Several years ago we ran flying trips to the Mediterranean coast
of Israel, sadly not now possible due to problems there. During
this time, on a clear day we could see Cyprus and often wondered
if the conditions were as good as Israel. The answer, we now know,
is yes.
Post
CP Thermalling Courses
Passed
your CP and looking forward to getting your hands "dirty"
with some thermal flying? Then this is the trip for you. The beautiful
and spectacular Kyreni Mountains stretch for over a hundred kilometres
along the north coast of Cyprus. Tempered by the proximity of
the sea, the thermals generated are large and easy to use, making
it an ideal environment for getting to grips with using thermal
lift. With the top to bottom height being 2700 feet you have plenty
of time to admire the stunning St Hilarion castle and the magnificent
scenery.
Who
is it for?
This trip is primarily aimed at the post CP pilot looking to further
their skills. Although we will happily take newly qualified pilots,
good forward-launch technique is required as the launch area is
fairly small and committed. Please practice beforehand! Although
a guided holiday, we usually have two experienced instructors
on hand to give you help and advice. We recommend the use of 2m
radios so that we can help you conect with and stay in the thermals.
If conditions allow, cross country flights are possible, the best
being around 35km so far.
The
Flying
Although we go there for thermal soaring, even a top to bottom
flight can last 15 minutes or more. The launch is near the ancient
St Hilarion castle, a 20-30 minute drive from the hotel. Landing
is on the flatland near the main coast road - only 10 minutes
from the hotel. Mostly we use this one site but there are others
both in the North and now, with the border being easier to cross,
we can also use sites in the South if the weather dictates. These
are smaller ridges, good for dynamic soaring. The thermals are
not normally too strong due to the sea effect so are great for
your first attempts to use them. The launch can be a little intimidating
for those with little or no alpine experience, but with the support
and guidance from our instructors you will soon be playing with
the thermals. On our October 2005 trip we had several very low
airtime pilots who all progressed hugely, even after initial trepidation.
The
Holiday
The trip is generally a 10 day affair starting on a Sunday returning
on a Wednesday, so you get 9 days potential flying and 10 nights
bed breakfast accommodation. For those who cannot make the full
10 days it is possible to return on a Sunday where a discount
may be available. Our local tour operator provides all the transport
from airport to airport and arrange evenings out as well as providing
transport to the sites and for sightseeing if it is unflyable.
They also provide packed lunches (at a small extra cost) ranging
from a sandwich to a landing-field barbeque! North Cyprus is realtively
unvisited from a tourist point of view, so has charm and character.
We often wander down to the old harbour at Kyrenia for an evening
meal under the stars.
Accommodation
The 4* rated hotel accommodation at the Oscar Resort is nothing
less than luxurious !
Only
1km from Girne City Centre
Air
Conditioned Rooms
Gym
Sauna
Steam
Room
Jaccuzzi
Indoor
Swimming Pool
Outdoor pool with bar
Outdoor
pool with water slides
Casino
Massage
Facility
When
do you go? We run a spring trip and an autumn trip.
Click on the 'Trip Dates' button to see the available dates. We
try to choose the dates to offer the best chance of extending
the UK season. The weather is usually consistently flyable without
being too extreme.
Whats
included? This trip is a package including flights,
transport, hotel accommodation and guiding. You will need to bring
your own paragliding gear including a reserve parachute and 2m
radio.
Check out this Youtube video:
We
get lots of good feedback on all our courses and trips and this
trip is no exception. Here is one such letter on the latest trip...
