EVENTS Paragliding Competition Committee Write Up
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t seems I’m writing several articles for this edition of ‘Airborn’. It’s a rainy day, a very rainy day, and I’m at home preparing also for a road trip with my wife ‘up north’ in the New Year. We’re well into the flying season and except for a delay to the Second Auckland league competition due to weather all the competitions are going to plan. Johnny Hoppers’ ‘First Auckland’ event was a great success by all accounts. Perhaps he has written an article. There were two good tasks but a lot of controversy about the new airspace rules. Several competitors, but not the national champions, broke airspace, if even by a small amount. Every competition I have done over the last several years have had Competition Specific Rules, which over-ride the NZHGPA Rules, which have stipulated that airspace would be dictated by ‘GPS altitude with no tolerance’, and this competition was no different except that it is now in the General NZHGPA Competition Rules! And yet there was a lot of controversy. It is good airmanship, prior to participating in an event, to read and understand the rules by which that event is being conducted. How many of you read the Comp. Specific Rules, or even the update on the National Rules prior to an event? How many of you read the ‘Airtribune’ Preparation Blogs and the Safety Plans etc? These are all important documents that are published for your benefit. The Second Auckland event was delayed a weekend due to weather which resulted in a reduced attendance but a good fun competition none-the-less. The ‘Southern Fun’ competition was also recently completed in Wanaka and by all accounts was a great competition. I really think that the weather and the environment was a major player in that assessment! Three successful tasks were completed and there is an article in this magazine that describes that event. The ‘Southern Fun’ competitions are proving to be the ‘must do’ competitions in the New Zealand calender as it has, in the past, generated more points than the Nationals and this year the ‘Southern Fun’ was no different with three tasks and close to 60 pilots in fine weather. The competition scored a hefty 69 points on the NZPRS for the winner and will therefore make a significant contribution to the
World rankings when they are next published. Besides the leaders: Richard Castro, Louis Tapper and Aaron Chesterman, there were some notable performances at that competition especially by the girls by the way of Jessica Green, who won the ‘Ladies’ category and she has only been flying for about three years and also Nina Harrap, a Queenstown local, who is new to competition and who made goal on two out of three tasks. She also flew her personal best distance on task 2. Well done to you both. There has certainly been a shake-up in the NZPRS order after all these events. The PCC didn’t write an article for the last edition of ‘Airborn’ and so we’ve made no mention of the demise of James Johnston who sadly came to grief whilst flying in Nevada earlier this season. Though James didn’t fly often in New Zealand he did represent us in numerous world competitions and has played a major part in enabling New Zealand to achieve the international status that it has in the World rankings. The PCC is deeply sorry for his loss and acknowledge his passing in gratitude. Please make the effort to read of his accident report. There are lessons there for all of us. Perhaps that is just a small parting gift that he has left us and we can honour him by reading of his experience. Looking ahead, Aaron Chesterman is conducting his first Hawkes Bay regional event next week (7th January). It has been well subscribed to and, after the ‘Southern Fun’ event, I understand that he has received a lot of late applications to what is proving to be a very sought after event. Best wishes to Aaron. It seems that pilots are beginning to appreciate the experience and fun of flying competition. Long may it continue. Happy New Year. - Tim Brown
Covid-19 and Events
Due to the changeable Covid-19 virus situation, some events and competitions may be cancelled or postponed. Check with event organisers or their online notification system, to confirm if events are still being held before booking travel and accommodation. It will be worth checking again immediately prior to the event.
NZ Paragliding Nationals 2021 Tasman region from 20 February to 27 February. The Headquarters will be based at the Mapua Leisure Park (https://goo.gl/maps/ NEcEzsEM46PY1Fne8). Mapua is a seaside village about 20 minutes from Nelson. Registration via AirTribune will open on Saturday 1st August at 10:00. The Airtribune site has been published and is available for viewing but bare in mind that it is a work in progress but will be ready for registrations by that date. At this stage the comp is limited to 80 pilots but if there is overwhelming demand consideration will be given,in consultation with the PCC, to increase that number to 100. There will be 40 places allocated to the top ranking WPRS and NZPRS pilots. We are obliged under FAI rules to offer 20 places for international pilots up until two months before the start of the competition. However with the current situation with COVID-19 we doubt there will be much interest from pilots from overseas apart from the ones already here in New Zealand and we look forward to their participation. Other than that it is a first in first served basis with the two organisers making the final decision (and no we are not open to bribes). The Leisure Park covers an extensive area with many secluded spaces. Let Google be your friend. There is, at this stage, plentiful and varied accommodation at the Leisure Park (nelsonholiday.co.nz) but it would pay to get in early.
There are nearby alternative basic camping grounds but not bookable. We would encourage you to be at the Park. And yes the rumours are true in that from February to March the Mapua Leisure Park is a clothing optional location. But don’t let that faze you as there are very limited areas in the where that is permitted. - Peter Allison and Lyn Watkins (your on-location organisers)
Hang Gliding Nationals 2021
Mt Murchison Photo: Dennis Thorpe
Murchison, Saturday 30 January to Saturday 6 February 2021 Matt Barlow Phone 022 153 7965 email nat.matt3@gmail.com
Wanaka Hike & Fly With support of NZHGPA and Southern Club Kinga Masztalerz is organising the 1st hike & fly race this summer (6-7 March 2021) It’s designed to be challenging both for high end athletes and less experienced pilots with not much thermalling experience. Two day race in the stunning Southern Alps with a flexible formula suitable both for high level athletes and leisure pilots who want to learn and socialise with fellow hike & fly enthusiasts. Applications are now open, 1st come 1st served so apply now :-) Live tracking. Tips and recommendations on the website: www.wanakahikefly.nz FB: https://facebook.com/wanakahikefly/ IG: @wanakahikefly
Omarama Hang Gliding Cross Country Classic
Saturday 6 February to Sunday 14 February 2021 lying near Omarama is spectacular; expect to fly to 9 or 10,000ft and an easy 20km to over 100km depending on your skill and luck. Beat your Personal Best; height, distance High at Ohau, on the way to Mt Cook (centre distance) Photo: Bill Degen etc, move up the XC Champs table, or maybe fly to Mt Cook! Accommodation; free camping, cabins, This summer, Monday 8th is the public caravans, motels and luxury hotels and this holiday so even if you are working, that’s still year no overseas tourists! The gliding airfield 5 days that you can fly. campground welcomes hang glider pilots and This time of year gets the most flyable days has weather briefings at 10am each day. with the least strong winds and turbulence, THE MISSION; Fly open distance, in any so gives the most XC flying opportunities. direction from any site in the Omarama area. Last year wasn’t epic but we still had good Enter any number of flights. flying in relatively stable weather with good Required; Advanced rating with mountain/ thermalling and even a smooth wave day that XC skills. Pilots with lower skill ratings may fly allowed a long flight around the Mackenzie. if under supervision if conditions are suitable. It is usually hot, sometimes windy and strong Printed site briefings are available. thermals but landing areas are massive and The track up Magic Mountain is limited the event is stress free; there’s no queues to 4WDs with low ratio gearing for safe or waiting. descents or brakes will burn out. To maintain Fly the whole week, just the weekends or the track we ask pilots for a donation but the just the days you want, when you want. It’s competition is free. up to you, only your best 3 flights count. You For more information, site briefings etc; decide if, when and where to fly and a few contact Bill Degen at aero@xtra.co.nz or check unlucky flights won’t ruin your score. www.hgpg.co.nz for updates.
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