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On January 15, Phil Russman released the second edition of the Gourmet PPG series aptly titled "Why We Fly". ThIS anxiously awaited DVD was perhaps Phil's greatest flying production to date capturing the 2007 PPG journey from Laredo Mexico to Magdalina Bay on the Pacific Coast of the Baja.
"Why We Fly" has it all: drama, adventure, humor, fun, PPG flying and MOST IMPORTANTLY PARAGLIDING!!! Indeed, from the "Blair Witch" opening shots featuring Russman's solitary nighttime desert odyssey to Hurricane Juan baja devastation, to broken ppg's, to broken body parts, there's enough drama for an academy award. But more important is the " WHY WE FLY" flying theme woven throughout the documentary as espoused by its narrator.
Meanwhile, Russman sprinkles plenty of humor, sattire, and irony; as spicey as a mexican habenero. We get to know his compadres with their shirts off and their pants down so to speak. Including a segment of the "prickly" side of "Jeffe" Hammond (aka the Hamster) as he sidetracks the convoy into a field trip of desert cactus 101. And this guy KNOWS THEM ALL! At another point, Jeff Goin, and Phil discuss the merits and DEMERITS of "Risk and Reward" choosing for/against: helmets, shoes and back protection. And Dr. Bones clarifies how to correctly manipulate any skeletal malformity including his own boner...the explanation of which I will save for your enjoyment!
The film succeeds in portraying why PPG pilots fly and intertwines it with the majesty of free flight. Indeed, each of these PPG enthusiast set out on a PPG adventure and eventually shred their motors, put on free flight harnesses, and soar pristine beachfront ridges and dunes never soared before. It is because of PPG that they started on their quest but its PG soaring that they unite in peaceful bliss. Best of all they flew A LOT, and DID BOTH.
To that end, I wholeheartedly endorse this movie as the most important marriage of PPG and PG portrayal to date. It challenges PPG pilots and PG pilots to reconsider their relative predjudice. It goes above and beyond these challenges by showing how PPG encourages adventure and how PG fosters the peaceful majesty of flying as an end. In actuality the sports are not different at all; and in fact they compliment each other .
Phil Russman deserves great recognition for a flying production that soars above the others. Phil starred, filmed, wrote, produced and published the DVD to a great extent on his own accord. But it wouldn't been the masterpiece that it is without the other fanatacial flyboys: the Hamster, Mr. Goins, and Doctor Bones.
It doesn't matter whether you are a layperson, PPG, PG, HG, or other type of pilot....you will enjoy this film for the adventure that it is and what we share: WHY WE FLY!!!
FOR MORE INFO SEE: http://www.litetouchfilms.com/
PS So Jeffe Hamster, I guess i'll be seeing on north launch at La Salina next weekend...right??? Bajabrent
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Bajabrent spent a good portion of November through December in Ohio with the family christmas business www.MRTREEFARM.com . He returned to San Diego December 17 and proceeded immediately to La Salina. It wasn't until the 28th that he was able to fly due to strong Santa Ana offshore conditions. However he was able to score several 60-90 minute flights between the 28th and the 31st. He was joined by Pierre from Calgary Alberta and managed to squeek in another flight on January 3rd. Pierre was able to fly 2 of the 5 days he was in Baja, limited primarily by passing storms.
Other concerns expressed through inquiries include passport requirements and US press stories about Baja crime (which is probably no worse than any other time), for more info upon the same see http://bajabrentsblog.bajabrent.com/ |
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| Diane Gerard, (aka Little Flipper) and Team Fly La Salina PG pilot scores here third successive artistic recognition via publication in the January Edition of USHPA. This edition features the largest of all three in a centerfold spread including the thermaling paraglider (similar to the October cover) AND profile of "Helen the Hawk" (another La Salina groupee and local thermal expert). Once again, Diane demonstrates her keen eye, perspective and talented flair for capturing the essence of the PG experience, flight and nature. Previous USHPA published artwork include the Cover and mailing sleeve for the October issue of USHPA rag. As well as two published works featuring the logo of www.FLYLASALINA.com |
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After a one year suspension after Alan Chucalate's unfortunate demise, Casey Cadwell revitalized the annual TJ to San Antonio Delmar PPG tour on November 6-12. Eight pilots came together to the 6 day event, which began at Playas de TJ, flying to Rosarito, then to La Salina, Ensenada, and San Antonio Del Mar (aka Colonet). Pilots spent 2 nights at Bajabrent's B-4 during preparation.
