After rushing up the hill from my previous attempts for a good activity of the day: Battlefield, Surf Ho'okipa, attempted to work, and tried to by a surfboard. I was setting up at 6k, the name of our Hang Glide launch up Haleakala, Maui. It's located near the 6 mile marker on Crater rd. I was alone on this attempt of flying but I was feeling pretty good. The clouds looked perfect an the wind was nice. After rushing to set up my glider and preform the necessary harness and glider checks, I was ready to go. Just as a low bellied cloud rolled in. Visibility went from perfect to nothing. There are a few tree clusters that could easily ruin a day. I quickly called a friend on the ground for a safety in case I mess up.
My launch clouds were looking ugly but not thick, so I decided to charge em. I had perfect launch wind and called out a loud "Clear". A few steps later I was in the air, ready to duck some clouds. Getting into my harness, I experienced a PIO or pilot induces oscillation, meaning the glider swerved left and right at high speeds near the ground. Not my best move, but I blame it on a small harness. After gaining control, I was through the patch of clouds and seeings clear sky. Far out in front of me, I saw cumulus clouds building everywhere. I decided to take a straight line to the biggest darkest motha I could see. I pulled my VG on full for my best glide to get there high.
