The Dark side

[Eiretime]

Since getting in to soaring i keep hearing about the dark side! Was wandering if anyone is DSing out there and if there is even a spot to perform the dark art?

Thanks

 ed

[joe]

Hi Ed.
Just saw this post. Missed it first time round.
I think the best place round is probably the backside of the north facing slope at nine stones. It is my intention to spend a day trying it out if I ever get out flying again!! and there is a decent north wind. The north slope produces much nicer smoother lift and it's easier to gain some altitude before driving round the back.

Have a walk down the back and find the area where you stop feeling the wind curling over from the other side. This is probably a good area to aim for.

Good luck and let us know how you get on. As soon as someone does it and posts a video we will all be out there giving it a go!!  

[Brian]

Hi Joe,
Will be giving it a go in the spring.
You are right about that spot but the other way around in a south westerly will probably be better as the north slope is very steep and should facilitate the 'plunge'.
Are you around these days.

Brian

[joe]

Hopefully both sides will work.
I have a feeling that flying with the wind on the north slope might be easier to start off with until we get the hang of it. The nicer smoother lift of the north slope might make for a cleaner more obvious difference between the layers on the backside. Maybe not as powerful as the otherway around but more flyable and easier to get into a groove as it were. It doesn't really mather as long as we can get the hang of one or both on them anyway. We need to put a bit of effort into this I think. Unfortunately to asnwser you question no I'm not really around. I'm away again at the weekend for a month   :cry:  :cry:

Would love to see a DS move from Mt Leinster this year. Then the race would really be on!!   and we'd have to find a speed gun    

[Eiretime]

Hi Brian and Joe, if you guys are thinking of a DS`ing session let us know, would up for trying this on the Big L. Maybe some time over the spring i might take a little trip up to slieve League to go check out these cliffs for some soaring. Its a long way but the lift should be big! Here is a link to a dude giving some info about his walk up there. I know there are car parks on the cliffs so you don't have to walk for miles but half way through the video this fella accidentaly shows me a potential dynamic soaring site!!!! Check after two 2.30 mins for the Dead Man`s Pass if you haven't fallen asleep! Do you fellas know any other potential sites for DSing other than the Big L?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mB-Wm73bOM. Joe hope your getting in some flying in between your travels.

Thanks

ed

[joe]

OMG!! :shock:  :shock:
Looks like you just found the future best DS spot in Ireland!!
Your link is not working for some reason. The movie is embedded below.

Only one problem. Where do you land!!??
Seems like it's a good walk to One Man's Pass from the car park. Maybe two hours :?  

The cliffs before it look excellent as well. When are going to check it out?? I must bring a still camera at least!!

I'd be startin with a foam wing first if I were you








Thanks for sharing Ed. Great find  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/EBSQ8Z44fzE[/youtube]

[billscottni]

OH YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :twisted:  :twisted:

[Eiretime]

Hey Joe, thanks for posting those great photos, the One Man`s Pass looks like one serious ridge! im told 600 meters high!I just saw on the the " Potential Sites thread" your photos of Benbulben. The second last image is actually Sleive League across  about 30 kms of Donegal Bay!  I am thinking a wee trip to the North West in the next few months is on the cards to go explore what looks likely to be soaring heaven. Both slopes are not really that far away from each other, i think one hour. Once you are back again we could organise something with the troops if you have time. Did you find out in the end if there was a road up to the top of Benbulben?
ed

[Brian]

Hi Joe,
Thats looking very like a week end away alright.
We're that good we can 'DS' to set an Irish record then fly our still intact models back to a good landing area.
Or just do what we usually do ; Crash land !.
That place does look great.

Brian