Pilots in attendance were Casey Cadwell, John Knowles, Eric Chase, Turbo Bob Ryan, Andy Mcgavin, Bob Johnson, Terry Flint, Diane Gerard and Bajabrent. This trip was well managed and incident free. |
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Several months of planning by Terry Flint, Rocky Flint, Little Flipper, Jeremy Andrews and Bajabrent finally came together when the flock of Terry's friends, family, and pilots descended into La Salina for a 4 day festivity celebrating FLINTS 50! at La Salina Baja on October 4-8.
Terry had made the decision 6 months earlier to invite 60-80 people, at his expense to spend a weekend celebrating his 50th, and that they did. Revelers stayed at Baja Seasons, the La Salina hotel, Bajabrents B & B, and numerous other homes at La Salina Beach. Everyday was actioned packed with quad riding, horseback riding, and of course---the main event- FLYING!
Bob Armond (of Paratoys), Phil Russman, (Litetouch Films), Casey Cadwell, and Terry Flint, made sure EVERYONE flew as much as they wanted, when they wanted, and where they wanted. It was truly exciting to watch all Terry's flock get airborne...
Evening events included a live band "Idletrain" on Friday night (and they were REALLY GOOD). Karaoke by Bajabrent (aka THEMOONDOGGIE) ---THANKS to Dan the Fan man making the karaoke hard-drive work; later was a HUGE beach bonfire and sunday featured Alex Depue (thefiddler.org) and Miguel De Hoya performing for 3 hours in NOT SO WARM conditions.
MANY attendees were hangovers from the Fly-in including Dan the Fan Man, Mike Welborn, Flipper (who worked her butts off) Jeremie and Rocky (who also worked their butts off) and others.
ONE THING everyone came away with FLINT LOVES FLYING AND LOVES SHARING FLYING WITH EVERYONE HE MEETS... and of course the party was great too! THANKS TERRY!
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The second annual Fiesta Del Cielo was another fun-filled flying event with pilots from Baja, California and Arizona attending the event. Paraglider, Hang Glider, PPG and Trike pilots converged on La Salina to participate in the Fly-in sponsored by Bajabrent and FlyLaSalina.com. Conditions permitted flying each and every day, beginning with the traditional FULL MOON FLIGHT, on Wednesday night September 26, led as usual by Bajabrent's 8:00 PM launch.
Special recognition is given to four NEW pilots who participated in this year's event: Ron Schooler, Terry Flint, Susan and Diane Gerard (aka Little Flipper). Ron and Flipper had attended the first fly-in as observers in 2006, and eventually achieved P-2 status by this year's event. Ron's brother Dan (the fan man) along with Mike Welbourne had also evolved from PPG into paraglider pilots over the course of the prior 12 months. Susan, a new PPG pilot also made her first fly-in debut. Meanwhile Terry, who in less than a year, had evolved into a serious tandem PPG pilot was on hand to take other pilots and locals flying in his Blackhawk 313 quad.
During the event Terry Flint made sure his son Rocky, likewise accomplished his FIRST SOLO PPG flight from the beach to the applause of everyone. Paul Anderson from Tuscon made his second PPG appearance and showed the rest how many hours one could ppg on one fillup
Other La Salina old schoolers made their presence known including John Pitt, Phil Russman, Bajabrent and even a cameo by Casey Cadwell! Paul Anderson from Tuscon made his second PPG appearance and showed the rest how many hours one could ppg on one fillup
Although the event was a little short on competitions this year, it was BIG on flying time and showmanship. the event merged into Terry's 50th birthday celebration the following week which welcomed another 50 + people to La Salina. |
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SECOND ANNUAL LA SALINA, BAJA
"FIESTA DE CIELO, FULL MOON FLY-IN"
September 26-October 1 2007
SPONSORED BY: www.FLYLASALINA.com , LA SALINA AIRSPORTS CLUB, AND www.BAJABRENT.com
This is an open invitation to Paragliders, Hang Gliders, PPG, Ultralight Pilot, Base-Jumpers and Enthusiasts: EVERYONE IS INVITED!!!
