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Home: news: Events: Ground Launch Camp III
Ground Launch Camp III
Posted Tue Mar 29 2005
By Jim Slaton
The Ground Launch Center® in California is organizing ground launch camp III. The camp will offer pilots the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of launching and negotiate level I, II, III and IIII launch sites. The Ground Launch Center® will issue a GLC certification for successful completion of the camp. The certification can be used for entry into future GLX Expeditions® and BladeRunning® competitions. The camp will be lead by Jim Slaton and other GLC staff.
Camp dates and Price
March 31-April 3, 2005 (Thursday thru Sunday) The package price for this four day basic camp is $500. Package includes ground training, daily one on one coaching, video, transportation between Bakersfield airport & GLC, ground transportation at the GLC and any necessary gear rental from the GLC.
Where is the Ground Launch Center?
The Ground Launch Center® is located in Lake Isabella, California in the incredible Sequoia National Forest. It is the gateway to the giant Redwood trees, Red Rock Canyon, King Canyon and Yosemite National Park.
What is the closest airport to the GLC?
Bakersfield Municipal Airport (BFL)-Most major airlines fly into Bakersfield and its only 30 minute drive from the Ground Launch Center®.
What can I expect?
You will get initial ground instruction and watch video footage of launching & flying techniques. You will then go to "Storm" hill to get some hands on "kiting" instruction and then over to "Pioneer" hill to practice some basic level I launches. Next day you will move to level II launches and learn how to set up/launch from a static position. On day three we will move on and learn high wind kiting techniques and ridge soaring. Some pilots will get the opportunity to try some basic BladeRunning® on this day. On the final day everyone is taken to a level IIII launch site where pilots get to choose their flights based on their experience and comfort level.
What kind of gear will I need?
It is possible to use a normal skydiving rig and harness but not ideal. You will not need to pack but just stuff the canopy in a container for your next launch. Some pilots get by with using B.A.S.E. rigs with external stuff sacks to carry up the mountain. Here at the GLC we use Ground Launch Harnesses designed for the sport. These harnesses have packs on the back to stuff the canopy so you just have to pull it out at the launch site and you’re ready to go...no pins, velcro or external flaps. The Ground Launch Center keeps a few harnesses available for use by clients on a first come, first serve basis. You will need a canopy that you can fly at about 1.2-1.5 loading. Those pilots currently skydiving with non-high performance canopies will enjoy launching canopies like a Safire, Sabre or Spectra. Pilots currently skydiving with high performance canopies will enjoy starting out with canopies like a Crossfire, Stilleto, Kantana or Rage. Our average pilot at the GLC weighs about 175lbs and uses canopies between 104-140sqf. The canopies most used at the center are GLX 130, GLX 104, VX 111, FX 135, Crossfire 119, Space 130, Safire 129 and Sabre 135. You will need a hard helmet and good tennis shoes or hiking boots. Also recommended...digital altimeter with clock, sunglasses, camelback (or similar hydration system), front pack and small two way radio (wal-mart brand O.K.).
What's the weather like?
The weather is almost perfect 365 days a year at the GLC. The average high temperature in November is 70° F and the low at night can reach 38° F. The annual rainfall in Lake Isabella, Ca is less than eight inches! Nestled in the mountains at only 2,600 feet above sea level, Lake Isabella has very mild winters for a mountainous area. There is rarely snow in the valley. Dry, clear and invigorating, Lake Isabella combines the cool breezes of the mountains with the no-humidity environment of the high desert.
Where can I stay?
There are limited slots available at the base camp house for the first 6 pilots who register for the camp. The cost for staying at the house is $40.00 per night per pilot. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday - Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. In addition, Lake Isabella has several hotels/motels close to the GLC that range between $50.00-$100.00 per night. Contact us for more info.
Who can Join?
Pilots must have at least 300 ram-air parachutes jumps or 100 ram-air parachute jumps with paragliding experience. Wavier to this requirements are issued case by case, please contact us for details. GLC off road transportation is available to the top of the 300ft and 500ft training hills. All launch sites above the training hills require pilots to climb. If you want to launch sites higher than the training hills (level I) or you wish to compete in an GLC Bladerunning event you must be in reasonable condition and able to climb a variety of hills ranging from 800ft (15min) to 2,000ft (40min). Pilots must be motivated and ready to have some serious fun!
Would you like to join the camp? Click on http://www.canopypiloting.com/GLCcampform.htm and fill out an online registration form.
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