Time seems to be going faster and faster and we are at that time of year again when two thirds of the season have been concluded and we only have another two months left.
Paramotoring this summer
This UK summer has been our best on record in terms of weather. As in most years, the end of August was a bit unsettled, especially during our end of season BBQ when it rained hard. Fortunately this did not dampen spirits and plenty of people still braved the weather and enjoyed the fantastic food cooked by Miro Ghislandi, who has done this for the second time in a row.
FAI Paramotor Championships
While Zeb and the team were wrapping up the UK season, Bruce Daniels was in Chambley, France, competing in the 12th FAI Paramotor Championships, where he finished a respectable 10th out of 81 pilots. The 21 year old Italian pilot Andrea Cecchetto edged French pilot Nicolas Aubert into 2nd place, and Pasquale Biondo, the gold medallist in Brazil in 2022, took 3rd. The overall team winners were France, with Qatar taking silver, the Czech Republic bronze, and Team GB in 4th place.
Skyweek France Paramotoring trip
Immediately after the UK season, as every year, we headed to France for our second SkyWeek France trip of the year. Starting in Epernay, we moved further south east to Pouilly en Auxois in the stunning Burgundy region, followed by a new flying site near Lyon. It is always a great trip and one we never tire of.
The Hike and Fly Competition
While all this was taking place, Alex Ledger took part in his first Hike and Fly competition, the Sam Air. In its 2nd edition, this unique event gives pilots the opportunity to choose between three different peaks and, due to the wind direction, nearly all of the sixty or so competitors decided to take off from Le Môle, which involved a 1,390 m climb over just under 7 km. Much to his surprise, he came 2nd overall, helped by a five minute deduction for an accurate spot landing.
Paragliding course in Chamonix
We are are now gearing up for a paragliding course in Chamonix, during which we intend to visit the Coupe Icare festival near Grenoble. After this we separate again, with Alex heading to Turkey to help run an SIV course and Ted leading a road trip down to Spain, before we kick off the final six weeks of the 2025 season at Lake Bornos.
While we are in Spain, Ricardo, who has been off this season for medical reasons and has now made a strong recovery, will be leading SkyWeek Amazon, so look out for a blog on that trip soon.
Until next time, blue skies and safe landings.
