[Darbbb]

I am off work for the entire month of January, and I want to take 10 days or maybe a couple weeks to go fly somewhere (I live in MD).

I am a H2, but hope to have my H3 by then (right now I have about 15 hours), though I can't guarantee that I will. I have foot launch, aerotow, and platform tow signoffs. I want to go somewhere where I can get as much flying in as possible during those days, and as much on the cheap as I can. Camping or bunkhouse would be fine. I will probably need to rent a glider wherever I go, but can bring everything else.

So....suggestions? My first choice and I guess the most obvious is Florida, and that's for sure on the list, but I'm open to other possibilities. Thanks.

[fireforthall]

Well you could go to POM. I have flown there in the winter when it was 4 deg. And that's not counting wind chill. Fun yes...... Stupid...... Did I mention I got to fly?!

[TomGalvin]

Besides Ellenville? I hear Valle de Bravo is the cats meow in January.

[NMERider]

Lanzarote or Famara! http://www.famaraholiday.co.uk/hang-glider-guide.html

It's funny, but we often get some excellent days in January here in SoCal. I'm sure Valle de Bravo will be great however.

[guachetronix]

Roldanillo, Colombia South America.

Dean. Davis, Mitch, all been there last year, better than Valle and others.
Best of all cheaper!!.
In January, Hombres Pajaro Cup will be, FAI rated cup with local pilots and Guate boys too.

Come to Colombia

http://www.colombia.travel/es/turista-internacional/multimedia/videos/video-oficial-de-la-campana

http://ozreport.com/1323107213


http://danielvelezbravo.wordpress.com/


So, do not waste your time, come to Colombia,

You will be amazed!


Att,

Oscar G.

[NMERider]

[Fred Wilson]

Mario Palacios http://www.facebook.com/mario.palacios.5268
rents gliders at http://www.hanggliding-guatemala-tours.com/
___________________

Brazil and Argentina are getting more and more popular each year.
Heaps of Hang Gliding down there, most forums are yahoo based.
___________________

For Central America, check out the Hang Gliding Forum at http://www.foroparapente.com/
___________________

NSW Australia.

Manilla: Godfrey's paradise goes upscale + Oz Travel Guide
- you won't need a vehicle to get to launch there. Godfrey supplies two Borah Banshers (Rack equipped Landcruisers.)

You would not believe how cheap it can be to fly there if you make your travel agent keep a sharp eye out for seat sales.
I found an $888 all in flight from San Fran last year - and that was for 3 months duration!

Renting Gliders: talk to Moyes or Curt Warren in Sydney can point you in the right direction.

[wayne ripley]

I would go to the Ranch[Wallaby] learn to aero tow ,if you need to, and get lot's of air time

[Darbbb]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am probably planning to stay within the continental US, but we'll see. Florida is for sure on the list, and I do already have my AT signoff. Thanks again.

[AcTiOn!JaCksOn]

Awesome way to spend a vacation /jealous. Hope the weather cooperates and get some good flying in.

[sam kellner]

[J Fritsche]

If you're staying in the USA, Florida has to be the best bet. Here in California, the Santa Barbara mountain sites are best mid-winter, and there's plenty of campgrounds nearby. Lots of pilots flying. A beautiful area and fun city.
I would call soaring conditions in the rest of this state "inconsistent at best" in winter. Plenty of sunny, dry days, but both thermal and ridge-soaring sites just aren't on every day like they are the rest of the year. Usually flyable, but not usually soarable.
Have fun wherever you go!

[SIERRA CRUISER]

I seldom post anything on the org But I have to say McClure for January is the place to stay 7$ a night or less, a free glider , bring beer, guitar, and harness and your hang card! 15 minutes to launch. 1hr to yosemite, three major rivers to run within two hours. I would not show up if you dont like to have a good time. The best thing about Mcclure there are some of the best people in our sport, true friends. You may not agree with there ideas or political views but you will not meet a bunch of pilots that have more fun. The club has been going to big sur for new years for thrity years, 4 hours away from Mcclure, Just a thought! Oh, you would have to put up with noman!!!!

[mrcc]

Its simply NEW ZEALAND

[Darbbb]

I appreciate all the suggestions....you guys are making this a tougher decision!

[leonvanseeters]

I īve been living in central Mexico for 17 years, just 1 hour from Valle de Bravo, but in january, the best, most thermic place I īve ever flown is near Iguala.
Although Valle is more constant, in Iguala thermals are stronger, taller and more consistant in winter. My last flight there, was a few years ago. After only a singel thermal near launch I could glide 35 km. over the back, partly over puma country and land at the trike airport of Tequesquitengo near the lake...awesome. Only lauch is not so steep, there can be a lack of wind and there īs a big antena left in front of launch. So I wouldnīt recomend it for a beginner.
Ixtapan de la Sal is also good in winter. but sometimes thereīs not enough wind either.