Given the flight cancellations in the northern zone due to the weather, we decided to visit the flight site in San Germán used by our pilot and friend Nixon Porrata in his adventures. For this, just like when we are going to fly in Lajas Valley, we had to arrive there at dawn to take advantage of the best hours before the weather gets bumpy after 8:30 AM.
Saying present at 6:30 AM were Sammy Badillo, Ted Sowinski, Nixon Porrata, Edgardo Rivera with his wife Wilnelia, Darwin Hernández, Luis Ruiz and the students Aramis Abreu, Luis Vélez Sr. and his son Luis.
The flight area was better than expected. We normally associate the town of San Germán with hills or mountains, and in reality there is a Valley with the Guanajibo River that crosses it. The takeoff is close to PR2, but it has good space for both takeoff and landing, and the ground was not slippery like Lajas. So, better than expected 💪.
But… No matter how much plan there was, it was necessary for all the pilots to take off, and in conditions of zero or very little wind…😏 So all the pilots began their preparations. Everyone had their own stories. We try to put some of them here…
The beginning…
Sammy Badillo
Edgardo Rivera
Nixon Porrata
Darwin Hernandez
Ted Sowinski
Luis Ruiz
As a notable story, we must mention that Darwin was flying with Sammy on his second flight and with only 4 liters of gasoline in his Paramotor he managed to get to Cabo Rojo and Joyudas back and forth. Luis Ruiz was very worry and was sure that he would not make it back to San Germán. That we must be rescue him at some point of the Road. But Darwin managed to arrive with practically no gasoline…🙂
After the flights of the pilots, it was time to start the practices of Luis, Luis Jr and Aramis. The three of them were doing the demanding frontal takeoff practices with little or no wind intensity.
At one point, Edgardo joined the practice demonstrating his skills in this type of takeoff.
Pico de Piedra Beach Adventure…
At Around mid day, we left the place and the pilots, Darwin, Edgardo and Luis Ruiz, were still checking the possibility of making another flight in the west area of Puerto Rico. For this, they stopped at the Pico de Piedra Beach in Aguada. , Today there was a traditional Festival and Parade of the Discovery of Puerto Rico. This activity gather thousand of people enjoying all the activities during all the day.
When we arrived at Pico de Piedra Beach, the wind direction was coming fine, but at 20 mph+ wind intensity. This time only Edgardo ventured out to fly using his fast 17 meter Flow RPM paraglider. Darwin, this time he decided not to Take Off.
Edgardo, demonstrating his great abilities, managed to get out and fly the entire beach coast where the Festival was held. Going downwind, he registered speeds above 60 mph+. So, so surely the air wind speed was above 25 mph+…😲
El Fogon de la Abuela Restaurant, Camuy…
The stories weren’t over yet. A group of Team Kamikazes pilots and family meet at 5 PM at the Restaurant “El Fogón de la Abuela” in Camuy. There, we celebrated the birthday of Millie Ramos, Pablo Cruz’s wife. In addition to them, were, Edgardo Rivera and his wife Wilnelia, Mario Muniz and his wife Ivonne, Luis Ruiz with his wife Jessica and son Noah Enrique, Jessica, Mercedes Daughter, Nixon Porrata and his wife Nancy… Excellent Food and share!!! God Bless 🙏!!!
Photos…
