Thailand--A New Frontier

From: bh
Activity_Date: 1/19/01
Remote Name: 4.35.219.3

Comments

Sara and I just returned from our Thailand vacation unsure if flying would turn out to be part of the itenary. Benson, you have been too long away from Yee's home country. Thailand is quickly becoming a destination of choice for our sport. We hooked up with several local and European pilots on the Island of Phuket where I flew for almost two hours on a ridge site about 2-3 miles long, overlooking two gorgeous white sand beaches. For the next three days, I flew local Phuket sites and later, a recently opened ridge site near a golf course north of Bangkok. I won't bore you with details but Sara's pictures will be on display (along with, hopefully, those from the boyz and girlz in Brazil) during the next SCPA meeting on February 20th.

By the way, I've taken the liberty of scheduling that meeting at my office at 15 W. Carrillo Street, Ste. 220; we'll order Pizza, bring your own drinks.

About Thailand, though. New sites are being opened throughout the country by Ivan Longland, a Brit and buddy of Jocky's, and by several local pilots who are available and always willing to assist newcomers.

On Phuket, the family of a local student pilot owns Yanui beach and a beach side restaurant, bar and bungaloes in view of two of the best local sites, including the ridge described, above. This location is the rallying place for paragliding on the island and we spent many an hour drinking Thai beer, eating Thai food and enjoying the view while waiting for conditions to develop.

I'm planning to return in February 2003. Plan to join me! (And be sure to mark your calendars for the SCPA meet on the 20th).