There will be a whole series of events including: Longest Flight (time-wise); Highest Flight; Flight to Goal, Bomb-drop; Treasure Hunt; Spot Landing; Race to Launch; Cross-Country; Beach Tows (payout winch); Tandem Base Jumpers and a few OTHER surprises!!!
For non-pilots and observers, tandem flights will be available from some of Southern CA and Baja's most experienced trained professionals in paragliding, and ultralight. So finally there will be a chance for you to soar like a hawk, raven, eagle, or whatever your dream!
The Fiesta begins Wednesday, September 26 and extends until Tuesday October 1, 2007. This provides up to 6 days and 5 nights at the venue. Wednesday night is the actual FULL MOON-----and therefore should be spectacular. The main days of the event will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday will be the spillover day, in the event we get skunked on conditions another day.
Saturday Night will be "I Just Wanna Fly" Night at the Cantina featuring THE MOONDOGGIE Karaoke Show (www.THEMOONDOGGIE.com ) . You will be shocked/amazed how much of the local La Salina Community (pilots and non-pilots) will come and participate with the Fly-in participants at the #1 Baja Karaoke show featuring Fly-in Music. Even if you wanna go to "Virgins" one or more nights....SATURDAY NIGHT is NOT THE NIGHT TO GO!!!... see Bajabrent for more details....
Some expected attendees: The E-Team from Lake Elsinore John Pitt, Mike Quinn and Greg Launt; San Luis Obispo Flying Club, and the SLO Team Wing Envy (Patrick Eaves, Eric Hack, and the team); Lite-Touch Films guru, Phil Russman and his PPG Motorheads AND PG compadres Dan the Fan-Man, Mike Wellborn, Ron Schooler, and Terry Flint and the LOCO locals Bajabrent,
Flyin Flipper, Leapin Leota, Mad Maxine; Team Volare: Gabrielle, Luis, Jose, and Doc Gallardo; Team Rosarito/TJ Adrian Gomez; “Team Ridge Ravens” (Randolpho, Rebecca, Ramon, and Raul) Helen the Hawk, the infamous “Buzzards De Sur”, AND YOU!!!
SPECIAL NOTE: All proceeds (if any) from this event are being used to cleanup the flying area. Many of you who have flown here in the last few years have witnessed the decay of the facilities as well as the indiscriminate dumping of debris by both Gringos and Mexicans. Bajabrent will be continue his efforts to clean and restore the site with the assistance of local Mexican workers. Please support this activity to enhance the beauty and utility of this beautiful facility.
There will be press coverage and awesome t-shirts designed by FLIPPER!!! Best lookin design in the flying industry!!!
FLY-IN PACKAGES
The main packages will be for a 4 day/ 3 night package stay for $99/person. This would include 3 nights at Bajabrent's B-4 Beachclub see www.BAJABRENT.com ; 3 continental breakfasts; 3 rides to launch and a comp gift . There is a present limit of 14 beds at the Beachclub. There is also up to 5 beds at the Beach Casita down the street. Sleeping arrangements will be provided on first come/first serve basis.
Bajabrent has also reserved the La Salina Hotel/Cantina rooms for those of you who would prefer your own bed with private bath. The 3 night package runs $199 for a private room and Fly-in package; You can also book a room with two beds/bath for 2 pilots for $299 for 3 nights and Fly-in package.
Baja Season Packages are also available, especially if you are PPG or Ultralight, pls let us know your interest.
Finally, anyone bringing a non-participatory guest (e.g. significant other sharing your pillow) needs to check with us on special rates accordingly.
Obviously some of you will be interested in another night or two. Extra nights are available for a very reasonable rate, pls inquire accordingly.
