The week of January 13 to 18, 2025, brought us very challenging conditions for flying. Only skilled pilots, willing to fly in extreme conditions and with the correct equipment were able to do something this week…
Monday, January 13, 2025 – Isabela…
In the afternoon, and with winds from the NE of 15 to 18 mph, Luis Ruiz went to Isabela and managed to carry out an Introduction to the Sport flight for Mike, a native of New Jersey, USA and who weighs about 220 pounds!!! Taking advantage of the strong wind conditions, Luis managed to make this flight. Further ahead the wind would continue to increase in intensity, a harbinger of what wind would come in the coming days.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 – Isabela…
As observed yesterday, the winds increased in intensity. Now we’re talking 20mph+. This time Luis Ruiz was accompanied by Ken Arciola, who arrived prepared to fly his sporty 20-meter Apco F1 paraglider.
Luis Ruiz, with the assistance of Ken, managed to make two short flights to José Machado and his wife Vivian. Both flights were done with security and both José and Vivian were happy with the experience.
Ken, for his part, was ground kiting in the morning …
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 – Isabela…
This time, along with Luis Ruiz and Ken Arciola, Edgardo Rivera joined the adventure. The wind did not go below 20 mph, and gusts touched 25 mph+. At least, although the wind was strong, it was constant.
The 3 pilots flew around and it was notable that Ken followed Edgardo on his flight. Despite the strong wind, they reached Villa Pesquera, and on the other side the Guajataca Tunnel.
Thursday, January 16, 2025 – Isabela…
Always putting safety first and the full enjoyment of introductory flights to the sport, several pending flights were cancelled. Winds were between 21 to 23 mph+ all day…
Friday, January 17, 2025 – Isabela…
Ken Arciola, Luis Ruiz and Edgardo Rivera met again in Isabela. The winds continued with the same intensity. and there were more cancellations of Introduction Flights to the sport.
Once again, the 3 pilots went out to fly with sports paragliders. Luis using the Sky Zorro 22 meters, Ken using the Apco F1 20 meters, and Edgardo the Flow RPM 2 of 15 meters.
Luis Ruiz in the afternoon took a motorcycle to tour the southern coast of Cabo Rojo and Lajas. He was looking for a suitable flight location for tomorrow because we have a visit from an international pilot Richard McDuffie and we are looking for options. Fortunately we found them…
Saturday, January 18, 2025 – Lajas…
We had a visit from the international pilot, Richard McDuffie, who arrived from Rhode Island, USA. But with the winds at 25 mph+ for the entire north coast and basically all of Puerto Rico. We had to leave at dawn to the Lajas Valley, to make a morning flight. The grass at the Lajas Valley track was cut, thanks to Gilberto Saavedra for the work!!! And at sunrise, both Richard and Luis Ruiz were able to Take Off at Light winds conditions from 7 AM to 8:15 AM, before conditions began to deteriorate.
After this, Luis Ruiz gave Richard a small tour around the West Coast of the island that included visits to the towns of Cabo Rojo, Aguada and Rincón. He was very pleased with the experience and eager to return to Puerto Rico in the near future.
Photos…
