During this week we did a Paramotor Tour with our new friends, Adam Giles who lives in Minnesota, and Steven Harris, a native of Pennsylvania. Both took their Paramotor training in the USA and arrived on the island after coordinating with Instructor Luis Ruiz. Not only would they be flying and polishing their sports skills, but Luis would take them to visit some points of interest on the island during the week.
The fact that Adam and Steven arrived in Puerto Rico through the Aguadilla International Airport, BQN, allowed Luis Ruiz to treat them more efficiently. This is because the flight locations and sites to visit are close to this airport. In addition, Luis could assist them more efficiently in the event of any inconvenience during the week. They arrived at dawn, 2 AM. And by 6:30 AM Luis had prepared their first flight activity for them.
Day # 1 – Tuesday, March 28, 2023… Lajas Air Park and Cabo Rojo Lighthouse.
At 6:30 AM, Luis already had everything ready on the Lajas Air Park. This place in the SW part of the island was chosen since the wind conditions were very strong for the North Coast. But, in Lajas, however, we had a good flight at least from 7 AM to 8:30 AM before the winds started to pick up.
Upon arrival, Luis found the Valley completely surrounded by mist. Ideal for an epic flight, unfortunately this fog did not last long and by 7:30 AM it had almost completely dispersed. Conditions were zero wind. So, Adam and Steven had to launch by the “Front Launch” method, just like they are used to do in the US.
The first takeoff attempts did not go well. Adam failed a take off attempt and his glider got caught in a thorn tree and Steven had unforeseen problems with the throttle of his Paramotor. Both situations were corrected later, but it took us some valuable flight minutes.
After correcting the situations, both pilots went to fly in the Lajas Valley, and both were flying for more than 30 minutes and were very happy with their first flight experiences in Puerto Rico.
Luis for his part, accompanied them in flight, taken with him in a Instructional flight the student, Luis Antonio Cruz. While another student, Wilkins Torres, keep on ground practicing the “Front Launch” method with his paraglider.
After 9:30 AM and with the wind intensity picking up, we went for breakfast and later Luis took Adam and Steven in a Tour to visit the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse.
A very special and unique place at the complete SW part of the island. The walk to arrive to the place was long, but well worth it.
Photos…
