US Hawks Hang Gliding Association

I had a great day and flight at Crestline yesterday. I drove up with one of our newer Torrey Hawks, and we both got to fly. I also saw Dave Beardslee and many many of our Torrey Hawks / Crestline members!!   

My vario showed 1 hour and 20 minutes, but some of that time was walking to launch. I'd estimate that the actual flight time was just over an hour.

The conditions were pretty good, but it took some work to stay up. I didn't get very high throughout most of the flight with the exception of one particularly good thermal that took me 1000 feet above launch. I actually smelled the desert sage when I flew into that thermal, and I knew it was a good one.   

Here are a few photos pulled from my video of the flight:















Crestline is a GREAT club!!!

Good job BobK

Hey Bob,

What harness are you flying there?

That design is what I'm recommending to those who are putting together their first gear.

Crestline looks awesome

SamKellner wrote:What harness are you flying there?

That design is what I'm recommending to those who are putting together their first gear.

I got that harness from John Heiney almost 10 years ago. I think it's one of Betty's designs, and I really like it. I've added a clip hook on the boot (you can barely see it in some of the pictures) so I can clip the boot up for launching and landing ... nothing to trip on.

The down side of using the clip is that it makes the parachute harder to deploy when the boot is clipped up. But I think the use of a parachute during the moments just after launch and just prior to landing isn't as critical as having your legs and hands free of any obstructions.

SamKellner wrote:Crestline looks awesome

It's a great flying site and a great club. I wish Torrey Pines was managed even half as well ... it's not.

By the way, here's a video that includes some footage from the day. I'm not sure if it was all from the 22nd, but I recognize some parts.

Hi Bob,

Great video.

Do you know if John is still making that style?