Dad visits Gran Canaria

Dad visits Gran Canaria

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Hi Team!

I wanted to share a small story and some nice pictures with you. At the moment I am lucky enough to participate in an Erasmus exchange program on Gran Canaria for 6 months. Here I am studying my heinie off and doing nothing but studying… Of course that is not entirely true ;)

Just before Christmas my dad and my grandmother flew from the Netherlands to pay me a visit. One of my dad’s first questions, wait let me correct that, his first question actually was: Can I fly on Gran Canaria?! Yes, you certainly can fly on Gran Canaria! However, there is not that much paragliding going on, I only saw one tandem glider twice in the last 5 months!

After a lovely week full of sightseeing, good food and wine, the mission to launch my dad in the air seemed to be failing due to strong winds. But then, on the last day while driving home, my girlfriend and I spotted around 10 gliders in front of a small hill. The hill was small but nevertheless it took us 45 minutes to find the starting field. Unbelievable! In 5 months we never saw paragliders flying and on my dad’s last day in Gran Canaria we see them almost in front of our home. I have to say, luck finds my dad very easy from time to time.

After launching my dad, it was my turn of course. After 5 months of not flying, a glider which is, let’s say slightly on the bigger side and a new paragliding spot, my hands were shaking from adrenaline. After an incredible flight over the hills I was not able the get the smile of my face for days. It was the flight I have been day dreaming about for 5 months.

I also took some pics, hope you like them!

 

 

Hans landing together with his new playmate he met in the air.

Hans landing together with his new playmate he met in the air.

 

New friends are quickly made.

New friends are quickly made.

 

It is wise to pick your landing place carefully.

It is wise to pick your landing place carefully.

 

Ground handling with the steady breeze of the ocean.

Ground handling with the steady breeze of the ocean.