Hang Gliding & Paragliding Vol47-Iss4 Jul-Aug 2017 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

JULY/AUGUST 2017 Volume 47 Issue 4 $6.95

For change of address or other USHPA business:

+1 (719) 632-8300 info@ushpa.aero

Martin Palmaz, Executive Director executivedirector@ushpa.aero Beth Van Eaton, Operations Manager office@ushpa.aero Galen Anderson, Membership Coordinator membership@ushpa.aero Julie Spiegler, Program Manager programs@ushpa.aero

USHPA OFFICERS & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Paul Murdoch, President president@ushpa.aero Alan Crouse, Vice President vicepresident@ushpa.aero Steve Rodrigues, Secretary secretary@ushpa.aero Mark Forbes, Treasurer treasurer@ushpa.aero

REGION 1: Rich Hass, Mark Forbes. REGION 2: Jugdeep Aggarwal, Josh Cohn, Jon James. REGION 3: Ken Andrews, Dan DeWeese, Alan Crouse. REGION 4: Bill Belcourt, Ken Grubbs. REGION 5: Josh Pierce. REGION 6: Tiki Mashy. REGION 7: Paul Olson. REGION 8: Michael Holmes. REGION 9: Dan Lukaszewicz, Larry Dennis. REGION 10: Bruce Weaver, Steve Kroop, Matt Taber. REGION 11: Tiki Mashy. REGION 12: Paul Voight. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Paul Murdoch, Steve Rodrigues, Greg Kelley, Jamie Shelden, Mitch Shipley. EX-OFFICIO DIRECTOR: Art Greenfield (NAA). The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association Inc. (USHPA) is an air sports organization affiliated with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), which is the official representative of the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the United States at FAI meetings, has delegated to the USHPA supervision of FAI-related hang gliding and paragliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions. The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, a division of the National Aeronautic Association, is a representative of the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale in the United States.

COVER SHOT BY

PAUL VOIGHT Over Wallaby with son, Ryan.

WARNING

Hang gliding and paragliding are INHERENTLY DANGEROUS activities. USHPA recommends pilots complete a pilot training program under the direct supervision of a USHPA-certified instructor, using safe equipment suitable for your level of experience. Many of the articles and photographs in the magazine depict advanced maneuvers being performed by experienced, or expert, pilots. These maneuvers should not be attempted without the prerequisite instruction and experience.

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Epic XC

2017 FLY SMART

5 LIVE WELL 5 GO FAR

JULY/AUGUST

20 26

Escaping Winter Pura Vida Style by C.J. STURTEVANT

IRAN Perception vs. Reality by NICK GREECE

36 48

COSTA RICA

WALLABY RANCH Wallaby + Wills Wing = Magic by PAUL VOIGHT

SLOVENIA A Paragliding Holiday by J.W. ROBINSON

HANG GLIDER DROGUES Landing in Tight Spaces by JONATHAN DIETCH

MASTERING PARAGLIDING

FREE-FLIGHT FITNESS

THE FIX

TACO ALLEY

Excerpt from a new technique manual.

KELLY FARINA

A day-by-day plan for getting you pumped up.

BEN ABRUZZO

Both hang gliders and paragliders suffer from flutter.

DENNIS PAGEN

Sometimes your reasoning is all about the seasoning.

NICK GREECE

8 9 62 64 64

BRIEFINGS AIRMAIL RATINGS CALENDAR CLASSIFIED

HANG GLIDING

PARAGLIDING &

Martin Palmaz, Publisher executivedirector@ushpa.aero

toast…to the members of the USHPA! Let’s be honest, we’re the best! A diverse group of unique individuals, flatlanders, mountain folk, city dwellers, and everything in between. I hope we can take this time

to focus on celebrating each other for what truly deserves to be celebrated. Often in this magazine you read about massive flights in extreme conditions, foreign sojourns, competitions, and feats of strength. This is often because the folks who thrive in those spaces, in our sports, are also the ones who enjoy writing about it, and promoting their endeavors for personal reward or in the hopes of inspiring others. This doesn’t signify that these types of stories are the most important. In fact, for the record, they are not. The pilots who safely fly for thousands of flights, or those who don’t cheat death over and over while flying cross country but simply, and eloquently, go out for a nice day in the air, are the real heroes of the association. Those who manage local relationships with landowners, mentor, fly when the conditions are perfect, and support our kooky network of like-minded folks need to be recognized more. We need you to send in stories of pilots in your community who inspire with their skill, sound and sustainable judgment, community service, and commitment to supporting free flight in a positive way. These, and characteristics like these, should be propelled along with the more niche areas of the sports, but we need your help in identifying our heroes! The July/August issue starts off with an update from PASA and a little backstory for the membership at large and a highlight on the progress and decrease in dues that are a result of a higher safety record for instructors. Kelly Farina is back with an excerpt from his book, Mastering Paragliding, which is available in the USHPA store, and Ben Abruzzo, X-Alps trainer extraor-

dinaire, sent in a piece on how to stay fit for flying. Our staff contributors are back with a new piece from Dennis Pagen on sail flutter, and C.J. Sturtevant returns from Costa Rica as she and her husband, George, keep living the dream retirement plan. Bruce Goldsmith, BGD designer and World Champion pilot, discusses relative wind, and John Robinson is back from another paragliding holiday, this time in Slovenia! Jonathan Dietch offers his take on why flying with a drogue opens up a whole new world of possibilities and performance. Hopefully there is something in here that piques your interest, but if you are looking for something different, send in some ideas to the airmail section about the heroes of our sports. Let’s join together to make sure that the pilots around us who are walking the walk by demonstrating a deep understanding of what makes our sports safe, fun, and sustainable are getting the encouragement and recognition they deserve.

Nick Greece, Editor editor@ushpa.aero advertising@ushpa.aero Greg Gillam, Art Director art.director@ushpa.aero C.J. Sturtevant, Copy Editor copy@ushpa.aero Staff Writers

Photographers

Annette O'Neil

John Heiney

Dennis Pagen

Jeff Shapiro

Jeff Shapiro C.J. Sturtevant

SUBMISSIONS HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING welcomes editorial submissions from our members and readers. All submissions of articles, artwork, photographs and or ideas for articles, artwork and photographs are made pursuant to and are subject to the USHPA Contributor's Agreement, a copy of which can be obtained from the USHPA by emailing the editor at editor@ushpa.aero or online at www.ushpa.aero. HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING reserves the right to edit all contributions. We are always looking for well written articles and quality artwork. Feature stories generally run anywhere from 1500 to 3000 words. News releases are welcomed, but please do not send brochures, dealer newsletters or other extremely lengthy items. Please edit news releases with our readership in mind, and keep them reasonably short without excessive sales hype. Calendar of events items may be sent via email to editor@ushpa.aero, as may letters to the editor. Please be concise and try to address a single topic in your letter. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. If you have an idea for an article you may discuss your topic with the editor either by email or telephone. Contact: Editor, Hang Gliding & Paragliding magazine, editor@ushpa.aero, (516) 816-1333. ADVERTISING ALL ADVERTISING AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES MUST BE SENT TO USHPA HEADQUARTERS IN COLORADO SPRINGS. All advertising is subject to the USHPA Advertising Policy, a copy of which may be obtained from the USHPA by emailing advertising@ushpa.aero.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING (ISSN 1543-5989) (USPS 17970) is published monthly by the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc., 1685 W. Uintah St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, (719) 632-8300, FAX (719) 6326417. Periodical postage is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER Send change of address to: USPA, P.O. BOX 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement #40065056. Canadian Return Address: DP Global Mail, 4960-2 Walker Road, Windsor, ON N9A 6J3 COPYRIGHT ©2016 United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc., All Rights Reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

PILOT BRIEFINGS

NEWS + PRODUCTS + ANNOUNCEMENTS

Flymaster TRACKER PRO BOX

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BGD gliders is pleased to announce

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ing Bruce Goldsmith Design gliders and

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tion. Dealer inquiries welcome.

The Tracker is a waterproof cell-

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TECHNICAL

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books + videos + calendars + cards 8

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

charms

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SEE THE ENTIRE LINEUP @ ushpastore.com

A REMINDER ABOUT THE

REGIONAL DIREcTOR NOMINATIONS

Directors up for re-election in 2017:

Do you know someone who is passion-

Region 1 (1 seat)

ate about hang gliding and paragliding,

AK, OR, WA

Every year, the USHPA presents awards and

has a desire to help with the protection

Mark Forbes

commendations to those people making

and growth of free-flight aviation, can

USHPA AWARDS PROGRAM

contributions to our sport that their peers

both create goals to achieve their ideas

Region 2 (2 seats)

consider worthy of recognition. In order for

and then follow through on them? Then

North CA, NV

this process to work, nominations must be

please nominate them for the Regional

Josh Cohn

submitted to the Awards committee by any

Board of Directors at USHPA! You may

Jon James (not running for re-election)

individual by October 1.

nominate people in your region who are

Region 3 (2 seats)

Presidential Citation: USHPA’s highest

interested in taking on the job. (You do

South CA, HI

honor

not need to re-nominate current direc-

Ken Andrews, Alan Crouse

also nominate yourself. Please only

tors). Regional Directors are the cor-

Rob Kells Memorial Award: for a pilot or group having a long-term commitment of

Region 4 (1 seat)

service to hang gliding or paragliding or

nerstone of the US Hang Gliding and

AZ, CO, UT, NM

both

Paragliding Association. They are the

Ken Grubbs

USHPA Exceptional Service: for outstanding

mouthpiece of the members that they

service during 2017 Region 5 (1 seat)

NAA Safety Award: from the US National

gliding & paragliding. The USHPA wants

ID, MT, WY, Canada

Aeronautic Assoc. for promotion of safety

and needs participation in this process.

