September, 2003

2003 Can Am
By Chuck Weisner

August 16 and 17, Maple Falls, Washington State
As often happens, the CanAm presented wonderful flying this past weekend at Black Mountain. Everyone could easily get their one hour of flying each day, and many flew longer. Beautiful views from 1500 over launch on Sunday.

The top finishers in each division are as follows:

Hang Gliding
1st Place....................Jeff Beck ($50.00)
2nd Place....................Alan Jocobsen ($30.00)
3rd Place....................Konrad Kurp ($20.00)
4th Place....................Larry Snyder
5th Place....................Lionel Space
6th Place....................Tom Johns
7th Place....................Chuck Weisner
8th Place....................Luc Mailloux (Canada)

Paragliding
1st Place....................Robert Samplonois ($50.00)
2nd Place....................Audrey Akaikine ($30.00)
3rd Place....................Jim Wagner ($20.00)
4th Place....................Gordon Grice
5th Place....................Murdoch Hughes
6th Place....................Stacy Moon
7th Place....................Russ Ondeck
8th Place....................Delvin Crabtree

There were a total of 18 hang glider pilots and 26 paraglider pilots. It was great flying both days with an hour duration time easily attainable; a couple of pilots even did two hour durations.

It was a fun and well attended event although there were only a couple of Canadian flyers who made it. No injuries to speak of, although there was one hang glider down in the trees short of the LZ and one skinned up elbow. I will attempt to book the same time next year in mid-August. We had enough cash remaining after the winner's cash prizes to pay for the camp ground this year and next year. So plan on attending next year!!