March 12th, 2012 Posted in Action Air Sports 4x4 flying days, mixed group Wilderness |


1st Thursday
Arriving at Saldana bay the wind was stronger than the days before, but we were still able to fly . I was first then the others followed, we had a great day, flying approx 3 hours, just having a good time soaring with the gulls, landing taking refreshments and flying again, great time had by all and that evening everyone to bed early all flown out for the day.
2nd Friday


Hermanus we had a short flight, as the wind turned more SW. After 30 minutes or so the guys sunk out and we made our way home.


Stopping at Sir Lowry’s Pass, good thermals up the front, unpacked quickly and soon in the air thermalling above the ridge, a Wow factor for most as the take off is very small and the scenery beautiful, over a hour of flying before we landed and went home.


3rd Sat and Sunday Stronger winds predicted, I flew with Richard on Tandem from Signal hill, we had a great flight flying and getting above Lion’s Head after some time of scratching to get up and landed on the promenade, this is as good as it gets. Flying over the city of Cape Town.
Sunday to the Water Front and a lazy day.
5th Mon
After picking up Bernard from the Air port we headed up to Wilderness area, stopping at Dona bay as it was getting late and the wind seemed to be getting lighter. We had a good time there, and another new site for Hans.


Late evening flight with the sun about to set, fling along the houses and over the preteen beaches.
Arriving in Sedge in time for a Fillet steak braai. 
6th Tues 

We flew the whole day at the Map Of Africa in milky smooth conditions and later on the wind picked up and we had to stop.

7th Wed 
Flying Sedge, Holiday Inn, and Klienkrantz.


Hans: First we flew at Sedgeview, had to go for landing for going to the next place, had to spiral and do big ears to get down….


Then start at Holiday Inn with a big west wind component, would it be possible to make the crossing to the kleinkrantz start today. Well wind wasn’t really strong, but I gave it a go. First crossed the road at the end and gained the max height for the moment. But what a shame, the lower section didn’t work at all, so ended at about 2/3 , but there at my landing there were some nice wooden stairs from the beach to the road, then it was just 500 meter walk to KleinKrantz start. It took some attempts to take off, but one flying, crossed the paragliding practice dune flying just a meter above the sand and managed to continue and enjoyed flying Paradise Ridge where it was really easy to stay up. Was proud to end it with a top land at KleinKrantz. And as the topping of the day flew (after pick up by Candice) at Holiday Inn again just a short one, but with a nice top landing as well. As I use to say: ’ It was again another Birdmen-day’

8th Thursday 

As usual the first pace to fly was Sedge view, thermalling but not able to get very high due to a low inversion, later we looked at Holiday Inn but the wind was way too much from the East,


so we went to Gerricka’s point, thinking it might be too strong but it was perfect. With easy launches we were soon all in the air, flying around with a few Dolphins playing in the waves below made this flight very special, flying around for about 1.5 hours before landing on a big field near our house and walked home.

Dinner was a steak braai, and three of us had a really good massage.


9th Fri 
Sedge, Paradise ridge then back to Sedge view for a late afternoon flight.
Gaetan: starting of day as one like them, playing with thermal of Sedge view as the day warms up and to take advantage of the great panorama view that this site offers at 400m. We top landed and Candice awaits for us patiently.

Pack up and depart for one of the most magic place which I have never seen … after a small walk in the bush here we are at take off which is not of the most standard for Swiss people..


While we were opening our wings we were very lucky to see, admire the hundred dolphins passing by and playing in the waves, surfing and jumping out showing off to us, this takes ones breath away. Launching of the wooden ramp we went for a 20km easy soaring glide, along this magnificent beach. We are privileged to have nature give us this wind off the sea and takes advantage of it while soaring along this beautiful coast. Return in right moment, the wind lowers but leaves us the time to get back to Kleinkranz our landing area. This flight is one of my most memorable and it will take a lot to beat this flight.
