I've got two spring dates scheduled for SIV Courses 
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We have Acrocamp tentatively scheduled for June 1st through the 4th.  I'm still confirming with the tow crew to make sure we can have enough personnel available.  Let me know if you're interested in coming this year. 

The first SIV course of the Spring season is schedule for April 7th to the the 10th.  This is early season and the weather can change quickly.  We have 4 days blocked out for a 3 day course.  1 day for ground school and 2 flying days.  If the forecast doesn't look good, the course will be held the following weekend.  Please consider this if you're interested in attending.  Nothing worse than waiting all day for the rain to stop!

We've had a few spots open up for Acro Camp starting on June 2nd. If you'd like to come out and get a few tows or join us for the entire 4 days, contact me at ryangrizzell@gmail.com.  Learn more about Acro Camp here.

The first day of Acro Camp was scheduled to start on August 21.  Nova, Sam and I showed up the day before to get some pre-event training and I knew we had a problem.  It had only been 5 days since I last towed but the lake had dropped further than I've ever seen.  Far below last years lowest point.  Top that off with limited visibility from the surrounding fires and it looked apocalyptic.

I made some quick calls to let the pilots know before embarking on 6 to 8 hours of driving and canceled.  Just like that, Acro Camp 2 went up in smoke, literally!

Nova, Jinju, Sakei and I made the best of it.  My family was out of town and I was happy to have a loaner family staying with me.  It was a time of personal growth, sarcastic humor and finding ways to relate everything in life to acro!  Nova and I developed a great understanding of talents and skills that we can contribute to paragliding for next season.  Nova brings a professional perspective and wealth of knowledge that will be extremely beneficial to Acrotow and the acro community.    

The long drought has shut us down for the time being and plans of flying late into the Fall aren't looking good.  I've learned a lot this season.  My acro training, instructing others, organizing events, and determining demand for this type of service are all subjects that I have a better understanding of.  I'll be organizing and planning for next season in the coming months.  Look for dates to include Acro Camp, SIV and Beginning Acro.

Ryan Grizzell 

The Acrotow website and my acro training have one specific goal in common, constant improvement.  When I first started Acrotow, I wanted to share all of the information that I had to work so hard to accumulate.   The website is far from being a polished jewel (so is my acro!).  It needs to present viewers with a useful format of information that answers the questions they have and stimulate questions they haven't thought of yet.

I have my ideas of what I think will be useful but it's really about the readers.  Please take a moment to contribute your ideas for building a better resource and send suggestions in the box below.

Updates in the works
Acro gear reviews, starting with Sony AS200 cam for making gear review videos.  I like to sell what I'm familiar with.

Acrotow pilot mentor's.  Current pilots flying with Acrotow, biographies and home flying sites who may be able to answer your acro questions.

Video uploads.  Share what you're learning and ask for input. 

Calender of events for SIV, Acro Courses and Camps scheduled in advance.

The bad news first.  Drought conditions and lack of snowpack have impacted the current level of Lost Creek Lake.  Lake elevation is lower than normal for this time of year by an entire month and  dropping fast.  We also have lots of smoke due to wild land fires.

The good news you ask?  We've had days of back to back tows over 3000' on acro gliders the last two weeks!  Yes, some days it's just over 2000' but all in all, towing has been great.  Lot's of tricks packed in to each run.  Seems to be less boat traffic as the season gets later and many are discouraged by the smoke.

Acro Camp 2 is right around the corner and there'll be lots of flying for all.  I look forward to seeing everybody improve their acro.

Ryan

Acro Camp 2 filled up fast!  We have lots of returning pilots anxious to hone their skills.  Acro is growing here in Southern Oregon and I'm extremely thankful for the great friends I have made because of this sport.  My family keeps getting larger and I cherish these moments.  My acro is getting better too!!