After enjoying two productive flying days in Añasco, we returned to Isabela only to be greeted once again by the island’s persistent winds. While conditions had eased somewhat compared to previous days, the breeze was still too strong for most novice pilots to safely take to the air. Rather than sit on the sidelines, they turned the challenge into an opportunity, dedicating the day to valuable practice and skill-building while waiting for more favorable conditions.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
The day began early at Villa Pesquera in Isabela, where Luis Ruiz arrived before the rest of the group. One by one, pilots and students from the school gathered at the launch site, including Nixon Porrata, Javier González, Pedro Gregory, Abel Bonilla, and Kevin Cajigas.
With the wind still demanding respect, the morning focused on training and ground handling exercises. The students spent valuable time refining their wing control skills, an essential part of becoming a confident and safe pilot.
Meanwhile, Luis took advantage of the conditions and headed into the air with his speedy Sky Z-Blade wing, enjoying a flight above Isabela’s beautiful coastline.
As the afternoon progressed, dark clouds began to build on the horizon. Before long, rain showers and stormy winds swept across the area, bringing the day’s activities to a close and sending everyone home to prepare for another attempt the following morning.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The winds remained strong, but this time there was enough of a window for experienced pilots to get airborne. The turnout was impressive, with pilots and students filling the launch site from early morning. Among those present were Edgardo Rivera, Miguel Carrasquillo, Kevin Cajigas, Julio Rodríguez Cano, Ray Malavé, Ken Arciola, Pedro Gregory, Mario Muñiz, Shirley Hernández, Abel Bonilla, Nixon Porrata, and Luis Ruiz, accompanied by his son, Noah Enrique.
Around 8:00 AM, before the wind strengthened further, Julio “Cano” Rodríguez, Ray Malavé, Edgardo Rivera, and Nixon Porrata launched and enjoyed the best conditions of the day. Their early flights proved to be well timed, as the wind steadily increased throughout the morning.
By the time the rest of the pilots and students arrived, wind speeds had climbed beyond 18 mph+, limiting flying opportunities and once again shifting the focus toward learning and preparation.
One of the highlights of the day was an introductory tandem flight conducted by Luis Ruiz for Deydalis, who was visiting Puerto Rico with her mother and brother. Taking to the skies for the first time, she experienced the thrill and freedom of paramotoring while enjoying breathtaking views of Isabela’s coastline from above—a memorable adventure that will surely stay with her long after her visit to the island.
Despite the challenging weather, both days served as a reminder that progress in paramotoring is not measured only by airtime. Whether flying, training on the ground, or sharing experiences with fellow pilots, every day at the field offers an opportunity to learn, improve, and strengthen the passion that brings this flying community together.
Photos…
