[philw Posts: 8 Status: Offline]

Have you tried Pembrey or Burry port? a bit of a trek for you maybe but plenty of room.

[Ronnie L Posts: 513 Status: Offline]

From a personal prospective.
Ian is one of the people that will give you sound, sensible clear advice.
I know that on a forum. You have no idea if the person who is giving advice knows what they are talking about.
I can promise you that Ian is one of the leading experts in the country when it comes to hovercraft.
He won’t give you BS.
And you can believe what he says.

[Ian Brooks Posts: 3556 Status: Offline]

If you would like someone to look at your craft and talk about it’s capabilities you might bring it up to me. I’m at Minsterworth near Gloucester and I’ll be happy to talk things through over a cup of tea. I guess I’m about an hour from you.

My home  grounds are the Severn from Gloucester down to Denny Island. Whilst the Severn can a dangerous place it’s not intrinsically so, knowing the local conditions is what’s needed, along with preparation and training . I can give some pointers.

I do fear that an ex race craft may not be suitable for river use - but we shouldn’t jump to conclusions and let’s take a look. If the craft is suitable we may be able to put it in the river here for some practice. Breakdown is not an issue here, we can always recover it, and I won’t suggest going out if the river conditions are difficult.  Also we’ll make certain that it floats first!

PM me and we can sort out details.

Ian

[rossfloyd Posts: 2024 Status: Offline]

The Bristol Channel and River Severn are lethal if you don't have a reliable craft that is fully marinised and that will remain afloat indefinitely with engines off and  a flooded plenum.   In particular the Severn is very, very dangerous - looks lovely at high water on a  calm day - don't be deceived - it changes in a moment and kills people. 


This club used to do training and experience days from Sharpness but there haven't been any in recent years.  They used to be good fun !


Before going on the water, find a flat field with short grass and get the hang of land operations - also if the craft breaks down you can recover it without the risk of drowning.   Beach operations risk upsetting the locals and authorities and will wear out skirts alarmingly quickly.


Making the craft work is only the very first part of becoming a safe operator. They are huge fun  - we were out last week on exercise with the emergency services - but can seriously bite you.  Usually if you ditch the only thing that can reach you in the Bristol Channel is another hovercraft - or a helicopter !  It is also a very high maintenance area due to the mud, sand and suspended grit in the water.


There is a huge amount of information on the club site - well worth a few hours reading it.  Some very experienced operators and a wealth of knowledge in the club.


Remember the first rule of hovercraft - no matter the size of the operating area, all hovercraft have a magnetic attraction to the largest single immovable object in the vicinity that they will, at some point, attempt to move by the transfer of kinetic energy.


PM me if you want more information about the Somerset side.

[Steve Holland Posts: 1598 Status: Offline]

I would avoid any river unless skilled with a craft of known reliability and good freeboard should the engine die.
Sheltered lakes with suitable permission etc would be a start, only after some help from an experienced hovercraft operator.
Good luck.

[Lulifoil Posts: 2 Status: Offline]

North Wales Blackrock sands is over 4 hours away from me, so that's a little too far to be able to use it regularly.
It's a handmade hovercraft, one of about 10 and was used for racing so it isn't a make as such.
Just wondering if a river with currents etc is a bit out of my depth for learning.

[Al Posts: 899 Status: Offline WWW]

Personally, the bigger the area to practice the better.  I learned to fly on a sea loch, not too many obstacles to hit. 


What hovercraft do you have?

[Nick Flint Posts: 4926 Status: Offline]

North Wales Blackrock sands is ideal being able to drive on (and recover) the craft.  Camping near by.  Having people with you to help advise is essential in my opinion. I would go as far as to suggest NOT having full back up is potentially dangerous to you and craft / environment?.
Pre operational discussions regarding any safety or usage can only help.
Have you visited the various sites (on this forum) such as marinising  your electrics etc. ?
Essential reading IMHO and all such areas are "perhaps" the places to visit before open air operations are considered.
What craft do you have as some historic craft have known areas of concern that should be addressed before ops.
Any pictures will help us to help you.

[Lulifoil Posts: 2 Status: Offline]

Hi, I've just restored an old hovercraft and am looking for somewhere to test it out nearby. I live in Newport, South Wales. I know there's the River Severn but I've never been on a hovercraft before so I'd like somewhere to practise first! Any suggestions are very welcome!