Josh Pierce (not running for re-election)

represent and for the sports of hang

FAI Hang Gliding Diploma (includes paragliding): outstanding contribution to the

Regional Directors must be able to Region 6 (1 seat)

development of the sport (from the interna-

(some expenses reimbursed), interact

AR, KS, MO, NE, OK, International

tional aero-sports governing body)

with committees, participate in open

Tiki Mashy

travel to board meetings twice yearly

discussion forums, and represent members in the region.

FAI Pepe Lopes Medal: promotion of sportsmanship and/or international understanding

Region 7 - No election this year IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, ND, SD, WI

To become a regional director:

Chapter of the Year: your chapter because it’s done great things in promoting safety and the sport

1. By AugUST 11 - Nominate yourself

Region 8 - No election this year

Newsletter/Website of the Year: your

(or another) by completing the online

NH, CT, ME, MA, RI, VT

chapter’s newsletter for its service to the members

Regional Director Nomination Form

2. By SeptEMBER 1 - Submit a bio about

Region 9 (1 seat)

Instructor of the Year: one paragliding, one

yourself for the upcoming election.

DC, DE, KY, MD, OH

hang gliding instructor

3. By SeptEMBER 1 - Submit a “VOTE

Larry Dennis

Recognition for Special Contribution: for a non-member’s exceptional contributions

FOR ME” statement for the November Election Issue of the magazine.

Region 10 (1 seat)

USHPA Commendation: for members who

4. Starting Nov 1 - VOTE! Elections

AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VI, PR

have volunteered “above and beyond”

begin November 1. On December 15th,

Matt Taber, Bruce Weaver

Bettina Gray Award: USHPA’s recognition of a member’s photography

Regional Director votes will be tallied via online ballots from active USHPA

Region 11 (1 seat)

Best Promotional Film: showing aesthet-

members of each region. Election

LA, TX

ics, originality and positive portrayal of our

results will be announced on the USHPA

Tiki Mashy

website, www.ushpa.aero.

sports

Region 12 - No election this year

The official description of each award can

NJ, NY

be found at https://www.ushpa.org/page/ award-nomination-process.

Nomination deadline August 11, 2017

The online award nomination form is found at https://www.ushpa.org/page/awardnomination-form.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

INSTRUCTION Mastering Paragliding by Kelly Farina

ver wondered why the same

frequently made by many across the

faces consistently climb out

globe.

and effortlessly carve around

The more-versed pilots make fewer

The Swing Through: Due to long lines, paragliders have a large pendulum instability. This becomes more

even the lightest thermals, breaking

mistakes in their “carve,” their orbit

apparent when changing direction or

through an inverted sky like a hot

around the thermal, or in the strategy

when turbulence goes unchecked. This

knife through butter? Is it because of

with which they map the climb and

results in an increase in speed, as the

that high-aspect-ratio glider with its

home in on the strongest part of the

pilot swings through under the canopy.

3% better sink rate? Have they sold

thermal in order to spend as much

Converting height to speed is not ideal,

their souls to the devil? Or is it some-

time as possible in it, or in both. These

especially in light lift. Vario readings

thing simpler and more conceptual?

techniques highlight the importance

become wildly inaccurate while swing-

Could it be that, with practice, hobby

of skill over equipment, as any advan-

ing.

pilots could master this technique, too.

tage gained often comes down to fewer

I say it is more simple, but easy is not a

mistakes.

word I’d use. So what truly separates novices

COMMON MISTAKES

The Kick Out/Drop In: Ideally the carve should be as smooth as possible. Often when initiating the “flow” (a series of 360s) the wing returns to

from the so-called “Sky Gods” (a term I

The Wide Turn: Novices tend to turn

level flight, producing a sequence of

prefer not to use, as it implies an unat-

too wide, requiring much larger ther-

90-degree turns followed by a loss of

tainable level). Simply put, they make

mals, thereby spending much of their

height, as the energy is lost. This usual-

fewer mistakes, mistakes that are too

carve outside of the core.

ly occurs when not enough roll (weight shift) was applied in conjunction with brake input. Applying too much roll and brake is equally inefficient, resulting in the leading edge “dropping in.” This spiral entry turn will almost certainly cause the instrument to go silent, as the climb rate may not support this level of aggression. Both these entries are very inefficient, because it takes time to get the glider flying smoothly and levelly again, before attempting to re-enter the flow. These three simple mistakes can make the difference between gaining or losing height when the going gets tough. Careering in and out of the core while swinging around under the

ABOVE Cedar Wright launching with aplomb | photo by Hadley Hammer.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

canopy in a weak climb will almost

certainly cause a pilot to land soon after. That type of climb doesn’t allow that amount of inefficiency, whether it be the inability to home in on the center due to untrue vario readings or that too much height was converted to speed. Either way, the more technical the climb, the more “technique” is required. What makes a day technical? Remember that almost everyone can climb when conditions are booming. (Sometimes it’s hard not to!) It’s often the less experienced who seem to be the first to suffer when the day gets more technical, that is, when the conditions of the climb become narrower and lighter. Adding wind into the equation can increase the technicality tenfold.

The Path of Progress Three key steps that contribute to owning a strong thermaling technique need to be learned and practiced, in order. Skipping steps will produce poor results. Some may disagree with me,

can be in and out of a smaller climb

The final stage of learning to flow is

but I see the order going something

(saucer) or just around in the weaker

the ability to open and close the carve

like this:

part, never exploiting its true poten-

in the desired direction, as the pilot

tial. This is a compromise of radius vs.

moves towards the core while map-

1. Correct radius. 2. Clean it up.

sink rate, allowing us to place our flow

ping, all without the penalty of height

3. Move it around the sky, cleanly

where we need it the most, in the nar-

loss.

and without the usual penalties. Correcting the radius helps keep

rower core.

An important byproduct of this

Next, I noticed that a pilot needs to

smooth flight means we can trust the

pilots from turning too wide. On a

concentrate on cleaning up the “4 for

reading of our instruments, allowing

cross-country flight many years ago,

90” carve or “flow.” Acting as suspen-

us to open our orbit in the right direc-

I identified some characteristics of a

sion, the pilot takes out the bumps,

tion more accurately and enabling the

successful flight. The first was that it

swings and surges. The smoother we

higher level of mapping to be learned.

took 16 seconds for me to complete

can travel under the wing, without any

This is the soul of our sport and is ar-

each 360, answering the question of

large changes in speed, the better we

guably the real difference between the

how tight a turn should be. (An answer

will climb. This smoothness alone can

Master and the Apprentice.

in meters is not helpful, because we

help one pilot outclimb another.

have no way of measuring.) This “4 for 90,” meaning each 90 degrees should be completed in four seconds, has become my rule of thumb. Having the correct radius when ther-

Over the years I’ve noticed that all good pilots follow what is called the “Golden Rule.” Simply stated this means that “no matter how their wings move overhead, the pilots’ speed through

maling is critical, since we wish to put

the air should remain as constant as

a saucer on a plate, not the other way

possible.” With less height converted to

around. A wide, unwieldy turn (plate)

unwanted speed, they will climb better.

This is an edited version of a chapter from Kelly Farina’s new book Mastering Paragliding. For more details about the techniques discussed here, visit www.austrianarena.com or read the full chapters in the book, available at the USHPA store, at www.ushpa.org.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Free-flight

FITNESS by BEN ABRUZZO

itness is a topic that evokes

an impact tomorrow. So let’s drill

healthy fats, and fruit in moderation.

wide-ranging opinions, theories,

down to specifics. This is not intended

Drink lots of water.

and strongly held beliefs. The

as the perfect fitness program, but rather a set of principles to help get

less and some need more, but don’t

able on the Internet is overwhelming.

you going. Let’s start by grabbing the

sacrifice sleep to stay up binge-watch-

In this discussion, we will focus on a

low-hanging fruit:

ing bad TV.

few topics that we hope will contribute to a long and safe flying career. Many characteristics of free flight

Stand and walk as much as possible. If you are desk-bound, look into purchasing a standing desk.

Most pilots don’t spend their days preparing for the X-Alps, but spending a few hours a week improving

Eat real food. This topic is as

your aerobic conditioning, strength,

out is the length of time within our

charged as our current political

and flexibility/mobility will likely do

lifespan during which we can partici-

climate, but some simple rules are:

wonders for your flying now and far

pate. In order to do so, however, we

remove sugar (no sugary sodas!), pro-

into the future.

must maintain a reasonable base of

cessed foods, fast food and anything

make it amazing. One that stands

Aerobic capacity (also known as

fitness and health. And there is not a

that has more than a few ingredients

cardio): Improvements in this area

wrong time to begin this condition-

from your diet. Do eat meat, fish,

will lead to better heart health, im-

ing. Everything you do today will have

vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds,

proved lung function, faster recovery,

ABOVE Gavin

Sleep. Just that: sleep. Some need

sheer amount of information avail-

McClurg getting ripped | photos by Jody MacDonald.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

and a general decrease in the time

balanced and to have a good, usable

spent complaining about how far

range of motion to decrease the likeli-

away launch is from the car.

hood of injury. For the general pilot, I would recom-

Strength: In this context, we are looking for relative strength. Or, in

mend four one-hour training sessions

other words, making you as strong

as the baseline to shoot for each week.

as possible, given your desired size,

You can obviously go up from there.

weight, and other limitations like

To cover the bases, two of those ses-

age and genetic makeup. Time spent

sions should focus on aerobic condi-

working on strength is the building

tioning and two sessions on strength.

block that will promote injury preven-

Every session and, ideally, every day

tion and will give you the most “bang

should have a flexibility/mobility

for your buck” as you age. Strength

component. Now that we have defined the areas

training can be intimidating, and many mountain/adventure athletes

of interest, let’s put it into practice.

have not spent much time in the gym.