EMAIL: bajabrent@MSN.COM see: www.BAJABRENT.com
call US: 760-203-2658 MEX: 01152-646-155-4218
AND REMEMBER TO "REACH FOR THE SKY"
Social Distortion
"UNDER THE MEXICAN MOONLIGHT"
Concrete Blonde
and the OFFICIAL LA SALINA ANTHEM
"I JUST WANNA FLY"
Sugar Ray
(this event has been authorized and approved by our gracious host: The Ejido La Mision, Los Duenos de La Salina Ridge) VIVA MEXICO Y VIVA EJIDO LA MISION!!!
LA FIESTA DEL CIELO, Luna Llena De la Salina Del La Volar-en Lugar Del Festival (Septembre 26-Oct.1 ): Canto del vuelo de la salina del la, camino del peaje del kilómetro 73 (salida de la salina del la de Puerto). Goce del cornucopia de colores como paragliders, planeadores de la caída, los paragliders accionados (PPG), y trikes del ultralight, llevar los cielos sobre salina del la. Se espera que los pilotos de los E.E.U.U., de México, y de Suramérica compitan en la participación de las competencias: velocidad, distancia, precisión, resistencia y acrobacias aéreas. El área de la observación está a milla del ½ al este del camino del peaje en la salida de la salina del la (siga las muestras). Las sesiones de la mañana y de la tarde ocurrirán. Los vuelos en tándem estarán disponibles para los no-pilotos. El acontecimiento es patrocinado por www.FLYLASALINA.com, el club de Airsports de la salina del la y www.BAJABRENT.com. Gracias especiales a Ejido de La Mision. Esto está no un acontecimiento del beneficio y libre para el disfrute, del público. Información experimental en http://bajaflight.flylasalina.com/ o llamada Bajabrent en los 646-155-4218 (MÉXICO) 760-753-5887 E.E.U.U.; email bajabrent@msn.com NOTA ESPECIAL: Todos los ingresos de este acontecimiento se están utilizando a la limpieza el área del vuelo. Muchos de usted que han volado aquí en los últimos años han atestiguado el decaimiento de las instalaciones así como descargar indistinto de la ruina por los gringos y el mexicano. Bajabrent emprenderá un esfuerzo significativo de limpiar y de restaurar el sitio con la ayuda de trabajadores mexicanos locales. Apoye por favor esta actividad para realzar la belleza y la utilidad de esta facilidad hermosa.
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Paratoys Fly-in at Salton Sea proves to be big success with over 200 pilots participating in the event.
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FEBRUARY 1, 2007, AFTER two weeks of working with students, Jeff Greenbaum, proclaims "that tandem at Salsipuedes may have been the GREATEST tandem experience I have ever had!!!" Jeff flew a little more than 40 minutes with student Jeff (same name). Greenbaum and Hong Kong student Sidney Chong had spent two weeks flying/training at the B.4, cantamar, La Salina and Salsipuedes, all either located on site or within 15 minutes short drive. Jeff later proclaimed, "we got here at the right time, although it was a little chilly a few days, we pretty much flew everyday." "This is a fantastic training area for paraglider instructors, if you know how to work it!"
Bajabrent flew a little over 90 minutes at Salsipuedes benching up from the 150 MSL launch to 1460 ft above and soaring the back ridge. Because of the apparent sheer above 1600, he chose to use spirals, big ears and other maneuvers to keep from going any higher. Otherwise epic flying conditions over two weeks offered plenty of flying opportunities from the various sites in/about La Salina.
JANUARY 20, 2007
Moving out of January into February shows an improvement from early January raging Santa Anas and chilling tempatures. Hang Glider Pilots from Colorado, Julian, Gabe and Prescott, came to the B.4 in the height some of the coldest storms to grip the southwest in half a century. But while here, they managed to fly 7 outta 14 days! They hanglided La Salina and kited and soared the dunes at Cantamar. Bajabrent watched as they climbed to 1000 above ridge and cruise to the beach. Bajabrent also managed a couple of flights to the beach in between weekly excursions stateside.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006
Bajabrent scoars his NEW Advance Sigma 6 paraglider from www.SUPERFLYINC.com and begins working with a 25 M wing that places him at the top of the weight range. "Leota" ---his wings new name (named after his late grandmother)--- demonstrates excellent maneuverability, handling and glide. "This wing rocks" claims Jeff Farrel, but it takes a "sledder" before Bajabrent gets used to flying at the high end. Then two 90 minute flights prove helpful to substantiating Jeff's claims.
