I just returned from a trip to Southern California to train and prepare for the World Air Games. Specifically, I went to check out a site called Soboba located near San Jacinto in Riverside County which I was told would remind me of Organya.

After 3 days of flying it, I’d definitely say Soboba is a smaller version of the famous Cataluyan site! Even though I only got a window of a few hours to train, I consistently got 700m/2000 ft over the ground which gave me 6 – 7 runs. This is the only site I know of in California where you can get this height, look forward to refills, and not be so far from civilization! Thanks to Bob for the rides up to launch!

I also spent some time in San Diego where I finally flew the famous Torrey Pines Gliderport and met the owner, Robin Marien, and his son, Max. Max has been flying for 9 years (since he was 12!) and does some pretty sweet acro. Having just bought his son the FLX.2, Robin was excited to have me there and asked if I wanted to go towing in exchange for helping Max with some tricks . . . . how could I refuse that, eh?

After 2 days, I hope he learned some things on the FLX.2- especially with the helico! – that’ll take him to the next level. As for me, I’m definitely on my way to making the Infinite as I piloted the most turns I’ve ever done in tumble. While it was only 5, I feel I’m getting what it takes to patiently take it step-by-step and focus on the trick, tumble-by-tumble.

Here’s the video.

As you’ll see, my braking is off and I miss a right input on the last tumble (could’ve kept it going if I nailed it). But I think with more practice, I feel – more than ever before! – that the Infinity is right there.