This is just an example and there are

But don’t shy away from this compo-

many other ways to skin the cat.

nent. Flying can be a very low-impact, low-strength-demand sport. But

Days 1 and 3: Aerobic session

consider getting plucked, a downwind

Depending on where you are coming

landing, a PLF, riser twists, and even just a very long day in turbulent air. In those situations, having a bit more

from in your fitness journey, these injury.

could be shorter or longer. First

Flexibility/mobility: Most of us

choose your activity. You could choose

strength and general athleticism

equate flexibility to statically stretch-

running, hiking, biking, SUP, rowing,

could make the difference between

ing the muscles. While this is good, it

indoor rowing, XC skiing, ski touring

simple embarrassment and serious

is not enough. Aim to be anatomically

(my favorite) or any number of other

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

activities. I would avoid the elliptical

very quickly, so here are some basic

machine and choose to run or hike

principles:

twist at bottom + 5 Hindu pushups +

1. If you don’t know what you are

30-second pigeon stretch of each leg.

if possible. Here are a few sample

doing, then you don’t know what you

Rest 1-2 minutes between sets. Then

sessions:

are doing. Hire someone to teach you.

outdoors rather than on a treadmill

Example 1: Warm-up 5-10 minutes at a very easy pace, then 30-50

2. Get strong enough to manipulate your body weight, then graduate to

accumulate XXX pushups (could be 50 or 200 depending on you); each time you break a set, do 5-10 body-weight

minutes at 65-70% perceived effort

using weights, machines and equip-

squats. After the pushups and squats

for a given distance. Then cool down

ment.

accumulate, 4 minutes of plank hold.

5-10 minutes. Cool-down can be

3. Be disciplined. Use good form. If it

maximized by using opposite muscle

feels bad or weird, stop. But differenti-

groups or an altogether different

ate between soreness or fatigue and

activity. An example is backwards

pain. Pain is bad.

walking or swimming after a run.

4. High reps with low weight leads

Each time you break the plank, do 10 leg raises. Example 2: Gym setting with free weights and machines available Warm-up 5 minutes easy pace on

to increased mass. Low reps, high

spin bike or treadmill, then 5 super

to begin with, but I would advocate

weight makes you stronger without

sets of 8 squats (no weight). Hold at

using a heart-rate monitor and shoot-

adding bulk or mass.

Perceived effort is a good baseline

ing for a working heart rate of 180, minus age.

5. Larger compound movements should make up the bulk of your

the squat bottom for 2 seconds + 8 bent over dumbbell rows (light dumbbells here) + 7 very light Romanian

strength training, with “isolation”

Deadlifts, rest 1-2 minutes between.

at an easy pace, then 20-30 minutes,

movements to correct imbalances.

Then, work up to a moderately heavy

alternating 1 minute @ 85-90% effort,

Examples of compound movements

set of 5 hex-bar (also known as trap-

with 1 minute easy to moderate effort,

include squats, deadlifts, lunges, pull-

bar) deadlifts. Then 3x5 hex-bar dead-

and then cool down, using the same

ups, and dips.

lifts @ 85% of your heavy from earlier

Example 2: Warm-up 5-10 minutes

principles as above.

Days 2 and 4: Strength Sessions This could get overly complicated

10-meter walking lunge with a torso

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Keeping in mind the above principles, here are a few sample sessions:

(rest 3-4 min between sets). Then 6 super sets of 10 each leg Bulgarian

Example 1: Body weight only

split squats + as many as you can do

Warm-up with 5 super sets of

of strict pull-ups.

ABOVE & BELOW

You lift bro? "Sure do." Photos by Jody MacDonald

ou might be looking at these strength workouts and thinking it sounds like Greek. My

advice is to seek out professional help. Hire a trainer or a coach to get you started. You don’t have to use them indefinitely, but they will teach you

Ben Abruzzo is a pilot, skier, runner, climber and general mountain athlete. He has been coaching and training athletes for more than a decade, including X-Alps and X-Pyr athletes. You can find out more at www. thesnowgoat.com.

form, good mechanics, and expose you to enough workouts to figure out how to move forward. You didn’t learn to paraglide or hang glide on your own, and exercise is no different. Finally, each day, regardless of what type of day it is, should be concluded with 10-15 minutes of flexibility, mobility and foam rolling. If you need some help, buy the book Supple Leopard by Dr. Kelly Starrett and put those practices into use. This is by no means an exhaustive list, or the only way to work on your general health and fitness. But I hope that these thoughts and examples might inspire you get out, get on a program, and make thoughtful exercise part of your weekly routine. If you do, I guarantee you’ll start flying farther and you’ll feel a lot better.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

theFIX Author’s note: Most of this article pertains to hang gliding, although I discuss paragliding aspects of flutter. Soon we will begin a weather series pertinent to both HG and PG.

by DENNIS PAGEN

how to deal with typical minor failures,

Here’s how flutter works (but you

and here we present the problems and

don’t need to know this to want to

solutions.

avoid it): The air flowing over your sail

SAIL FLUTTER

ing edge. But if the sail is not very taut,

Flutter in flying is only desirable if you

it (the sail) will be forced upward. With

(wing) is forced downward at the trail-

eriodically, in the dark recesses

are a butterfly or perhaps a kestrel.

the sail curving upward, there is now

of a pilot’s mind, comes the

In general, to no small degree, flut-

a force pulling it back down. It will be

need for a flying fix. That need

ter hurts glide performance. Flutter

pulled down past its normal rest posi-

probably has a kinship to other human

equals drag. We can say from experi-

tion, so the downward-curved sail now

obsessions, but that is not the “fix”

ence that if your trailing edge flutters,

experiences an upward force. The pro-

we are interested in here. Let some

it is as if you were flying with a drogue

cess repeats and continues as long as

psychology PhD candidate do a study

chute about the size of the fluttering

the airflow is maintained. Once flutter

on flying fixes; we are onto something

area, dragging down your perfor-

starts it can move more and more sail,

more practical. The fixes we are deal-

mance. We can say from observation

but it is usually limited by damping in

ing with are solutions to the niggling

that all types of gliders can flutter, but

the system. By then the performance

little nuisances in our quotidian flying.

lesser performing gliders, with their

degradation has taken effect, so flutter is a bummer.

Most of these problems are due to the

looser sails, lesser batten density and

nature of the beast (glider design) and

greater sail area between battens are

wear. Over the years we have learned

more prone to flutter.

Succinctly put: You don’t want flutter, and you don’t have to live with it. The easiest way to get rid of flutter is to tighten the battens on either side of the fluttering area, and possibly the sail itself at the leading edge. While this adjustment may be easy, it usually doesn’t stop the flutter. So the next step is to do what some manufacturers do: put short little battens at the trailing edge where flutter occurs. These battens should be placed essentially midway between the local full-length battens (they can best be put on the underside, but on some gliders, the double surface is in the way). The Moyes Gecko comes with an antiflutter batten on each side. They can be rolled up with the sail. I have a friend who glued popsicle sticks to the flutter areas of his sail. They work. I have seen others sew on little batten pockets to receive short trailing-edge battens. However, I think the most elegant solution is to sew a strip of female (the

ABOVE Short batten installed on the trailing edge where flutter occurs.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

fuzzy side) Velcro to the sail, and then

needle out with the line and tie it off

glue the male Velcro (the prickly side)

I have performed this operation using

to a short batten. Then the batten can

both Dacron leech line and Kevlar line).

to a batten grommet or to itself (new

be put on and pulled off the sail very

Now, open up one end of the hollow

batten arrangements do not use grom-

easily during setup and breakdown.

line and shove the piano wire needle

mets). Then, when you pull tension on

This arrangement is shown in figure 1

inside. Once you have at least 6 inches

the line it is distributed along its entire

on the following page.

of the needle fed into the line, smear

length as long as you have not forced

Superglue all around the outside of

your needle through a sewing seam.

string the trailing edge seam (this is

the cord to glue it firmly to the piano

Just a little tension in the line tied off

the normal procedure for sailboat

wire. Now, sharpen the free end of

is usually enough to stop all flutter.

sails). Some manufacturers (notably

the piano-wire needle. Next, you will

Figure 2 shows the general arrange-

Icaro) still have gliders with a string

insert the needle into the trailing-edge

ment.

in the trailing edge that can be pulled

hem next to a batten, feed it along the

The fourth method of stopping flut-

to make the trailing edge virtually

inside of the hem, then back out at the

ter is the one I prefer, but it takes a bit

The third flutter solution is to

stiffer, and thus stop flutter. You can

next batten (batten patches and pock-

of effort and patience. This method

add a string to your trailing edge by

ets tend to have a sewing seam, so you

consists of creating a scallop in the

the following method: Get a length of

can’t pass the needle through them).

trailing edge by folding the trailing edge forward about the width of the

piano wire at least a foot long and at

Continue in this manner as far as

least 1/16th of an inch diameter. The

necessary to extend past all the flut-

trailing edge hem in the middle of

idea is to get a stiff wire to use it as a

tering areas. Typically you can start at

the length between the battens. Then,

needle. Now get some leech line (this

the tip and only put the trailing-edge

taper the fold to zero at the battens on

is hollow woven batten tie cord and

string past a few battens, since it is

either side as shown in figure 3. Once

usually can be purchased online or

the outboard areas that tend to flut-

you have made the fold, crease it with

from a boating shop). This line has a

ter. Once you have strung the trailing

a weight, and then sew along its edge

hollow braid, which is necessary (note,

edge in this manner, you can pull the

to hold it there permanently as shown.

