitudes, I slowly climbed to 138ft, often using the speedbar, until I could jump to Spoon Bay – which was pretty easy, topping height up when I could. I snuck around to Forrester’s beach, then added lots of bar until I got to 400ft where I started to penetrate well and continued to climb to over 900ft before heading north at around 60km/h ground speed, enjoying zero’s and little sink on a good line towards The Entrance. A smooth, scenic and easy flight had me over Toowoon Bay when my radio came to life: Royce, a local pilot, saw me going overhead and offered me a lift back. Yes please, how good was that? I crossed Blue Lagoon, then climbed along cliffs toward The Entrance channel. I was tempted to cross, but did not think I could reach the soarable dunes on the far side, so decided to leave the flight to Norah Head as a dream for someone else. I landed next to the surf rescue tower in 30km/h wind – I had done it! Another dream flight fulfilled. This year is my 20th anniversary of paragliding, and I set out to mark this milestone, instead of just boating about. by Greg Holbut My 20-Year Milestone Blue Lagoon and Shelley Beach on way to The Entrance Photos: Greg Holbut Low glide to Terrigal The Entrance