He's a man with a mission!

If you are a regular observer to the UK Paragliding XC league you cannot fail to have noticed the Scottish Borders Pilot - Dave Thomson.

He is frequently out scouting the skies in search of that early season winter/spring thermal and as a result he's a regular contender for the top spot in the early season ‘winter league’ competition. Having finished within the top 3 twice during his time on his trusty (and now very worn out) Aspen; He's since moved on board the Avax XC2, claiming the top spot last year and is looking well placed to do the same again this year.


This is what he has to say about his wing choice.

“I've flown 140 hours and 1200 km of XC, almost all in Britain, on the Avax XC2 since I got it 10 months ago. I certainly felt that I got to know it very quickly, having flown the Aspens for years before that. To fly it actively, it needs much faster and accurately timed responses than the Aspen, but it gives very clear information about what’s needed to keep it level.”

“The weight range suited me great as I went from being at the lower end of the Aspen 26 to middle of the Avax 24 - less weight for fly / walking and it can turn really tightly. The best feature is the auto-pilot - I've no idea how it works but if there's a thermal anywhere near, it indicates very clearly which way it wants to go, and its best to let it go where it wants.”

“Bad points - If you drop the glider into burnt heather, the lines are a nightmare”.

All we can say Dave, is keep your wing flying - you and it are doing great; and should the burnt heather slopes cause you as snag. Give us a call and we will sort you out.