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HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Use an overhand stitch with good

I often see flutter on a paraglider is

yourself flying and ending up broken

Dacron thread. I have performed this

during the collapse of one side. Any

down in the landing field needing to

operation a number of times with good

significant collapse results in the tip

load your glider and get home to your

results. It does take about a half hour

folding in. Often this folded portion

cold leftover dinner.

for each scallop, but the results are

starts fluttering, and drag is greatly

pleasing, if you hate flutter as I do.

increased. As a result, the glider tends

was discovered by my friend Dave

to turn towards the collapsed side. The

Haughwout. I say “discovered,” because

area between battens to help avoid

pilot has to counteract such a turn

he found the trick when a pop rivet fell

flutter, but even so, any stretching of

carefully (so as not to stall the opposite

out of his car’s front rack. Essentially,

Some manufacturers scallop the

the sail will result in flutter. Be espe-

side still flying). There is no immediate

the front rack tree pivots so that you

cially careful not to hit something solid

solution to such a result, other than

can put one end of the glider on this

with your trailing edge when you are

making pilots aware that flutter makes

rack, then lift the other end and swing

ground handling, or your glider will

the situation worse. So if you have a

it over the car roof in the rear. Figure 4

remind you of the mishandling the

collapse that flutters, consider it worse

shows this concept. You’ll be surprised

next time you fly by giving you a noisy

than one not fluttering and take care.

how easy it is to load a glider in this

Bronx cheer.

Perhaps designers can make changes

manner.

Here I promised to say a bit about

that can reduce this flutter (who wants

paragliding flutter. Happily, paraglider

battens on a paraglider?) but I haven’t

WORN ZIPPERS AND VELCRO

trailing edges do not flutter much

seen it addressed. Good pilots seem to

As we all know, a modern hang glider

because the pressure that keeps

suffer little consequence from a flut-

has a plethora of zippers (in the center

the entire wing open extends to the

tering collapse, so likely good control

of the lower surface, for sprog open-

back of the wing chord and keeps it

skills is the solution.

taut. Sometimes we see paraglider

One elegant solution to self-loading

ing, sometimes for tip-wand levers, and of course along the length of the

harnesses which are air-inflated (for

SELF-LOADING

cover). All of these zippers are made of plastic for lightness. Unfortunately,

bounce protection) experience some

When you get old and weak, self-load-

flutter immediately after launch, but

ing can lead to self-loathing. It is no

plastic zippers can wear out. I have

this flutter, while temporarily draggy,

secret that old folks lose muscle mass,

seen a number of them so worn that

soon stops as the harness gets filled

muscle tone and their coveted place at

they cannot be zipped. The fact is,

with air. However, an insidious place

Muscle Beach. But still you may find

merely using them can wear them, but

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

a couple practices make things worse. The first is closing a zipper under tension. Lower-surface center zippers

“Once Mylar gets folded, it will be more prone to do it again in the future if it has a roll in it.”

should never be closed if the glider’s

tected from the dirt. Anything else is a

tendency generally depends on the

VG is pulled. The same applies to the

waste of time and a waste of shekels.

Mylar stiffness, where the leading edge

sprog zippers. In fact, it is wise to never

Some gliders have tip openings

pocket is located and also how the sail

open the center zipper all the way once

that close with Velcro. Unfortunately,

the crossbar is attached—such a mis-

Velcro only closes and opens about 200

such a problem is to always be aware

take puts way too much tension on the

times before it gets worn and no longer

of it, then only put the first few battens

zipper. This tension is concentrated on

stays closed. There’s not much you can

in part way—leaving about a foot of

the teeth right where the zip closer is

do to avoid this on gliders with such

batten to be shoved in later. Then, by

sags during setup. My trick to avoid

located. If your zipper resists closing,

a closure, but you can avoid opening

about the fourth batten I can shove it

do not force it. Simply undo the cross-

them unnecessarily. Remember, an

all the way in and attach it. This batten

bar holdback and let the wings come

ounce of invention saves a round of

holds the Mylar in position so I can go

in a bit (there is no need to remove

pure angst.

back to 3, 2 and 1 and shove them the

battens—you can still swing the wings in a little).

LOOSE SIDEWIRES

rest of the way in and attach them. Generally, Mylar folding tendency

Some gliders (especially older models)

only occurs in the first few battens, but

cover bag. Never force the zipper. If it

have very loose side wires when the

I have seen a pilot with folded Mylar

The same idea applies to the glider resists closing, simply grab both sides

glider is on the ground. The loose side

out at the fifth batten. Each glider is

of the bag and pull them together, then

wire are intended to make the glider

different, so know yours. Also, folded

close the zipper as far as your gather-

more flexible in the air in order to

Mylar happens more readily when

ing allows. Then move back and repeat

make handling lighter. Unfortunately,

there is a significant wind on the

the process.

on launch the loose side wires make

glider’s tail during setup.

We can all figure this care regimen

the control bar wobbly and you do not

To be sure, folded Mylar is a problem in flight. It can create a horrible turn in

out, but I see many pilots making other

get as good feedback from the wing.

zipper and Velcro mistakes. The way

Also, a gust on the side that’s loose

the glider (and is one of the causes of

they put things away causes twice the

when you start your run can allow the

mysterious turns in a glider) or create

wear on their zippers. In general, I see

wing to move up quite a ways before

horrible handling. Nobody likes horror

them close zippers and Velcro un-

you detect the gust and make a correc-

in flight. Sometimes it only takes an

necessarily. For example, closing the

tion.

inch or two of fold to make a noticeable effect in flight.

zippers for the tip-wand lever opening

For that reason, I like to use a trick

is unnecessary and doubles the wear.

when I launch a loose-sidewire glider.

I like to leave my levers out (they are

If the wind is favouring one direction

more prone to do it again in the future

at the end of the glider and do not

to the side, or if gusts tend to be on

if it has a roll in it. A good solution

impinge on the sail), but they can be

one side (that is, one wing tends to get

in this case is to simply reverse your

folded back with the zippers left open.

lifted—you can usually tell this while

Mylar—put the left in the right and

One of the strange things I see is pilots

standing on launch) I start with bar

right in the left (this procedure revers-

Once Mylar gets folded, it will be

will zip their entire cover bag closed

tilted to keep the side wire on the lift-

es the roll, so the Mylar rear edge rolls

as they put it away in their car or roll

ing side taut. I keep the wings level, but

away from the inserted batten).

it for carrying in the harness. I don’t

I have the wire taut on the side I expect

understand why, unless they were

to get lifted. That way, as soon as I start

WHEELS

oppressed by an OCD mother. All this

my run I can be making a countering

Many of us have used wheels to SOS

does is double the wear on the zipper.

control if the wing gets lifted. It has

(Save Our Souls, if not bodies and

If you’ve ever had a blown-out cover

always worked for me.

pride). Wheels come in many designs

is and will learn how expensive it is

FOLDED MYLAR

experience recently with wheels, so

zipper, you will know what a hassle it

and forms. I have had an interesting

to change it or buy a new bag. All you

I have noticed that some gliders are

have been thinking of fixes. Stay tuned

have to do to a cover once it is off is to

prone to get their Mylar folded when

next month for some insights or hind-

roll or fold it up so the inside is pro-

the pilot inserts battens on setup. This

sights.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

COSTA RICA Escaping Winter Pura Vida Style

by C.J. STURTEVANT

he weather wonks who keep track of such things

frigid NorthWet into the sunny tropics, add a gentle on-

report that the 2016-2017 winter was one for the

shore breeze, and before 24 hours had gone by the launch

record books in the Pacific NorthWet. Those of us

who were stuck at home for any significant part of it can vouch for the seemingly endless cold and wind and rain

suck was impossible to resist. National parks could wait— we all wanted to get in the air NOW! No worries. Our condo was ideally situated for ridicu-

we endured from December through March. Those of us lucky enough to escape, even for just a couple of weeks, are now greeting spring with considerably less rust and frustration than our stuck-at-home flying buddies. George and I chose as our 2017 winter paragliding destination two weeks in Costa Rica with USHPA’s 2015 Instructors of the Year, Brad and Maren from Discover Paragliding. It was about as close to perfect a trip as one can expect of a flying vacation. The original plan was to join the pre-trip “Pura Vida” guided extension: four days of acclimatizing to the heat and “settling in” to our beachside condo accommodations in Jaco while exploring the country’s national parks and scenic coastlines. Coming from weeks with daily high temps less than 32°F into days with highs above 32°C made some adjustment time sound sensible! So that was the plan. But drop five escapees from the

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ABOVE Toucan hanging out near the fish taco restaurant | photo by Pete Reagan. TOP It’s a long way out to the beach over all those trees! Photo by C.J.

lously easy access to one flying site, and two others were within reasonable reach for day trips.

