Easter Paramotor competition

If you were wondering why I wasn't at the Paeroas for Easter there were two reasons. First was a planned motorbike trip to the South Is, second was NZs first paramotor comp in Christchurch. No I haven't gone completely to the dark side but I have to say this comp was good fun. A little different starting and finishing every task in the same flat paddock. Quite social and definitely better for the spectators. There were 2 Australian reps and 12 Kiwis entered. Not quite a transtasman Bledisloe cup but a bit of rivalry anyway.

If you are wondering what a paramotor comp consists of there is a lot of low level "precision" flying that involves obstacles on the ground and kicking things. There were tasks that scored for economy and speed and how good your launches and landings were. We even had a bombing run ( I won that!). CAA sent a rep to observe all this low level flying ( yes it was done legally) and they seemed satisfied with it all. So I think I might try organising a paramotor comp up here some time.

For the record a Kiwi (Craig) won, an Aussie 2nd and I was 3rd.

And thanks to Robert Williamson for transporting my gear down there.