Pre-Nationals Clinic/Comp


Pre Nationals Paragliding XC Competition Clinic.  If you need a tune up before you compete in the Nationals in Aug. or you have never competed before or you just want a heads up on where and how we fly this year's Nationals site, then come and join us. There won't be any points or sanctioning during this comp clinic but it will be run like a real comp.  All skill levels are welcome. Ground school classes on using your GPS, tactics, thermalling efficiency, xc, thermal hunting, from the air and from the ground coaching, etc. 


Prerequisites: Thermal clinic and spot landing proficiency.

It is also recommended to take part in a maneuvers clinic and have a Para lll rating or higher, however if you are a Para II pilot and have taken part in the above clinic as well as having developed relatively good flying/thermalling skills and are looking to do x-country flights, you will benefit greatly from this clinic.

Please send us a resume of your flight history including number of flights, what type of conditions you have flown, number of hours, clinics attended, (and when), type of glider you fly, spot landing proficiency, strengths, areas you would like to work on, goals and intentions for the clinic., etc.  This information will assist us in tailoring the clinic to best suit your needs and wants.
 


When:  May 27,28,29,30, 2004
Cost: $300
 


A x-c training course with instruction from:
         Bill Belcourt:  holds the US and North American foot launched x-c   records
         Ken Hudonjorgensen, who held UT x-c records
        


Four full days of instruction regarding how to do x-country flights (Utah sites), what type of preparation is involved both technical and psychological.
 


Some of the topics that will be covered will range from:        

  • How to use a GPS
  • When to race and when to hold back
  • Identifying weather patterns consistent and good for distance flights,
  • Reading topographical maps to best understand the geographic area
  • Developing your own strategy regarding best time to launch,
  • How to gauge yourself with the rest of the competitors/pilots,
  • Who to follow/who not to follow.
  • What has been done and how they did it
  • and more...
     


Different x-country techniques will also be covered such as:

  • Reading clouds, maps, sky, thermal triggers or generators,
  • Picking out good landing areas
  • Learning how to make in-air decisions regarding weather
     developments,
  • type of glider you are flying, and overall awareness while flying.
  • and much much more.
     


There will be class room time including various exercises and discussions related to the above topics.  A distance flight will be attempted each day, (weather permitting).  When appropriate, in-air guidance will be offered during your flight,both from the ground and from an instructor in the air.
 


If you have been feeling drawn to doing some or more x-country flights but don't know how to get started or what to be aware of, this is the clinic for you.  Whether your intention be to only learn how to do x-country flights or to actually begin competing,  this clinic offers a tremendous amount of information and experience to help you achieve your distance goals.
 


This clinic is only for the most serious of Paraglider pilots who want to extend their limits and understanding of flight while pushing the envelope of this sport.
 


The current Utah & US record for foot launched paragliding cross-country is 154.1 miles set at the Snowbird comp 2000 by Bill Belcourt.
 
 

Clinic Feedback


"Where do I start? These instructors are amazing.  They would never admit it, but these guys are so full of knowledge and experience. They have done the hard work, and now they are so willing and eager to share what they have learned with us.  They have flown some of the XC routes hundreds of times and want us to know what works and what doesn't so we don't have to take the same number of flights to learn what is already known.  This clinic is for anybody who wants to experience flight beyond ridge soaring and mountain sled rides.  This is an informative and fun way to take the next step forward. I really enjoyed this clinic.  It got me really excited to try new things and to make myself think outside the box while remaining safe and within my own abilities.  Thanks so much for bringing all these people together to help us take paragliding to the next level for ourselves." --Jared Barnard, UT
 


"... to really succeed, you need to analyze and prepare -- it doesn't just happen.  It was awesome talking and listening to people who had done it!... Very detailed and specific!" -- E. Dursin, HI
 


"The sharing of soaring experience from so many experts is extremely helpful!" -- J. Alley, UT
 

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