Jaco (Las Terrazas) This was our “home” site, and the one we flew most often. It was at most a 10-minute drive from condo to launch, which made for a leisurely day with plenty of time for some surf time before, after, or between flying. Launch is a huge, gently sloping dirt clearing on a long ridge; the huge grassy LZ is 800’ directly below takeoff. Brad and Maren are so familiar with this site that they were able to time each day’s arrival to the perfect launch window: enough upslope wind for launching, some thermal action, but early enough to avoid the stiff onshore breeze that blows hard and cross by mid-afternoon. Our tour was at the very beginning of the flying season, and the launch was a bit rough, with winter-rain-carved erosion gulleys, and most of last year’s pea-gravel protection from the red dirt washed away. It wasn’t just its convenience that made Jaco our favorite place to fly. For such a low site, it was surprisingly interesting, challenging and rewarding to fly. Our group consisted of pilots ranging in skill from new P-2s to a highly experienced P-5 sky god (who was also our designated photographer), and all of us had some of our favorite flights of the trip at Jaco. Some examples: We

Maren assessing conditions on Jaco launch, pre-makeover. A few days later, the red dirt was buried in clean pea gravel and the bushes were cleared for a more westerly takeoff. Photo by C.J. ABOVE

all found kicking the treetops trying to stay aloft in the really light “early” lift an excellent way to shake off the

behind launch to peek over the next ridge for a different

winter rust. We’d try to maximize what the ridge offered

view of the coastline and the mountains that were out of

from the day’s wind direction and velocity, hoping to be

sight from above the Jaco ridge.

still hanging in when the first thermals kicked off. But

The landing field at Jaco is huge and open, with only a

sinking out wasn’t a big deal, as either Brad or Maren

few trees to provide shade for packing up. The biggest,

would zip down to the LZ to bundle pilot and wing in the

shadiest tree was also strategically located quite close to

van and back up to launch for another go.

the “macaw tree” (which looked dead to me, but appar-

Once the thermal action started, the focus shifted from

ently it puts out leaves later in the season). Even without

just staying up to getting as high as possible—which

shade, it’s a favorite roosting spot for scarlet macaws—

wasn’t very high, with cloudbase at most a few thou-

dozens, maybe even hundreds, of them.

sand feet over launch but typically lower—in order to get above the sea breeze and into the offshore flow that

We’d spot a few, always in couples, flying the ridge with us during the day, but in the evening, just at sunset,

made it possible to “fly home” and land on the beach right

the sky would fill with pairs of macaws converging from

in front of our condo. This wasn’t anything to brag about,

all directions on this monster tree, all calling “maCAW,

XC-wise, but it sure was satisfying to come in high over

maCAW!” as they came in to roost, snuggling up together

the condo and touch down right in our front yard (and

in hollows in the trunk or out on the limbs. It was magi-

fold up on the grass, in the shade)!

cal to witness this nightly convergence, backlit by a bril-

Or, if we were high but didn’t want to fly home (and essentially end the morning’s flying), we’d attempt to cross the valley and explore to the south. Again, low cloudbase

liant sunset, and even more magical when we were able to be in the air when the macaw convergence began.

and weak thermals kept most XC options out of reach

Dominical

while we were there, but it always felt like an adventure

It’s over an hour’s drive south from Jaco to Dominical,

to gain enough altitude to venture across the valley or

but the site’s stunning beauty made it well worth the

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

trip. Launch at Dominical is a smooth, grassy slope above the forest, 1700 feet above sea level, and the LZ is a long glide away, on the beach. The tide and the wind both need to be favorable to make this site work; it’s really helpful having knowledgeable guides who can pick the right time on the right day to score a memorable flight. Once again low cloudbase added some challenges—it’s imperative to pay attention to altitude and drift to avoid getting stuck too far back or too far downwind to make it out to the beach, as there is nothing but unbroken forest between launch and any safe landing options. We all enjoyed playing around the clouds, climbing up alongside them, always keeping an eye on the escape pathway to avoid the white room, reluctantly giving up the game if we managed to sink below the “gotta head out NOW!” altitude. There was no second chance at Dominical—the road to launch was long and rough, and by afternoon the wind was too strong to fly. But if you had to land early, all was not lost. You could hang out in the shade and sip icy cold coconut water from the pipas frias sold by the beachside vendors, or you could walk a short distance to the fish tacos restaurant (where we all ended up after our flights, however long or short they may have been) for awesome tacos or fish and chips and frosty tamarind iced tea. Life is good!

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ABOVE C.J.

and George explore the rain forest | photo by Pete Reagan. BELOW Looking north from just above Caldera launch | photo by George.

27 national parks 58 wildlife refuges 32 protected zones 15 wetland areas 11 forest reserves 8 biological reserves

Other sites Our group never felt the need to fly anywhere other than these three sites, but there are certainly more options. Tres Marias is across the valley from Las Terrazas, but the LZ it shares with Las Terrazas is a long reach for EN-B wings, and the road to launch was rough and endless. We drove up to check it

Caldera (Nemaclys)

out on a day that was clearly blown out for flying, and it was a fun road

This is another site that is a lot more fun to fly than one might imag-

trip with a great view back to Jaco

ine from its description. Launch

and Las Terrazas from the over-

is a lovely grassy slope just 300

grown takeoff area. None of us were inclined to do a return trip on a

feet above the beach; the ridge is

“better” day, instead opting to try to

consistently soarable between a rocky point to the north, all the way

get high at Las Terrazas and cross to

down to where the ridge curves

Tres Marias from there. Some of us

away from the beach to the south.

got close, although nobody actually

We joked about it being “mac &

made it far enough up the valley to

cheese” soaring, but there were

tag the Tres Marias launch. Still, it’s

enough challenges to make things

always fun to have a lofty goal at a “mac & cheese” soaring site.

interesting. In order to reach the north point, for instance, you had to

Parrita requires a short hike to

get high enough to cross the valley

launch; Riva’s and Alex’s are inland

where the highway dropped down

mountain thermal sites nearly

to the sea, which meant somehow

three hours’ drive from Jaco. None

gaining enough altitude to get above

of these seemed as well suited to

the strong venturi that could pin

our group’s skills and desires as the

our EN-B wings in the gap, forcing

ones we were flying, so we never

an outlanding somewhere short of

ventured that far afield.

the point. It was here that we had

Makeover on Las Terrazas

a lot of help from the local birds, both zopilotes and frigate birds (or “friggin’ birds,” as Brad calls them, since they always seemed to be higher than we could get). Landing

TOP Macaws settling in for the night in the “macaw tree” in the LZ. BOTTOM Whiteheaded capuchin monkeys—they’re everywhere! Photos by Pete Reagan.

at Caldera is, like Dominical, on the

Towards the end of our trip, we arrived on launch to find dump trucks and backhoes and local pilots grooming the launch, filling in erosion gullies, improving the

beach, but, like Jaco, it’s right beneath launch so no wor-

slope, clearing bushes to increase launch options for a

ries about leaving early enough to make it out. And if you

wider range of wind directions, and best of all, depositing

did sink out (after making a dash for the north point, for

several full dumptruckloads of river-rounded pea gravel to

example, where those friggin’ birds were always circling

cover enough of the dirt surface to allow several pilots to

in lift we rarely found), it was a reasonable turnaround

lay out and launch without coating the wing with red dust.

to give it another go. Or, you could cruise back and forth

Awesome improvements!

on the ridge until that lost its appeal, and then go land on

and require prior arrangement and a site-use fee to fly

there.

OK to land and where it’s not, and we were totally satis-

the beach a bit south of the end of the ridge, right across from the smoothie shop. Lots of options, all good. Both Dominical and Caldera are on private property,

eorge and I have reached that “certain age” at which we really appreciate the convenience of having someone else worry about where to stay

or which site will work in the day’s weather, or where it’s

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

C.J. STURTEVANT

Cacao Plantation One of my favorite non-flying activities was a tour of a cacao plantation. The plantation is well off the beaten path, up in the coastal hills and accessible only by a long, winding, rough road. Our hostess provided a full-immersion tour of the chocolate-making process, including roasting the beans in a cast-iron cauldron over a wood fire, then crushing and grinding the roasted beans using tools and techniques that her family has used for generations. Back in the kitchen, we transformed the bitter cocoa powder into deep-dark chocolate confections, sweetened with cane molasses and smoothed with coconut oil to melt-inyour-mouth deliciousness. It was fascinating to listen to

PETE REAGAN

tales of her family’s history with cacao.

fied with Discover Paragliding’s tour guide service. Scott, a younger but considerably less experienced pilot who had learned to paraglide with Brad and Maren, found the guided tour to be a perfect fit with his skill level. “It put training days close together so I could learn faster, and the warm, sunny weather not only allowed us to fly most days, it was also more comfortable than flying around home. The camaraderie and diversity of our group made the experience more special.” Scott particularly enjoyed Caldera, where “you didn’t have to work hard and could just relax.” Scott’s ear-to-ear grin and big wave as he flew above me in the smooth air said it all! If do-it-yourself is more your style, Costa Rica should work well enough—they drive on the “right” side of

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Looking down on Jaco LZ from high above launch. Goal: the beach in front of the farthest right condos | photo by Pete Reagan.

Anyone who’s not into paragliding (or needs a day off!) will find plenty to do in family-friendly Costa Rica. The coast is made up of seemingly endless sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. Surfers and stand-up-paddleboarders of any skill level can find their personal perfect waves. Birdwatchers can’t help but be thrilled by a flyby of crayon-box-bright scarlet macaws, or a toucan perched in a tree. Less exotic but equally enthralling are the flocks of prehistoric-looking pelicans that cruise just above the wavetops. For some almost-feels-like-airtime, try ziplining through the jungle canopy.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a real gem, and the number of visitors attest to its popularity. Dozens of “guides” hang out just outside the park entrance, vying for tourist dollars and offering as close a guarantee for sighting iconic Costa Rica critters as you can get. Sloths lazily browse on leaves and monkeys cavort about high in the canopy. Countless iguanas—some as big as a house cat—sun themselves on rocks or tree trunks or the side of the path. Butterflies of all sizes and colors flit about the forest, including the giant blue morpho, a brilliant iridescent turquoise flash that zips Tinkerbell-style through the forest then magically disappears into the background the instant it lands and folds its wings. After your visit, find the trail to the nearby secluded beach to cool off in the gentle surf and enjoy the crystal clear, warm ocean. Leave somebody on shore while you swim to guard your “stuff”—from the monkeys, who’ll run off with anything left undefended.

Carara Nature Reserve offers a couple of hours of low-key, no-crowds wandering—trails meandering through the jungle, with excellent signage to shed light on the road, so no worries there, but not everyone speaks

the why’s and how’s of the weird plants and unusual ani-

English, so at least a bit of Spanish is helpful. We spent

mals. Visitors are few. Pose inside the giant tree buttresses

our two weeks in one little section on the Pacific coast;

and get down eye-to-eye with the leaf-cutter ants trudging

we barely scratched the surface of all there is to see

their leafy bits across the trail without intruding on anyone

and do on this enchanting island of Pura Vida. If you’re

else’s experience. After exiting the park (closed at 5:00),

already looking ahead to an escape from the 2018 winter

check out the crocodiles sunning on the banks of the Rio

blahs, consider late January or early February in Costa

Tarcoles. Bring binoculars!

