There's
nothing sweeter than taking to the skies, and soaring
with a paraglider. Except perhaps doing it with
an experienced tandem pilot instructor that will take
care of all the flying, so that you can sit back and
enjoy the vistas around you, and the fantastic sensations
of free flight!
At the upcoming
Bridal Falls Air Races, taking
place July 19 - 20, 2008, you have
the opportunity to take a tandem flight at one of
the best flying sites in Canada. Better still,
you'll be able to do it for a greatly discounted rate!
Tandem flights
typically cost about $175 dollars. At the BFAR,
the price will be only $100!! The best of our
local tandem pilot instructors are volunteering their
time and talents to show their support for the West
Coast Soaring Club. The club uses these funds
to help secure and preserve our local flying sites,
focusing on beautiful Bridal Falls.
What's
It Like?
You,
as a tandem passenger fly in front of the pilot, in
a comfortable seated position, and have a perfect,
unobstructed view of everything around you.
To take off, you and the pilot run down a short, gently
sloped hill to inflate the paraglider. You're
then lifted away from the ground. Your pilot
will begin searching for "Thermals", columns
of warmer air that enable the paraglider to ascend
higher into the sky. Even without thermals,
a paraglider can glide and soar a very long time.
The
length of your flight is dependent on the day's weather
conditions. Certain conditions generate more
thermal activity, and enable longer and higher flights.
However, you can expect to have at least a 15 minute
flight. You'll have lots of time to take some
great shots if you've brought your camera.
Arrangements
From arriving
at the Bridal Falls flying site, to packing up after
your flight, everything will be taken care of for
you. When you arrive, find parking in the designated
area, and come to the registration desk. After
checking in, you'll be introduced to your pilot instructor,
who will help you with all further details.
Because the sport of paragliding depends entirely
on the whims of mother nature, be prepared to spend
some time "para-waiting", as your pilot
determines the optimum time to fly in order to make
your tandem flight experience the best it can be.
For pilots, this is all part of the sport, and we
all enjoy the comraderie of each other's company,
both while we're in the air, and while we're itching
to be in the air!
Spectators
are welcome near the landing zone area, as well as
at the launch site. Follow the directions of
any BFAR volunteers in these areas. Please note
that anyone other than the tandem passenger will be
required to pay a fee for a ride to the launch site.
Of course, there are fantastic views to be had from
the launch site as well, so it's well worth it.
What
To Bring
Bring sturdy
footwear, and dress according to the weather.
Be prepared to possibly spend some time enjoying the
outdoors as you "para-wait" for your flight.
It's not a bad idea to wear (or bring) long
pants to wear for your flight, as well as a windbreaker
or fleece. Also, if you're prone to motion sickness
at all, you may want to consider taking something
for it prior to your flight.
Tandem
Flight Qualifications
Almost anyone
can be a tandem passenger. The passenger must
be able to run a few steps while launching and landing.
Also, because of the nature of the equipment,
there is a weight restriction. Paragliders are
certified based on total weight of the pilot, passenger,
and the equipment itself. Passengers must generally
weigh between 38 kg (85 lbs) and 103 kg (225 lbs).
However, depending on the specific pilot and his equipment,
this range may be somewhat flexible.
For more details, contact the Tandem
Coordinator.
Signing
Up
Contact Nicole
McLearn (click to email, or phone 604-224-6828).
Nicole can answer any questions you may have, and
schedule your flight for you. It may be possible
to simply arrive at the BFAR and sign up for a flight,
but it's very likely that the weekend will book up
solid, so sign up ahead of time, and early, to avoid
disappointment or possible lengthy waits.
Have
fun, and we'll see you in the air!
