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Tess's First PG Flight My youngest passenger by a couple of years. How old is old enough? Like many things related to Paragliding, it depends on a mix of variables. Sam was 4½, and probably ready by 3½, but I didn't have as much experience with the little ones and his mom was reluctant. Like most girls, Tess developed her coordination early and exhibits more peripheral awareness than Sam did when he was a toddler. Tess is used to playing rough with her big brother and his friends. She desperately wants to be six and do most of the things older kids do. In summary, she exhibited adequate awareness, physical ability, communication connection, and desire. The sea breeze stirred on Friday, and we saw pilots flying Bates on our way to go Bowling in Ventura, so we had an eye on the ocean Saturday morning. The Calle Ocho gang loaded bikes, swim suits, and assorted PG gear to deal with various combinations (Sam's participation was questionable. He was reserving his options till he had a look). We could see small white caps on the water. From Calle Ocho it looked like Bates would work. I waffled at the intersection, committing left because Wilcox is more colorful and a richer experience. SBA was reporting 240 at 10 knots. We thought we might be able to fly downwind from More Mesa to Wilcox. I was nervous on the drive north, biting my nails, not about the flying, but the ridge lift. Leaving conditions that were within the narrow envelope we were looking for in hopes of more pizzazz. Ridge lift can be so fickle; not enough, too much, too cross... We were prepared to settle for a bike ride and the wadding pool. Midday summer traffic was typical and we opted off the freeway at the Zoo. The marine forecast was only for 10 to 15 knots, but the wind was breezing up solid whitecaps all the way from Carpinteria and the kite boarders were out in numbers. We saw pilots up at Wilcox before we got to cliff drive. If Sam opted to fly with us, we would be loaded light and concerned about penetration. The airport was still reporting 240 at 10, so I opted to take a look at More Mesa. With the wind a little strong, it would be more fun to go downwind. The biggest problem I have with More Mesa is that you can't see the ocean before playing a card. It would be risky to burn our energy on the long hike, but it looked good from the drop point. 20 pounds of ballast, big glider, tandem reserve, and Tess at 32 pounds up top (close to a hundred pound load?). Sharon sherpa-ed the little harness and loose ends. Concerned early in the hike that it might be too strong, but at the end of our path the wind wasn't reaching the shore except for a few spots. The tree tops were almost still, and the birds flapping. It was soarable at launch, but only for a hundred yards to the right and less to the left. We kicked the grass for a spell while recovering from the hike and disappointment. Tess wanted to fly, but Sam voted to take another look at Wilcox and we eventually followed his lead. Did double time on the hump out. Coming down Las Positas, the only craft airborne were 2 HGs. Their upwind legs looked pretty slow. Thought we might be destined to do the bikes and pool. Conditions looked lighter when we pulled into front row parking. Greeted on launch by Cormac (Karma?). We met Cormac back in October at Cottage Trauma Center. Tess was in for her second broken arm since learning to walk a some months earlier. Cormac got us in the door and eased my anxiety. He was a fledgling PG pilot at the time. It was good to see he had progressed to Wilcox. He gave us a briefing on the trend. It was backing down and he had just gone to the beach. We were light so conditions looked good for us. The tide was in a bit leaving less than a wing span of dry sand, but enough room if needed with the right approach technique. I was relieved to see conditions within our comfort zone, but moved quickly to make hay. Tess was excited and Sam was comfortable. Becky assisted with odds and ends. Johnny Dresser arrived for the crew briefing and provided lead pull. Magic Mike added horsepower when we needed to power forward. We also got some unrequested action on the right wing tip from Dave which may have contributed to a significant left turn on the pull up, but we had enough horsepower to steer so it wasn't a problem to correct. Sam was a good runner on both launch and landing. After a couple of minor oscillations left and right, our pull crew was able to move us forward into vertical air and we flew away easily. The spectators cheered. Sam chatted non stop, issuing directions to go here and there, try this and that. Tess was all smiles. Her main verbal expression was "ooohh nooo!!", which she uses when having big fun. The spectators reported Tess was giggling and waving on the flybys. Sharon could have gotten better photos if we flew by lower in front of launch, but I opted to keep fat margins and preferred not to risk going to the beach. Loaded light, we were still able to outrun some of the PGs, and the HGs turned out to be pretty slow. We could top as high as the pack, a hundred or two over, and reached out past the surf line a few times followed by right hand 270s into high speed down wind runs close in. The kids liked the mild fore and aft surges. Dragged our feet within inches of the tree tops a number of times, but kept our toes in clean air. Probably airborne about a half hour to 45 minutes. Easy zero velocity landing. Assistance with Tess on parking, plus unrequested help with the canopy from Dave again. Tess was excited saying, "I flying!!! I like!!! I happy!!!". Sam was a terrific big brother taking care of his sister. Pack up on green grass at Shoreline. Down hill bike ride with Sam and Tess to the wadding pool only to discover it closes at 4 PM... on a Saturday in the middle of the Summer?? come on :( Met Sharon and Topa Chase around the back of the Bird Sanctuary. Would have switched vehicles at Calle Ocho, but Tess was out and we opted not to wake a sleeping baby for a few dollars in gas. Off loaded the bikes and checked the temp forecast for 9 pm. Collected evening wear while Sharon plucked a chicken. 10 to 12 minutes on the pit stop for a 6:30 arrival at Robb & Raelynn's 6 pm pool party (or "Poo Potty" as Tess would say). Of course, Robb had gone flying at Pine earlier, and it was a stiff day from the South, so the main crew didn't start trickling in from Bakersfield till some time after 7. Both kids were on recharge during the drive to Moorpark, so they were ready for action once we got there. Would have liked to socialize more, but spent 2 hours in the pool. Tess ran out of gas about a quarter till 10. Sam and Tess wanted to fly again the next day, but we opted for another bike ride to the wadding pool and Maritime Museum.
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