James Troup Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 My first post here... Hello! It seems to be the wrong time of year to be asking this kind of question, but my keen-ness prevails! I'm looking to find out what my training options are in the North-West. I'm based around Preston and notice there are a coupe of gliding clubs near-by; Penninie Soaring Club being one. I'm wondering if any chaps from those clubs could let me visit one day to watch/learn? Eventually I'd like to move towards PPG next year but I figure a bit of kiting/soaring might be a good start? Also, are there any other like minded newbies on here that are looking to undertake PPG training in Spain next year? Cheers, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 I'm afraid I can't help on the training, but a warm welcome to the sport and the forum anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
admin (Simon W) Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 It's a common misconception that the UK is no good for Paramotoring in the winter months. Our winter provides some AMAZING silky smooth flying weather (arguably more than the summer in fact) We have taught all year round for the last 12 years and this winter will be our busiest ever @easttowestyorkshireparamot is based near Huddersfield and will be able to help with the training. Welcome to the Paramotor Club! SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenM Posted November 5, 2017 Share Posted November 5, 2017 Hello ! I’m from Preston Also. Pretty much stuck on local training as there is non ! My only Problem with traveling to far away places to train is realising the weather is no good then having to travel all the way back. However I think I’ve pretty much decided to go to Airways Airsports in Darbyshire. I did my taster day there. Where abouts in preston are you from ? Simon W sadly there was no reply from east to West Yorkshire paramotors ! But I managed to find them on Facebook and did message them ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Troup Posted November 7, 2017 Author Share Posted November 7, 2017 Hi, Cheers for the Welcome! Ben, I had a good read of Airway Airsports Website upon reading your reply yesterday. I like the cut of their Jib! Looks like it'd be a good idea to take their Taster day too someday soon. When are you looking to take the next stage? I notice there is a reasonable campsite nearby so i'll maybe look to stay a few days/week and complete the full course up to and including PPG. Simon, Cheers for the advice. Its a shame I'm not closer to you as I'd use your services. I notice how quick on the draw you are to questions on here, which is very helpful. Thank you. Hopefully the weather will be kind and there will be no need to travel to Spain! The idea of training in this country does feel more 'right' to me. There are a few questions I wish to put Airways Airsports way, which I'll air on here. Perhaps you could give your views too? Their full package includes a wing purchase. I wondered if they would supply the 'PWR' version of the Ozone Mojo wing and let me train there on that (paraglide, tow launches etc) so it will be of use to me when I start powered flight? Are the fundamental differences in the risers? Which I guess could be trimmed to suit? Also the paragliding harness I feel will not be of any use to me after training so I wondered if they would let me hire one for the training period instead? And lastly, can I supply/use my own helmet? As long as it is rated correctly etc... I'm just trying to think of ways to nip the cost down a little! Cheers, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Troup Posted November 7, 2017 Author Share Posted November 7, 2017 In addition... Upon having a further read, I'm wondering if a Reflex wing would be a suitable first/training wing. Perhaps I could push to an Ozone Spyder....? Hmm Cheers, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Stuart Walsh Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Hi Jim. I'm in Clayton le Woods, so probably near to you. I'm doing a week long 1-1 course with FlySpain next April, and combining it with MotoGP in Jerez at the end of the course week. I've had a couple of days paragliding with Paul from Parapente in Derbyshire, and really like his teaching style (I'm an advanced grade driving instructor, so am very critical of bad teaching in any discipline). My plan is to have my basic BHPA paragliding qualification before I get to Spain, so I can get most of the course week done with a motor on my back! The biggest problem I'm finding is getting to a day off, then finding the wind is gusting too much for any lessons to take place. I've already bought a 12 hours use Parajet Volution 3 with a 190 Thor electric start motor, and am just about to order an Ozone Roadster 2, ready to collect from FlySpain when I get there. I've done a ton of research, and this wing seems to offer the best of all worlds. I like the lightness aspect of the Spyder, but feel the few extra lbs. weight is offset by the extra toughness of the Roadster, especially if I fly from a local beach. I have also got a couple of local field sites where I can fly from lined up for next summer, so will be ready to go as soon as I'm trained. If you fancy a chat, let me have your number. Dave. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_k Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Sounds like you're all set Dave, roll on PPG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Stuart Walsh Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 16 hours ago, alan_k said: Sounds like you're all set Dave, roll on PPG Hope so, Alan. I know the advice is, "Don't buy gear until you know what you want", and it's great advice too, I'm sure. However, I know what I want, so I've bought it so I can train on it, which seems a logical way to go, and I know from my paragliding lessons that I'm going to love the sport. Can't wait to get to Spain now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Ashcroft Posted December 12, 2017 Share Posted December 12, 2017 Is there not a Paramotor Training School at Southport Leisure Lakes? Im from Standish and was thinking of giving them a visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagMen Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 A guy called Andy Walkden used to run a school from there some years ago IIRC but I think it’s long gone. Trying to remember but I think he used to sell Airfer derived paramotors under his own brand name of Skywalk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagMen Posted December 13, 2017 Share Posted December 13, 2017 Just found this... http://www.leisurelakes.co.uk/fly-school-at-leisure-lakes/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Troup Posted January 19, 2018 Author Share Posted January 19, 2018 Hi all, I've been lurking in the background but I finally have an update... I've booked 2 weeks with FlySpain in March, and I'm really looking forward to it! I'm in discussion with Rob to purchase a new wing from them so I can get used to the same kit right from the get go. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up a decent second hand 'motor in April in the UK upon my return (I've got my eye on that Yooda Yak that's on eBay at the moment, but we'll see). So, here's to an ace Spring/Summer! Cheers, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenM Posted January 19, 2018 Share Posted January 19, 2018 Keep us in the loop, What wing have you gone for ? Hoping I can get decent weather days in the uk to train and be good for summer flying ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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