Hang Glider Towing History

Photo Gallery

Mike Lake 2008

 

The Winch that Paul Whitley built

Photo from Edmund Potter

Paul Whitley ...Greg Thompson ...??????

Photo from Edmund Potter

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Don Liddard photos of the Little Snoring tow meet Click Here

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Len Gabriels Static Winch 1979

Photo From Mike Lake

Len Gabriels demonstrates his static winch and three point frame bridle at Little Snoring. 1979

Photo captured from Greg Thompson's home movie

 

Mike Lake using the Brooks Bridle

The Brooks Bridle simply towed the pilot from their hang straps. There was a spreader bar in front of the pilot and two cables one routed either side of the pilot’s head. A bungee cord wound this all out of the way after release. Within a few weeks just about everyone with a towing interest had one, including Mike.

Photo From Mike Lake

 

Mike Lake using the Brooks Bridle

Photo from Mike Lake

 

Mike Lakes step up bridle ready to launch during a session at 'Lejair Tow School'. The pilot is Tony Webb who went on to become the foremost authority on tow training. Taken July 1984

Photo from Edmund Potter

 

The winch that Paul built

from Mike Lake

From Mike Lake

From Mike Lake

From Mike Lake

From Mike Lake

The original chest tow prototype. 1982

Possibly the first example of what I believe is now called 'Pro Tow'.
The actual release mechanism being recycled long ago.
There was only one release releasing both upper and lower cables at the same time. The slider contraption allowed the tow force to pass
automatically from over to under the bottom bar

From Mike Lake

From Mike Lake

From Mike Lake

From Mike Lake

From Mike Lake