SAFA Skysailor Magazine

7 May | June 2024 SKY SAILOR A weekend in late February had been selected to give the best chance of good wind conditions and to ensure that the tide would be out during the day to give pilots as much space as possible for beach landings. All that was left in the lead up was to wait and see if the weather would co-operated. It did so all day, and the tandems went off smoothly with big smiles all round. The participants then had the opportunity to join in a ground-handling session on the beach. There was a real sense of community throughout the day as pilots shared their passion for the sport with participants, supporting and challenging them to get in the air. Everyone had a fantastic time, and as we heard from the feedback there were many highlights for participants. On the day we were pleased to have the use of three tandem paragliders which were designed by indigenous artist Lisa Waup and are now being used at flying events. Due to such huge success from this event, a nine-day licence course for women and non-binary individuals is planned for Bright in October. There are still places available, so if you know anyone who might be interested, please share the below QR code for more. Other events are also being planned for the 2024-25 season, including a short course aimed at inland pilots wanting to improve their coastal flying. Above: Two of Lisa Waup’s indigenous glider designs Right: Tandem pilot Willow Left: Tandem pilots Marie and Noah All photos: Bruce Agnew Tandem pilots Nick and Marie with happy passengers