Rica. Start making your plans—Pura Vida awaits you!

At the Rainmaker Conservation Project find riverside hiking complete with a waterfall swimming hole. Beyond

VIDEOS www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM4kdy39ZIY www.youtube.com/watch?v=emIe_GO0hc8 www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIQelV2ZbpQ

the waterfall pool is a system of canopy suspension bridges, allowing visitors to walk between platforms built on the giant trees high above the forest floor. Perfect for adventurous kids of all ages.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Perception vs. Reality:

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

by NICK GREECE

a young-yet-burgeoning online relationship, leaving each

and the ever-vigilant, fair-and-balanced Fox News relentless-

other comments of mutual admiration. I’ve tagged them at

ly perpetuating the stereotype of Iranians as anti-American

scenic paragliding locales here in the United States. In return,

zealots, I came to see it as my duty as a sportsman to get a

they’ve tagged me at even better sites in their home of Iran.

glimpse of the real Iran and report back what I experienced.

or two years, the names Mohammad Razeghi and

lay behind Iran’s cultural veil and a desire to disprove the

Soheil Barikani have appeared on my computer screen.

barrage of extremist stereotypes forced down our throats by

We’ve exchanged posts on Facebook and developed

As my new Iranian friends’ photos continued to appear on

the mainstream media. With Homeland, Madame Secretary,

My timing was fortunate. As the U.S. and Iran began talk-

my Facebook feed, I soon became deeply interested in visit-

ing under the guidance of President Obama and Iran’s new

ing a country I knew very little about.

president Hassan Rouhani, who’d been elected with the hope

During my lifetime, Iran has been alternately vilified and ignored by Western media. It’s become the proverbial “Ivan

of reducing cultural and geographic isolation, I entered their country and set out as the first American paraglider pilot

Drago” from Rocky 4, a manifestation of every stereotype that

to go on a flying road trip throughout Iran. No handlers, no

triggers America’s exacerbated fear of foreign superpowers.

government sycophants—just pilots on the road.

A year before I would get to go to Iran, my mother sent me

Some points to clear up right away: Iran, especially Tehran,

an article about several pilots who’d been forcibly admitted

is bustling. Stores are packed, roads are full of commuting

into an institution with arguably the highest concentration

citizens, and cafe-lined neighborhoods are electric at night.

of foreigners in the country—the infamous Evin Prison in

Even in the face of crippling United Nations and U.S. sanc-

Tehran. Because these adventure tourists had unwittingly

tions. Selfie-sticks and rhinoplasty are popular and Facebook

landed inside a nuclear facility’s sensitive zone, they were

is accessible through VPNs, though Tinder, well, not so much.

immediately placed into custody and held, along with their

No alcohol is available in public venues, but the Iranians

Iranian host-pilot, for nearly four months.

have turned concocting non-alcoholic libations into an art

Once I’d made up my mind to go to Iran, everyone I talked

form all its own. Religion is at once all-governing and quietly

to about my upcoming visit predicted a similar outcome for

subdued. Domestic flights are packed with vacationers

me. Perhaps a few even hoped for it, so they could do a cele-

en route to holy sites or sites of antiquity in Mashad, Yazd,

bratory, “I told you so.” (Author’s note: You know who you are.)

Shiraz, or Tabriz. While imported vehicles are extremely

Family, friends, and strangers alike all reacted by projecting

pricey, i.e., a Toyota Camry is exorbitantly expensive, much

their own stereotype-based fears onto me.

of the population drive Iranian-manufactured Fiats. The food

“You’ll end up in jail,” they said.

is outrageously good and plentiful. Ironically, or perhaps not,

“The ayatollahs will keep you,” they warned.

younger locals prefer fast food like fried chicken, pizza, or a

“You’re gonna film and fly paragliders? You’re crazy!” To

lesser quality rice-and-meat option to their delicious native

which I’d jokingly respond, “It won’t be so bad. Maybe I’ll

cuisine. Last, and most important, Iran’s people, as a rule

come out 20 pounds lighter and with a book deal.”

rather than an exception, are among the most welcoming,

This usually diffused the paranoia in the conversation, which would shift to the other, less harrowing aspects of a

considerate, kind, and generous I’ve ever encountered in my years travelling all around the globe.

trip to Persia. I found myself motivated by both a yearning to see what

OPPOSITE The author in Isfahan | photo by Mohammad Miralei.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

nsurprisingly, getting in to Iran was no easy feat.

After being told every month it was “imminent,”

Soheil Barikani, Iran’s number-one pilot, was on hand

it actually took two years to get a visa reference

to pick me up, and ushered me to the luxurious Hotel Evan.

number. In 2014, a team of U.S. pilots was all set to go and

Ironically, this is also the name of a famous gulag, in Iran,

had been assured everything was in order. But when our

where political prisoners and foreign nationals are held.

day of departure arrived, the visas did not, and so our trip was abruptly cancelled. By the following year I was the last one committed to

Soheil had given up a solid job as a mechanical engineer in order to fully dedicate his life to paragliding and, after six years in the air, had won several World Cup tasks. He con-

flying Iran, passing up numerous other projects and anchor-

fessed he’d become obsessed with racing paragliders, often

ing myself at home in case that elusive reference number

paying for his frequent travel by selling the prizes he won,

came through. I was told it would be a matter of days, but

importing flying gear, and teaching SIV courses. To obtain

months slowly passed without any sign of my number.

a visa, Iranian pilots often have to travel to Turkey or Dubai

Officials informed me that timelines for sporting visas for

just to visit the embassies of the countries they wished to

U.S. citizens are difficult to predict, and mine was no excep-

visit, as there are very few diplomatic operations in Iran.

tion. By September 2015 I’d resigned myself to never seeing

Over the next two days, Soheil and I spent a lot of time

Iran. As often happens in life, just as I gave up, my reference

together in the car, crawling through Tehran’s slow, steady

number finally arrived. I received my permit late on a Sunday night. On Monday,

traffic sharing a prodigious amount of knowledge about our esoteric adventure sport—from reserve tosses to compar-

I packed and wrapped up as much work as I could. Tuesday

ing sport-defining wings ranging from the Avax RSE to the

I flew to Washington, D.C., so I could apply for my visa in

Mantra 10.2. Luckily, we could nerd-out for hours, lost in our

person on Wednesday and depart that same evening.

mutual obsession for free-flight minutiae.

The embassy was filled with soon-to-be travelers. A

On the first day of our journey we visited the Azadi Tower

gentleman next to me, curious about the what appeared to

on Freedom Square, which stands on the western gate of a

be the only non-Iranian in the room, quietly inquired, “You

massive, nine-million-strong Tehran. Built in 1971 to com-

go to Iran?”

memorate the 2500th anniversary of the Persian Empire,

“Yes, sir,” I responded.

this “gateway into Tehran” was named the Shahyad (“King’s

“Aren’t you afraid of the danger?”

Memorial”) in honor of the Shah, but was later changed

To be honest, up until that point, I hadn’t been. I struggled for a reply.

to Azadi (“Freedom”) after the Revolution of 1979. Hossein Amanat, a Baha’I, was the architect who planned the elegant,

“It’s perception versus reality, isn’t it?” I asked hopefully.

45-meter-high tower, but he was driven from the country by

I’d started strong, but the second those words came out

the revolution and subsequent removal of religious plural-

of my mouth I began to falter, wondering just who I thought I was to be spouting such potentially naïve ideology and

ism. When I exited the car to take photos for the first time in

thumbing my nose at the US Government travel advisory

Freedom Square, truth be told, I was deeply intimidated.

that was in place.

The rhetoric that permeates American pop-culture, the deep

He nodded his head, but my strong footing had been

concern of my parents, and a bit of general culture shock

shaken. Waiting my turn, I contemplated my decision to

all led to a hightened state of concern, even though I prided

go and the accuracy of my worldview. Yet when I got to

myself on being an open-minded individual.

the window I submitted my documents and secured my

That evening we met Lilly, a paraglider pilot living in

returned passport and visa. By 10:30 p.m. I was on a plane

Tehran with a second home in Tabriz, where she imports

headed to Iran.

auto parts from Turkey. Lithe and blonde, she greeted us

arrived in Tehran late the next night after three airports

with beverages and a smile, dressed as if she’d just finished a yoga class. Lilly has been advocating both publicly and

and 17 hours. A frequent traveler, I knew how to comply

privately for the lifestyle she desires—living alone, running

with airport personnel so as not to risk the ire of over-

her own business, and flying paragliders. She quickly made

zealous civil protectors. The Iranian admission process was

easy, even friendly. With the exception of fingerprinting,

cessed my papers and sent me on my way.

a positive impression. Adventure sports attract individuals who seek out and

that is, a task both the officials and I were eager to get over

cherish life experiences. They’re an interesting mix of think-

with during the wee hours of the morning. One of them, a

ers, doers, travelers, risk-takers, fear-conquerors, curiosity-

young officer, extended a good-natured welcome. “You must

seekers, explorers, thrill-seekers, addictive personalities,

try dili kebab when you are here,” he insisted as he pro-

ADD-riddled minds who’ve found their condition beneficial,

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

problem solvers, the ruggedly defiant, or those demanding

soldiers, celebrated for their ultimate service, who had per-

control over their own lives in the face of intractable fear.

