After filming an evening event in Hampshire on Saturday I checked the forecast for Sunday and it looked ideal for flying so I drove up to London to pick up the paraglider and the following morning drove down to Wiltshire where the wind was ideal for flying on Rybury. As I arrived at 11.30, a group of four pilots set off cross country and within minutes were up at cloudbase at 5000ft and heading towards the Chilterns.

The conditions were a bit strong for me and I waited on the hill as strong gusts came through, watching a few pilots being dragged towards the barbed wire fence on landing or take-off. It wasn’t until about 3.30 that I took off halfway down the hill with the help of Tom. Soon I was soaring with a group of three other paragliders up and down the slope. Within twenty minutes however the wind had picked up and I was in danger of being blown back over the top of the hill. Even with full speed bar I was unable to fly fast enough away from the hill and was dragged for a few metres along the ground on landing. Thanks to the pilots who helped bring my wing under controla and thanks to Tom for helping me take off. More practice needed – can’t wait until the next flight!

Sorry no photos as I didn’t have my camera!