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PARAGLIDERS SHREDDING THERMALS OVER LA SALINA
The first Fiesta Del Cielo was a big success at La Salina Flying Ridge. Over 20 pilots converged over the 5 day event in La Salina from all over southwest USA and Mexico. Although Thursday the 5th was a blown out due to a Santa Ana, Friday, Sat, Sun and Monday proved to be classic conditions for Baja's most diverse flying venue.
Some incredible accomplishments were made and acknowledged at Sunday night's awards "banquet" at La Palapa De Jose.
La Salina Participants: Top left: Gee, Kent, Josie (para-jumpers from LA); Eric Hack (PG Team Wing Envy, SLO); Paul Anderson (PG, PPG, Tuscon, AZ), Greg Launt, "Sicko Wayne" (HG and PG both E-Team, Lake Elsinore CA); Patrick Eaves (PG Team Wing Envy); Front: Joe T (PG Cardiff CA); Ron, Bruce, (PG and HG both TEAM VEGAS)Bajabrent (PG Team La Salina), John Pitt (PG E-team); Front: Little Flipper, aka Diane Gerard (PG Team La Salina).
Missing from photo: Phil Russman (PPG and PG, San Diego) Dan Schooler, Mike Wellbourn(both PPGs San Diego) Michael Quinn (PG ETeam), Doug, John T(HGs VEGAS-TEAM), Gabrielle (Baja trike), and others.
This is just a brief intro as more will follow:
HIGHEST FLIGHT: PPG 9.000 feet by Dan Schooner from San Diego--- he only came down cause his hands were freezin. In a Swing Astral 4 paraglider 6,000 feet by John Pitt from Lake Elsinore. Geeze Pitt weren't you cold too???
CROSS COUNTRY: 30+ miles: John Pitt from Lake Elsinore
in a Swing Astral 4. He went back beyond Guadalupe vinyards up toward Tecate. And of course there' s always a story with the retrieval: there's always a farmer.....AND HIS DAUGHTER! He flew 2.5 hours and climbed to 6K. And "they" said there's no X-C at La Salina! HA!!!!
HIT THE SPOT: At the LZ on a photo of a topless mermaid??? YEP "Sicko Wayne" from the Lake Elsinore E-team nails her in a Firebird Ignition paraglider! At the Beach in front of Bajabrent on the RED CARPET: Eric Hack in a Gin Gangster Paraglider, Hang Glider is "Sicko Wayne" from E Team AGAIN.... This guy goes both ways and can hit the spot to prove it!!!
ACRO PERFORMANCE: Crowd pleaser Pat Eaves of San Luis Obispo Team Wing Engy whipped his Gin Zoom into numerous SATS, Spirals, wingovers, and other manuevers in front of multinational fans gathered under the canopies at the LZ. Honorable mention goes to Eric Hack of Wing Envy for cunning precision in similar performances with his Gin Gangster.
TANDEM ACRO PERFORMANCE: By Eric Hack of Wing Envy from San Luis Obispo, with co-pilot Kent Kralj. After launching Eric proceeded to climb a couple hundred and throw a Paratech Bi-4 into a SAT and then Kent launched from the co-pilot position and inflated his ram airfoild parachute and BOTH pilots finished into spiral dives and landed safely in the LZ! Way to go Team Wing Envy.... could you please do THAT AGAIN???
BAJABRENT launches from south launch
FULL MOON FLIGHT GAWDS: Encouraged by Baja Full Moon Flight veteran Bajabrent, Pat Eaves of Wing Envy, launched into the bliss followed by, Eric Hack, Mike Quinn (E-team), and Bajabrent. They launched an hour after sunset to fly the BRILLIANT OCTOBER FULL MOON to the bailout LZ just east of the hiway, next to Bajabrents. Launching conditions were very cross north 5-8 MPH. But once off launch, the full moon lit a path that was impossible to love and follow. Special thanks to Greg, Ron, Flipper and the rest for assisting on making this a full moon success!
