Skyhooked SkyPark

Skyhooked Power Kite School at Sky Park near Monkey Tree Holiday Park, Campsite Newquay.

I have just had my first visit to Sky Park which can be easily found from the M5at Exeter taking the A30 to Redruth. At Carland Cross roundabout (with windmills to right) carry on straight over and commence following signs for Perranporth. After 1 mile turn right at Boxheater Junction onto the B3285 signposted Perranporth and Goonhavern. Follow this road for 1/2 mile until the crossroads then turn right onto Scotland Road, after 1 mile Monkey Tree Holiday Park is on your left.

The reason for my first visit was to have a full day's lesson on Kite boarding for my son aged 10, not any easy age to teach at any subject. I had arranged my lesson through the web site and passed on all prior skills and knowledge to Dom Moore before confirming the dates. This meant that both instructor and student were guaranteed a custom built lesson tailored to my sons requirements and skills, we wanted an intro to Depower kites and some advanced boarding skills. I finally received a letter of confirmation about 4 weeks prior to the date.

The day couldn't come around quickly enough for my son or me as I was looking forward to my first visit to the Park. For anybody who has not been there I will describe it as a must for freestyle flyers and those wanting to develop their skills. The park is built on top of a hill overlooking the Cornwall Coast and countryside. Open to good winds from all directions so flying can happen at any time. The Park has several ramps, jumps and plenty of open area to fly. One good advantage to this is the Holiday Park adjacent which has plenty of pitches for both Caravans and Tents. Check out the website above.

I had arranged for a full days lesson at £70.00 which included basic introductory skills, introduction to Depower and Basic Boarding skills. I arrived as arranged at 10.30 and was welcomed by Dom Moore. The lesson was on a one on one basis. All equipment is provided from a number of various kites and boards to all safety and protection equipment.

The first part of the lesson was an introduction for student and instructor of prior knowledge and skills. After this was completed I was then asked again what I hope to achieve from the lesson today, again to ensure that the lesson was tailored for Jamie.

Once the basics were done we moved onto the basic introduction of Depower kites, starting with a 2m kite on handles. The wind was gusty between 12 -18 mph. Not a lot to some but to a young lad weighing 4 stone this was. Under the watchful eye of Dom, the progress and confidence grew and Jamie was very soon wanting something bigger in his arms. Out came the Montana 5m. As each kite was set up Dom explained each piece of equipment, what is was and it's importance. The same was done as each kite was repacked, this all being done by the student.

With some skills demonstrated by Dom, the Montana was soon in Jamie's arms as he was shown the safety release system, and quick release. Shown again and again and the resetting off both systems, Jamie was soon solo flying. His confidence grew because Dom was always watching. The morning soon passed and 2.5 hours of the lesson gone with what I felt was a lot of progress.

It was suggested that we continued the lesson at Watergate Bay on the beach as the tides and winds were ideally suited. We followed for the short journey and then walked to the beach were there were many more kite flyers.

Starting the afternoon session with the Beamer TSR 1.8m to start with some basic board skills and riding. After a short period Dom brought out the double handles attached with short lines. Looking puzzled I soon witnessed Dom running down the beach parallel to Jamie who was on the board, this proved to be a good way to strengthen balance and riding without the force and pull of a kite.

Again we packed away a kite and slowly setup a PL Venom 10m. This was the biggest I kite I had seen so close. Instruction was given on setting up and launching. Emphasis was made on the safety yet again. Dom launched first and demonstrated some handling points then this handed over to Jamie. The power was evident as Jamie started to skud down the beach looking up in awe at the power in his hands.

As the afternoon developed Jamie handled and learned with the Venom and Montana. He was soon riding up and down the beach with both kites. Dom was consistently providing advice and further demonstrations to help develop Jamie's expanding knowledge of Kite flying. Dom repeatedly asked Jamie about various pointers that he already covered ensuring the understanding of the theory of the lesson as well as the practical and enjoyable part.

Sadly the day had to come to and end around 16.00 after nearly a full 6 hours of flying and superb instruction. The lasting thought of the day was hearing Jamie saying I want a Montana 5m for my birthday and I will save my pocket money for the PL Venom. Reveiws will follow in due course (in 3 years time).

For anybody wanting to start kite flying, Boarding, Buggying or even to advance that bit further from a beginner to the seriously advanced, Skypark and Skyhooked can offer a tailor made lesson for half a day or a full day at a very reasonable cost. I look forward to returning later in the summer for further lessons with Jamie and for myself also.

By : Nige