10C
KULIFE
Wednesday, August 18, 1993
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Flying disc golf is climbing fast
Valerie Bontrager / KANSAN
The relaxing game draws participants to Lawrence park
By Kelly Caffrey Special to the Kansan
"Tee off and fly freely!" reads the flying disc golf information board at Centennial Park, Ninth Street and Rockledge Road.
Centennial Park offers the only course in Lawrence for disc golf, a sport played like the traditional game of golf with a new spin to it. Like golf it has 18 holes, but instead of putting a ball into a tiny hole, a flying disc is tossed into a "disc-pole-hole."
The "disc-pole-hole" consists of a metal pole about 3 feet tall, with a chain-link, steel basket encompassing the top of the pole.
The object of disc golf is to toss the disc into the basket using the least amount of throws possible.
Centennial Park has a par-3 course, and the distance between the tee-off point and the holes is between 250 and 350 yards.
Jimmy Powers, Leawood senior, said he enjoyed playing disc golf because it was different.
"Compared to most sports, disc golf is a pretty relaxed game," Powers said. "You can walk through the course or run through it, depending on how much exercise you want to get."
Disc golf does require some skill, however. Players must at least know how to throw a flying disc
Jim Shinkle, Winnetka, III., senior, said skill levels were not important.
"It takes practice to be really good, but to play disc golf you don't have to be an expert," Shinkle said.
The course is maintained by the Lawrence Flying Disc Club. To add variety, the club tries to change the location of holes once a month.
Kay Cullman, Overland Park junior, said she liked the frequent course modifications.
"Changing the course frequently keeps the game challenging because there are always different obstacles to overcome," Cullinan said.
Missy Hankemeyer, St. Louis senior, sad trees were the biggest obstacle for her.
Although she has played only once. Hankemey
er said she had had a good time.
"It was a lot of fun, only my Frisbee kept flying into the trees and sitting stuck," she said.
into the trees and getting stuck, she said.
Discs designed specifically for the sport are available for the more advanced disc golf. Much like traditional golf, there are drivers and putters, depending on size and weight of the disc. The discs can be purchased in most sporting good stores and cost about $7.
Above: Clark Onwick, Overland Park resident, plays disc golf at Centennial Park. Orwick is a traveling performer with Renaissance festivals who plays in disc golf tournaments in his spare time.
For more information on disc golf, consult the rules and information board at Centennial Park. The course is free and open to the public.
Flying lessons good for students
By Stacy Kunstel
Special to the Kansan
Learning to fly a plane may not seem like an easy, low-risk hobby, but flight instructor Rod Mohl, flight instructor for Lawrence Air Services, Inc., said it was a skill just about anyone can learn.
"Anytime you're not at home in your easy chair there's a risk involved," said Mohl. "We're in motion in a plane, but there's hardly any danger in it at all."
"Flying is more difficult than driving a car, but not much. Flying is comprehending three dimensions — up, down, and bank, not just fast and slow."
Mohl received his pilot certification when he was 20 and considers college students the ideal age for flight instruction.
"At that age the students are in their learning prime, and the eye-hand coordination is easier to develop than if you are much older," said Mohl.
Over 100 takeoffs and landings are practiced throughout the course. Mohl said landing the plane usually takes the most practice for beginners, and it is one of the most emphasized skills.
"To complete the course within six months you have to take lessons two to three times a week," said Mohl. "Taking the course once a week for a year gives you more time to become accustomed to fiving."
A private pilot's license is recognized by the Federal Aviation Association and valid in all states. Pilots must pass a physical exam, a written exam, complete 20 hours of flying with an instructor and 20 hours of solo flying. Mohl said that hands-on instruction began with the first lesson.
Lessons are given by appointment at the Lawrence Airport in a Cessna 152, a two-seat plane used for pilot training. The course can be completed in four to six months for about $2300, but Mohl suggests a slower pace.
Mohl said there had been one accident during a landing but the only damage to the plane was bent wings.
"Landing isn't all that difficult. It's like riding a bike," said Mohl. "You develop skills, judgments and reactions, and those skills develop more with experience."
Pilot certification does not allow complete freedom to fly, however. Those who complete the course can fly only in good weather and cannot be paid for flying services. To do these things, a pilot must earn a commercial license.
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