EVER heard of Mountain Gliding? No neither had we, that’s why tomorrow could be a great opportunity for you to try your hand a different kind of sport.
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Once a very popular pastime and sport around Victoria, Mountain Gliding, or otherwise known as Slope Soaring is for model gliding enthusiasts who want to participate in competitive slope gliding.
Mountain Gliding is one of those rare sports which can be participated in from childhood right through to the over 80s.
A come and try day will be held at Bald Hills on Sunday afternoon, where people of all ages can try the sport.
Coordinator Ian Cole said it was a sport that had disappeared in recent times.
“We used to have a bunch of guys who would compete, but it’s kind of died off in recent years,” Mr Cole said.
“It was one of those sports that was very popular with the baby-boom generation as I am, but as we’ve all got older, people have passed away, or not been able to get out and compete the way they once did.
“This is really a bit of a last hurrah for me, I’d love to see it get up and running again if we could.
“It’s a great sport, we say it’s from 12 up, but we’ve had people competing well into their 80s, so it’s open to everyone.”
Mountain Gliding Australia (MGA) offers interesting and challenging events for glider pilots wanting to participate in slope gliding and for fliers already involved in aeromodelling but who are looking for new challenges.
Also unique to MGA is the use of electric gliders which means cancellations of events are generally small.
Mr Cole said while the day is planned to be held at Bald Hills, weather conditions would play a part. Because of this, he said he was keen for people to contact today if they wish to be part of the day.
“It would be most helpful if you could register beforehand, so that we can cater for numbers,” he said.
“Electric gliders will be used throughout the day for the contest if there's no wind to fly or fly safely.
Mr Cole said he would provide interested flyers with a time and position on the day. Entry is free, Interested people should contact Mr Cole on 0427 553 755 today.
Details: mountainglidingaustralia.com.au
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