Algodonales Trip 26th August – 2rd September
Algondales Village and mountain
Algodonales is a small town West North West of Malaga. It’s is based in the Grazalema Mountain Range inside one of Spain’s oldest national parks La Sierra de Grazalema. There are 2 main launches (Levente 600m and Poniente 420 m) just above the village, which take the predominant wind directions and a further 3 sites 30 minutes drive from the village which cover the other directions. All of the sites are easily accessible via road.
Launch sites
Levente Launch
Launch sites on the main mountain are large and open, with Poniente having carpet laid on it to avoid snags and Levente being quite a smooth launch. Both launch sites can be driven to.
Levente
Landing areas
The landing areas are large with Levente having a field the size of several football pitches (if you miss this, you buy the beers). Poniente has a large triangular landing field.
A full brief will be given at each landing field used.
The surrounding area
In the case of XC flights the surrounding area has lots of landing options. There are excellent clear trigger points dotted along the “normal” routes. There is lots of open land to land in but always try to make a landing field and avoid live stock and cropped fields.
Approach to westerly landing field
What’s the flying like?
At this time of year the sun is starting to mellow and the intense heat of the summer is cooling. This gives ideal conditions for a paraglider pilot. Dry earth from the summer sun mixed with slowly cooling ambient air temperature results in a smooth consistent lift and smooth thermals.
This is ideal for pilots wanting to develop their thermalling and boost their confidence in larger mountain flying.
Thermals
At this time of the year as stated due to the small but increasing temperature difference, thermals tend to be large and slower moving than in the spring and summer months. This is the ideal type of thermal to teach thermalling in. The edges are not as “sharp” and more forgiving, so when you fall out of one the effect on the glider is much mellower.
Having said that, they are strong enough to enable you to feel your way to the centre and register when you have cored them. This is something that I would be working on with the pilot during the week.
Typical cloud base for this time of year is around 1,500 meters.
Pilot experience
This trip is aimed at CP plus pilots looking to improve on their skill set. Therefore, pilots must be CP-rated and ideally have at least 10 hours flying post qualification.
The minimum competency level I expect from pilots joining is the following:
- Take full responsibility for their pre-flight preparations
- AIRLAW – understand fully the rules of right-of-way for paragliders
- Take full responsibility for deciding whether or not conditions are suitable for them
- Perform an unassisted forward launch in light conditions
- Perform an unassisted reverse launch in strong winds
- Assess and understand the dangers of take-off and landing areas
- Take full responsibility for all take-off, landing and in-flight decisions
Pilots may decide not to fly during the middle of the day, due to conditions. You will not be forced to fly if you don’t wish to. The flyable day usually goes on right until sunset. The area is famous for evening restitutional lift allowing you to float around in super smooth buoyant conditions.
The trip is not only open to the more novice pilot if you are a budding sky god looking for some end of season sun you are also most welcome, I will discuss each pilot’s level of experience with them at the time of booking.
The Guiding
I will be looking to guide from the hill on radio for the first couple of flights to see how everyone is getting on and how your take off and landings are. As the week progresses I will take to the air and help find the thermals and coach you while you are in them, hopefully with me.
I take a more hands on approach with my style of guiding wanting to mentor you and help hone your techniques rather than, the style of some guides; “Here’s the hill see you at the bottom”.
Accommodation
This will be in the village itself. It will be self-catering, but with some many excellent and cheap restaurants within walking distance I’m sure no one will be wanting to cook. The rooms will be two to a room, but if you would like your own room, this can be arranged for an extra £140 for the week.
The price
The price for the week is £580
The price includes:
- Airport collection
- Accommodation
- Retrieves and transport to site
- BHPA qualified guide for the week
Dates: 5th of September to 12th of September
I would like to take deposits of £250 or the full payment by the end of June 2015 at the latest.
Alternative activities
Should the weather not cooperate for a day there are many things to do around the area and places to visit. So you won’t be left sitting in your room reading Skywings unless you want to!
Flights from Malaga
On the 29st of August your flight should be booked to arrive in Malaga before 1.30 pm; this is when collection from the airport will be taking place. Full details will follow on booking.
