The recent change of wind direction to a southerly point presented something of a dilemma to pilots of the Petersfield-based Sky Surfing Club.

With there being no slopes locally to accommodate such a breeze, travelling further afield to other clubs’ sites was the only option. Attention therefore turned to popular areas along the coast between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth.

Beer Head, near Seaton, was the destination for Russell Winters and Zack Hart when seeking much-needed airtime and a change of scenery.

Winters said: “Launching from atop one of the most beautiful cliffs we found ourselves flying in tight formation out in front of orographic cloud to our right, and clear blue skies and seas to our left.

“We cruised the sea-breeze all the way to Sidmouth and back. This is what is so special about paragliding, you go somewhere for the beauty of the landscape and as pilots get a view few others see.

“We are very privileged.”

Hart added: “For me it was a perfect opportunity to try out my new paraglider canopy, with smooth air above a forgiving medium and none of the inherent worries of flying turbulent inland hills. One of my guilty pleasures flying these coastal sites is having plenty of room to play with, executing wing-overs and other manoeuvres safe in the knowledge the air rising up over the cliffs is steady and dependable.

“There is something quite special about soaring the edge of the orographic clouds that form as the air rises up and cools over the coast. To cap it all off there’s the evening barbecue on the beach, a cool dip in the sea and a lovely coastal walk with family and friends – what more could you ask for?”

Brian Parkins