THE PANDEMIC has curtailed many national and international competitions for hang gliding and paragliding.

It is therefore quite an achievement that two rounds of the British Open Series (BOS) for hang gliding were completed this year.

The second round took place in Wales over seven days earlier this month, involving more than 30 of the UK’s top pilots.

Among the competitors were several members of the Sky Surfing Club participating in all three classes of hang glider wing, including the following medal winners:

Class 1 (flex-wing gliders): 1, Grant Crossingham; 2, Justin Needham.

Class 5 (rigid-wing gliders): 2, Tim King; 3, Nigel Bray.

Club Class (for competition newcomers): 1, Christo Tracey; 2, Nestor Londono.

Across both rounds, Grant placed first and is the current BOS Champion (Class 1).

Justin took the silver medal for Class 1 while Tim also gained silver in Class 5 - a fantastic overall performance.

Club Class winner Christo Tracey said: "The BOS is a great opportunity to catch up with pilots from around the country, as well as being a great opportunity to learn from the more experienced pilots.

"I took part, keen to follow my fellow Sky Surfers on a jaunt over the Welsh countryside. I was rewarded with a fantastic first day, managing to make it to the goal field 18km from take-off.

"One of the highlights for us aspiring competition pilots had to be watching Grant Crossingham, the series winner, bring his glider in to land from barely 30ft above take-off on Camlo Hill, having not found sufficient lift to sustain flight - an impressive display of aircraft control.

"As the Sky Surfers club took home five of the seven trophies awarded, it is safe to say we are currently the envy of the other British clubs!"

Brian Parkins