ished in the horribly grotesque, no-holds-barred Iran-Iraq

The Journal of Personality and Sociology postulates that the

war, that claimed more than 500,000 lives with many more

motive for skydiving is strongly associated with sensation

than that injured. This seemed to be more than an honoring

seeking; the motive for mountaineering is strongly associat-

of fallen soldiers, but a constant reminder that all Iranian

ed with emotions related to a desire for self-regulation. We

citizens may be called upon again to repel invaders at any

soon discover that the three of us sit directly in the middle

cost necessary. Soheil debated whether to stay with a local

of these two subsets. And while hailing from a New York

pilot or check into a hotel so my passport would be regis-

suburb versus Tehran couldn’t be farther from a shared

tered at a lodging, giving the officials ability to track me. We

reality in the nurture column, we shared a lot in the nature

took a chance and stayed with Mohammed Miralei, who

side of the equation.

opened the gated walls to his family house when we arrived

he next day, I met with Mohammad Razhegi, the con-

late in the night with a smile and a cup of tea shortly after. Mohammed provided not only an amazing array of teas

tact who had secured my visa; he informed me that

but also a lovely guest room, consisting of a large common

he was headed to Turkey for an APPI training and that

sitting parlor with a kitchen, and showed me around the

Soheil would take good care of me. After a long conversation

amazing city of Esfahan. Blankets were brought forth and

and a delicious meal, Mohammed escorted me to a hasty

unfurled over incredibly ornate Esfahan Persian rugs to

roadside hand-off to Soheil, where a photographer for the

make our beds. We set our alarms for an early start, and I

Iranian Paragliding Association’s magazine snapped a photo

fell asleep to the rhythmic pattern of Soheil’s snoring. One

of all of us. It was late, we were on a dark road with cars

of his signature abilities is falling asleep in mere seconds of

whizzing by, and, much to my surprise, my caretakers start-

becoming horizontal, mouth agape, emitting a strong gut-

ed screaming at each other in Farsi, as the photographer and

tural orchestra until sunrise.

I shared an awkward desire to be anywhere but there. I learned later that the anger was sparked in Soheil by our

On the way to launch the next morning, we met Fateme Eftkari, Mohammad Semnani, who holds numerous dis-

late arrival at the arranged meeting with him. He’d been

tance records at the Rokh, and four other eager pilots. The

waiting for hours and felt resentful about having to begin

Rokh is one of the most famous places to fly in Iran and, in

our five-hour drive to Esfahan. Soheil is a pilot’s pilot and

fact, the reason Iran popped onto my big-flight radar, after

could not believe that we had jeopardized getting to launch

Oriol Fernandez and Mohamad Semnani put up numer-

the next day for a meal, and since he had planned for us to

ous 200km flights on Xcontest.org. It’s an epic big-air site;

fly the Rokh, the crown jewel of big-air flying in Iran, early

however, it sits near a military installation. Rokh is also

the next morning, we had to get on the road. Even more

the site where a group of Slovakians and their Iranian host

infuriating was the fact that Mohammad did not have my

had inadvertently become entangled with the government

flying permit from the National Association to send with me,

in 2014, landing them in jail for more than three months.

which I would be required to present to the police, if I landed

One of the pilots had set down inside the military installa-

anywhere but in official landing areas. Not having the

tion, another turned out to be a nuclear scientist, and other

permit presented a problem for both Soheil and me, as his

members of the group were flying with large DSLR cameras

liberty was directly tied to mine as my new guide.

as well as contraband. The incident became a debacle, and a

My instinct for preservation manifested slowly, but started to gain steam as I became increasingly aware of my tenuous understanding of what was happening around me.

huge weight for Soheil when we flew there, as the previous group’s host had also served the same amount of time. As an American without a flying permit in hand, and only

I was alone, flying as the first American paraglider pilot in

the second foreigner to fly the site since the Slovakian in-

Iran, and was toting at least six cameras. My hosts, my only

carceration, Soheil was stressed, as he had previously been

safety net, were not seeing eye-to-eye, and I had no idea

detained for flying over a military installation, and who

what they were arguing about. On numerous occasions over

understood fully that his freedom was directly tied to mine.

the next 10 days, Soheil spoke angrily into his phone, while

I was told not to bring the DSLR on this flight, to which I hap-

trying to update Mohammad, who periodically checked in

pily agreed, and to land in the designated landing zone. If I

as to our whereabouts. I practiced a meditative mantra to

didn’t, there was a strong chance I (and probably he) would

put their conflict out of mind and convinced myself that all

be detained.

would be OK. We drove all night, arriving in Esfahan at 1 a.m. Every town we passed through was adorned with the faces of

The weather looked ideal, and I thought it would be reasonable to go anywhere I liked, and more importantly, return, for a few hours, assuming there was no catastrophic

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

failure. Competitions and all the flying I’d done over the last 15 years gave me confidence I could reach any landing zone,

various corridors around us. We flew back toward launch

if necessary. And in Iran, I knew I had to. Especially at Rokh.

and landed directly below, about an hour before the entire

The Rokh, located 70 km from Isfahan’s historic city at the

sky overdeveloped and a gust front ripped through the land-

eastern side of the Central Zagros mountain chain, is the

ing zone. The excitement was palpable. We shared high fives

biggest-air site in Iran—a decent number of pilots fly 200km

and tales of eagles screaming past us in strong climbs. The

flights every year, and base can be at 6500 meters.

only difference from a normal day at my local big-air site

We took off and, after a little struggle, climbed, but when the inversion popped, I climbed to 15,000 feet, adopting a conservative flying style. I wanted to be sure I returned after our short 25-mile cross-country to the exact spot where I had been told to land or, at the minimum, landed alongside my local guides. After working for two years to get to Iran, flying the Rokh

was the absence of a cooler in a truck in the LZ.

acked up, we headed into Esfahan to eat lunch and admire the sights. While walking through a maze of

covered market stalls touting their wares, we spotted

both locals and a steady trickle of tourists who are cautious-

ly returning to Iran after President Hassan Rouhani put in a

and climbing to the clouds with a gaggle of desert eagles

significant effort to reconnect the country with the outside

and very skilled and enthusiastic Iranian pilots was all-time.

world. This is a path that all of the middle-to-upper class

Soheil Barikani, Mohommed Miralei, Mohammad Semnani,

pilots I met were extremely excited about, but was not as ap-

and Iran’s best female pilot, Fateme Eftekhari, among others,

preciated by the populace who rallied around his opponent,

made for exceptional company. And as I hypoxically glided

Ahmedinajad.

along, I marveled at how fast the team charged downrange. I found myself giddily exclaiming out loud, “These pilots really rock!” Some say nothing good happens easily; in this case, they

We continued to wander through the souk, eventually popping out onto a breathtaking plaza, which the group of pilots proudly identified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest plazas in the world: Imam Square. A

were correct. I carefully flew after my friends, made sure

gathering of other intrepid travelers wandered about, taking

to top out every climb and celebrated every glide in ecstasy.

photos, seeming to enjoy the freedom and social interac-

I had a GoPro on board, stabilized by a gimbal attached to

tion with locals. Local clowns put on shows for Iranians

my carabiner. GoPro had expressed interest in doing a piece

and their children, who laughed and ran throughout the

on the trip, and I thought it would be an honor to present

square as their parents conversed. Iranians use any oppor-

Iran and their amazing flying community to the world. As I

tunity to collect and enjoy the company of others, and, like

went on glide, I did check-ins with the camera, full of jubila-

Americans, are obsessed with their cell phones.

tion, turned it around to perform follow-cam with my new friends, or just filmed the cloudstreets we moved under along the way. After an hour of flying, we turned around, due to a trickylooking transition and changing atmospheric conditions.

As we were traveling, Soheil was supposed to report to Mohammad, who was supposed to report to the Ministry of Sport, who was supposed to report to the “government” the details of where I was, what I was doing, and where I was staying, every several hours. This became a very laidback

While thermaling on the way back, I heard an odd metallic

procedure, without any significant oversight. Most evenings

noise and watched in horror as my GoPro contraption spi-

Mohammed texted Soheil for updates, and Soheil comment-

raled down away from me, plummeting 15,000 feet toward

ed, “If he were with us, he would know where you are.” It

very remote mountainous terrain. I stared, petrified, after

was entertaining but a bit unsettling at the same time, like

it. A million thoughts flooded my oxygen and sleep-deprived

having parents embroiled in a battle.

mind. What if it hits someone? Or kills livestock? What if

Life in Iran, like the driving, can be simultaneously

the authorities find it, and I am arrested for espionage? The

chaotic yet peaceful and full of moments of considerate co-

stupidity of the possibility of being put in jail for using a

existence where everyone works together so each can move

GoPro, while making a GoPro video, was not lost on me. In

forward more quickly. Considering the amount of close

my jetlag haste I had forgotten to attach the tether which

encounters that occur each minute of every drive, with such

I usually use to secure the camera to my harness. It took a

sparing use of the horn, one can see it is a game of give-and-

while to shake the feeling. Luckily, I was deep over uninhab-

take. Vehicles form a fascinating space of both private and

ited terrain at 5000 meters when it fell. I never heard about

public life, and the driving in Iran reflects the constant bal-

the camera again, but occasionally wondered if an authority

ance that Iranians must carefully manage between those

would show up with hard questions over the next few days.

two spaces.