VIDEOGRAPHY AWARD: The ballots are not all in on this yet, but the lead contender is presently PHIL RUSSMAN OF Lightouch films of San Diego. Phil masters his Blackhawk PPG and Spice Paraglider to capture incredible footage of Mike Quinn and Bajabrent during the sunset glass off flight on Sunday night. This footage is a first for La Salina but captures the beauty of the flying ridge and soaring its splendor in perfectly gentle conditions. Phil has promised to convert the Hi-def production into user friendly web based imagery in the near future. Another contender is Chris Richards of Six Palms who filmed and is in production. Chris has completed one segment of the para-jumpers, wherein Kent launches from a tandem paraglider! http://stage6.divx.com/members/117788/videos/1019537
HIKE TO LAUNCH: The record has been BROKEN! Altough no one officially timed it, we take the record breakers word that after 9 years the hike from the LZ to north launch has been broken. John Pitt of E-team hiked/ran the path in 12:50 which shattered Bajabrent's record of 13:32. I knew the record was doomed for months, because Pitt has been training like an ANIMAL!!!! And in keeping with the main rule, Pitt flew with the contents of his pack, WHICH IS MUCH LIGHTER THAN THE PACKS OF 9 YEARS AGO!
FLIPPER takes a break after a rowdy Sunday AM flight
NICE SHIRT!!!!
SPECIAL THANKS: This event owes tremendous thanks to Diane Gerard (aka "little Flipper" or "Flipper") for ALL of the work that she put into this incredible undertaking. She single handidly designed the artwork for posters, flyers and apparel. She also coordinated the production of the same. Then she came to the event and took over many of the administrative tasks from hospitality to breakfast prep/cleanup. She greeted spectators at the LZ and educated them about the various aircraft. She kited a wing at the LZ as she is a P-1 moving up to P-2. She produced the signage. She shared her champaign. She even broke out her new stripper pole and demonstrated various dancing maneuvers so that the pilots understood the effort they appreciated the night before at the various clubs---where they spent all their dollars! So from artist to hostess, to dancer to maid....her assistance turned the event into a REAL EVENT! thanks lil flipper for all your help! Flipper also produced a 200 + picture album of the event.. go to http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=ndm1wbe.5j6eg72m&Uy=rhvle2&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=1&UV=430281312536_291393262206
Furthermore, a big thanks goes to John Pitt. He really brought together the E-team and the Vegas group of PGs and hang gliders and also was a daily inspiration to everyone to get out there and FLY! Pitt has really set a new vision for this venue in going for X-C. There are snow capped mountains and wide thermally valleys right next to us and its time to go fly to them.
Next I wanna thank Pat and Eric from SLO and Team Wingenvy. You guys came a long way, to participate and show your skill and knowlege. You guys make events spectacular! Without you, it'd just be a bunch of guys soaring around which is cool BUT when there's some spectators, you make them go WOW! Besides that you guys hit the beach at will and know how to out thermal anyone!
Additional thanks goes to the Vegas High Roller Hang gliding and PG team; Eteam; Team Wingenvy; PPG motorheads; Team Ravens and Helen the Hawk, for making the event a high flyin success.
Also thanks goes to the other La Salina locals who pitched in like Owen, Roberto, Iggy, and Francisco, my Baja brothers who worked for WEEKS to get the flight park beautified. IT WAS A HUGE UNDERTAKING. But in the end it was something worth being proud of! I havent seen it look so good in 10 years. God bless everyone for your physical and financial contributions for this venue....baja's best!
BTW we still have T-SHIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS etc. dated for the event. Maybe only 6-8 pieces left for this first of many annual events to come... Contact me for more details. I also have generic non-dated T-shirts, Jerseys, Sweatshirts and tank tops! Help support the effort to keep the ridge and LZ's beautiful.
stay tuned for more info. BAJABRENT |
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