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24,000 euros in prizes in 2nd Paragliding Challenge Island of La
Palma


The paragliding competition that has handed out most prize money ever in this
sport is now back in the Canary Island of La Palma (Spain), a mini paradise of
nature with an eternal spring climate. Following the success of the first
edition, which drew 1,350 visitors to the island – including 535 paraglider
pilots and 115 participants- the 2nd Challenge of La Palma started on December
1st and will last until December 2007. This year, there are new categories, more
cash prizes, and 8,000 euros for the winner.


Groups of pilots from Belgium, Germany and Spain have already visited La Palma
and are scoring flights for the Challenge, as it is the best time for thermal
flying in the island. A good motivation is that in this 2nd Challenge there are
more chances to win for pilots of all levels, with a total of 24,000 euros in
prizes for the best pilots in three categories: General, DHV1/1-2, and DHV2.


Even pilots with limited experience can perfect their skills, while combining a
flying holiday in the most attractive and relaxed spot in Europe with the
possibility of winning prize money in this competition. Top pilots will
certainly find the big prize interesting enough to fly their best in La Palma:
8,000 euros for the overall winner!


Also: Prize money for the first 6 pilots overall; for the 6 first pilots flying
DHV1 or DHV1-2 gliders; and for the 6 best pilots flying gliders up to DHV2.
Plus, prizes for the longest flights in each category and for the pilots with
the highest number of flights over 15 km; and trophies for the best teams and
nations.


The Challenge As in 2005, the competition will consist of 2 phases: the first
lasts almost a year – from 1 December 2006 to 10 November 2007 – and works like
a free distance event, where the pilot simply has to make as many valid flights
as possible on the island in this time frame. Pilots will be ranked according to
the average of their 3 qualifying flights: one point for each kilometre flown
(in straight line) plus a 20% of the resulting points.


In the 2nd phase, the 50 pilots who qualify from round 1 will have the chance to
defend their place during 1 week, from 1 to 9 December 2006: a unique Final,
with fun and exciting set tasks perfectly suited to the characteristics of La
Palma. In addition, the Organization will reserve wildcards for 10 guest pilots,
which brings the total to 60 competitors, double the number of 2005.


One hundred and fifteen pilots from 11 countries accepted the 1st Challenge,
including the then World, European and PWC Champions, the Spanish male and
female Champions and many top-ranking world and PWC pilots. The two times PWC
Champion Chrigel Maurer was the winner of the big prize: 12,000 euros! “It’s a
very original competition, plus the biggest prize money I’ve ever won in
paragliding!”, he said. For French pilot Charles Cazaux (2nd), it was “a real
fun event in the perfect spot for winter flying and training.”


Pilots willing to accept the Challenge can register now at the official site
www.flylapalma.com or
personally in La Palma, at the Palmaclub office located next to the landing zone
in Puerto Naos (beach promenade).


Practical info: Accommodation & Guiding: There are all-inclusive packs for
pilots offered by the local club, Palmaclub, including free registration to the
Challenge, accommodation in apartments right in front of the beach, guiding and
transport to take-offs by expert local pilots, briefings, retrieves, etc. Info
in www.palmaclub.com


How to get there? La Palma is the most westerly island of the Canary, and there
are regular flights to/from Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, and connections
to/from Germany, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Austria, Netherlands, Russia,
Argentina and Venezuela (some via Tenerife), among others.