Members of the Petersfield-based Sky Surfing Club have been on their travels in search of a paragliding fix.

For some, a winter break means a trip to alpine slopes in search of snow and recreation.

For local paraglider pilots and Sky Surfing Club members Martin Ayers – from Petersfield – and Justin Simmonds, the search was for sun and suitable slopes for flying – at this time of year this could only mean an expedition to Tenerife.

The location forms part of the Canary Islands, a group of rugged, volcanic islands off the coast of north-western Africa renowned for their black sandy beaches.

Tenerife is the largest island, dominated by the still active volcano Mount Teide, rising to 12,188ft above sea level. No surprise, then, that the summit was covered in snow during their visit!

Ayers was joined by partner Laura Harding on the expedition, which included tandem flights from Mount Teide.

“The temperature was minus 9.5ºC at the summit when we launched. We flew through the cloud layer to land on the beach below – a balmy 21ºC,” said Ayers.

Simmonds explored a number of different launch locations in the southern part of the island, landing at the beach – and nearby bars – whenever possible.

Having topped up on sufficient sunshine – and Vitamin D – to see them through the remains of winter, Simmonds and Ayers both returned invigorated and looking forward to flying closer to home.

Brian Parkins