joshlaufer wrote:Joe Faust wrote:Data with counts, times, commentary
on the new world record at Dockweiler
HERECongratulations to Andy and Josh
Together: more than 327 takeoffs, 327 flights, 327 landings, 327 carrybacks upslope.
Many spectators saw some of the over 1,308 interesting HG actions at Dockweiler in one day.
The WHGA recognizes 201 as the count for Joshua's world record at Dockweiler.
New Flight Record! 225 Flights! Sunday August 13th, 2022
Well, it was an eventful/challenging day at Dockweiler State Beach. Sunny skies, 80-degree heat, winds SW-WSW 2-9 mph. Winds hung around 3-5 most of the day.
We showed up to the beach at 845am to find a massive line to the parking lot entrance. A Youth Soccer competition was being held at the base of the dune and the entire parking was nearly full by 10 am. There were numerous games being held simultaneously along the base of the dunes with lots of spectators covering the beach with shade structures and umbrellas. We were just able to slice out a landing zone for me in front of the main SW dune. Andy had to teach his class on the lower back hills closer to the highway.
I started flying at 9:30 am and flew and carried at a pace of about 25 trips per hour. Took a few breaks that added up to about an hour. The wind was only strong enough to float the glider on my shoulders on launch a handful of times. The wind was never strong enough to kite the glider up the hill, I had to carry the glider after every flight. I flew the Falcon 195 for a few flights in the morning then moved to the 170 for the rest of the day. I had to run hard or even sprint to launch most of the day. When the wind turned more westerly I had to fly through the rotor from the shade structures nearby and had to pause due to spectators crossing the lz. We had flags outlining the LZ but they were often ignored.
I ate a couple of massive sandwiches, a few bananas, some power bars and drank endless amounts of water and sports drinks. I could never quite get enough liquid into my body, we joked that I should fly with an IV... I would actually consider it. I was so drenched in sweat that it was hard to carry the glider up the hill due to slippage. Luckily I borrowed some gloves from one of our flight trackers Matt.
I finally finished at 7:36 pm flying into the sunset for the last few rounds. I was honored by the massive support I received the entire day. SHGA Pilots, Windsprts Crew/Students/Friends/Alumni, and even Jonny Durand from Moyes were in town and stayed till the end to cheer me on. Even though they had to fight for parking we had a great showing of friends to help set this record. I heard some others tried to come down but couldn't find anywhere to park, thank you so much for trying.
Huge Shoutout to my flight trackers for the day! Matt Barlow SHGA H2, Tori Pollock Windsports Driver, and Tim Tester SHGA H2. A big Thank You to Erika Klein for taking amazing pictures all day. Also want to thank the Windsports Friends and Crew for getting me anything I needed, water, food, or even a few semi-insulting jabs to get me going again. I could not have done it without you.
Post record recovery: On Sunday (8-14) I was so tired I was worried I may have gotten sick, and spent most of the day in bed. Luckily it was just thorough exhaustion. Today (Monday 8-15), feel better and went to see my Chiropractor, he was happy for my record but displeased with me about the strain it puts on my back. Going to spend a few hours in the hot tub tonight with a cold beer. The worst part is the gnarly blisters I grew on my big toes, they make it hard to walk.
Although it was an extremely difficult day and I came away battered, bruised, blistered, sore, and exhausted I would do it again. I may try to take it up a notch next summer near the solstice. I would start earlier and stay later, hopefully with more wind and less heat. I am confident I could hit 250 or even higher with the right conditions.