The sky began to turn nasty as the clouds guiding our

return started to grow with such speed that they blocked

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

We rallied back to Tehran to catch a domestic flight

from Mehrabad Airport to fly to Shiraz on a completely full

522 BCE. The epic palace was eventually conquered by

flight. After checking in I sat, across from a mullah with a

Alexander the Great on his ride through Mesopotamia,

black headwrap, signifying that he is a direct descendant of

around 330 BCE. Seeing such an ornate and rich historic

Mohammed. He, on his iPad, enjoying some form of content

site was inspiring, and as we watched the sunset over the

that I couldn't even chance a guess at, and I, on my iPhone,

compound from up above the city, I felt giddy, knowing that

downloading the most current This American Life episode

I was roaming around ancient lands that were thriving a

for our flight to Shiraz. A team of weight lifters, bulging

good 2000 years before Europeans had even found North

from shirts that either were bought before their increase in

America.

mass or had shrunk in the dryer, wandered around waiting for a flight. Soheil recruited his best friend, Sadr Barikani

The next day we returned to Tehran, where we planned to fly Damavand with the legendary world-cup pilot Alireza

(no relation to Soheil), to accompany us. I could tell he was

Esna Ashari. Alireza spent years on the world-cup tour and

elated to talk with a countryman in his native tongue, after

was, in many ways, the most internationally known Iranian

spending 15 hours over two days driving with an English-

pilot, before Soheil hit the scene. He bailed out of a success-

only speaker.

ful family business to build an A-frame at the base of one

We arrived in Shiraz, a proud, historic, bustling city filled with both high-end hotels and sites of antiquity. Shiraz

of the most consistent and epic flying sites in Iran, just one hour from Tehran. His relocation was just like 95 percent of

hosts throngs of tourists from all over Iran, and a few

my friends in the US who headed west to make their own

groups of state-organized tours for Europeans, who have

way in the mountains, and his carefree attitude immedi-

come to explore Darius's Tomb and Persepolis.

ately set me at ease. We settled into Alireza’a care as he

Because I mentioned I lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, my

ushered us around the small town and set us up for two of

guides took me out early to the Maharlo Salt Flats. We ar-

the best flights I had—one a 30-mile cross-country in front

rived to a full-on American-West experience, replete with

of a 6000m volcano, and the other, a lovely glass-off session

burning two-stroke oil wafting through the air as dirt bikes,

with 25 other pilots. In between, we were treated to one of

paramotors, trikes, and tents popped up all around us. I’m

the finest meals I have ever partaken in, full of berry, nut,

not sure how you say “country” in Farsi, but after many

saffron and lamb flavors.

years living in the Rocky Mountain West, I felt right at home.

that is about to have a ball at work. We helped them unload

and, as we were just about finished, a father of one of the

roll back much of the previous administration's policies

A father-and-son tandem trike outfit, the Asadi family, pulled up in a new Toyota Hi-Lux loaded with a beautiful trike and new paramotor, wearing the huge smiles of a team

ue to a hectic schedule, this article has taken a

year-and-a-half to publish. During that time, a populist movement has awarded the highest posi-

tion in the US to a candidate who made clear his wishes to

pilots invited us for the a warm, delicious breakfast of por-

with Tehran. It took me two years to get a visa to visit Iran. I

ridge and homemade bread, and through gestures made me

can only imagine with the cooling that has gone on between

feel completely at home and welcome. Because an official from the local airport was on the

the two countries in recent months how long it might take now. People have asked what my views on the political state

scene, everyone decided it would be better if Soheil flew and

are, or what I think about issues in the various parts of the

I took photos from the trike tandem, piloted by the young

world that I have been fortunate enough to visit. And as I

Asadi. This was the only location where I got an uptight

think about those issues, I have opinions that are somewhat

feeling. It was great for me to be on the front seat of a trike,

educated, but the truth of the matter is that I am an expert

with cameras in hand, piloted by a phenomenal pilot, but it

in paragliding and that is all I can comment on with author-

also made me wonder if there would be further questions

ity.

from the airport official, and how much was getting lost in translation. We took a magnificent tour of epic algae forma-

In regard to our sport, I say that the Iranian flying community and pilots are some of the most welcoming, skilled,

tions and colors, stirring thousands of flamingos that called

passionate, and driven in the world. Being part of this world-

it home, and returned back to the camp so the duo could

wide community is the best tool we have for breaking down

continue working, flying tandems for cash.

illogical stereotypes. During these tumultuous times, I take

We spent the rest of the the day touring Persepolis and

comfort in knowing that political winds will swirl around

the tomb of Darius. Persepolis is situated 60 km north-

fads and bend to current trends, but like-minded people on

east of Shiraz in Fars Province, Iran. The earliest remains

both sides of the fence continue to live parallel lives and

of Persepolis date back to 515 BCE. This UNESCO World

bravely celebrate our similarities rather than highlighting

Heritage site was named the capital of Persia around

our differences.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ABOVE, L TO R A local Shiraz pilot who brought us to launch and made us amazing tea as we waited for the wind to turn. The singing

kicks off underneath Khaju bridge where men gather to share stories. A camel-hair artist from Isfahan. Soheil organizing our next move. MIDDLE ROW LEFT High-end carpet stores in Tehran are functioning museums where all works of art are for sale. RIGHT Cuisine in Iran is a seriously glorious part of visiting Iran. BOTTOM L TO R Covered market in Isfahan. Freedom Square, Day 1. Isfahan is a city in central Iran, known for its Persian architecture. The Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the 17th-century Imam (Shah) Mosque, whose dome and minarets are covered with mosaic tiles and calligraphy. Lilly chatting while we wait for Soheil in the Darband neighborhood, Tehran. Iranian tandem pilots take tourists from Tehran for instructional flights. OPPOSITE The road to launch at Damavand.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Alireza Esna Ashari flying his home site, Damavand, Iran. Also the name of the highest volcano in Asia, pictured here. USHPA PILOT MAGAZINE

photo by NICK GREECE

Wallaby Ranch + Wills Wing =

Magic by PAUL VOIGHT

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

“Florida air in the spring... the thermals are usually big, fat, strong, and oddly, soft-edged.”

recently returned home from a week at the 22nd Wills

before breakfast. At around 10 a.m. the “dinner bell” (break-

Wing Demo Daze hosted by Malcolm Jones and the

fast bell at this point) rings, and the flying comes to an im-

Wallaby crew in Florida, and, of course, Wills Wing. As

mediate halt while breakfast is served. It’s always gourmet.

always, I had an awesome time. When the flying was on, it

Eggs, fruit, grains, veggies, quiche, pancakes, pastries, cook-

was epic, connect-the-dots, HIGH flying! Numerous demo

ies, and everything in-between are served—a great spread

flights were accomplished. During the unflyable days (there

that varies each day (much better than my usual banana

were two), the ambience, company, food, and entertainment

and Cheerios). The atmosphere is relaxing and social and

were five-star. This year, the big deal (in addition to the

the food, tasty and special.

usual fleet of demo gliders), was Wills Wing’s prototype of

The rest of the day unfolds as it will. As long as it is safe

a super-light, tri-gear, rolling, seated, glider configuration/

(and fun) to fly, the flying ensues in earnest. One year, they

add-on that can be tow-launched or roll-launched off a hill.

logged over 700 flights in the week, and 263 tows in one day.

It was flown by several pilots who qualify as “industry test

As I mentioned earlier, when the flying is good, it’s great.

pilots” (Malcolm included), and the minions got to see it fly.

Florida air in the spring has a quality to it that I find refresh-

Whether or not the project moves forward, it was exciting

ing and unique. The thermals are usually big, fat, strong,

to witness innovation, and the potential for seated, “old-

and…oddly, soft-edged. Even the strongest stuff has a user-

guy flying” in the future. At the final Saturday night dinner

friendly (compared to other places) personality.

party, about 150 people were on hand to enjoy the celebration. This festival has become way more than the sum of its

Once you get way high, it seems easy to stay high (It helps that there are usually dozens of other gliders in the air marking the lift.) Sometimes it even gets cold. This year,

parts. Pilots who attend know what I’m talking about. I’d

I had to get lower a few times on purpose, just to warm

like to enlighten hang glider pilots who have never attended

up, even though I was wearing long-johns and a flight suit.

as well as remind past attendees why every season, around

Landing can be interesting, particularly mid-day, but the

Easter time, they want to be at the Wallaby/Wills Wing

airpark is huge, so you just need to pick a windsock and

party week.

land near it.

There is something magical about the world that Malcolm

If the day is not flyable, for whatever reasons, the Ranch is

has created at the Ranch. As you pass under the “Wallaby

a pretty special place to be “stuck on the ground.” Hanging

Ranch” arch sign at the entrance, the pace and cares of the

chairs and benches are arranged among the many cool

daily world wash away, as a relaxed, yet exciting, world sprawls before you. Wallaby is a hang gliding playground and country club. Every year, I see lots of folks I reconnect with, from all corners of the country and often from around the globe. As one progresses into the airpark, you pass two long lines of pre-set-up Wills Wing demo gliders—a colorful parade of their modern product. Clear “window” T2C spaceships reside next to clear window “super” Falcons (my term). Every other current Wills model in almost every size complements the assortment. After parking, you get out of the car, and the Wallaby vibe sets in deeper. I immediately seem to see someone I know, and the fun begins. The weather, as in all flying events, is what it is. At Wallaby, they handle this by starting the flying very early (7:30-8:00 a.m.), in often reliable, smooth conditions. Regardless of what the conditions for the day will be later on, motivated junkies who want to fly or demo badly enough can usually take advantage of this early morning opportunity. It is not uncommon for pilots to knock off a flight or two

ABOVE Author Paul Voight launches in a WW Falcon 4

170 window glider. Photo by David Aldrich. OPPOSITE Malcolm Jones comes in hot in the new, seated Wills Wing prototype—the "Easy Flyer". Photo by David Aldrich.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ABOVE L TO R A morning tandem lesson takes to the air.

"Tug Pilot extraordinaire" Fay Barber models with her rig. Laurie Croft, (and her infectious smile) helps serve up another awesome dinner. Photos by Paul Voight. OPPOSITE LEFT Author Paul Voight having a nice flight with Wallaby ranch directly below. OPPOSITE RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM Wills Wing's Mike & Linda Meier, under the lights in the trees, as they head out back to the hotel. Another great band rocks the Ranch! Photos by Paul Voight. Author Paul Voight giving the "Easy Flyer" prototype a test sit | photo by Steve Pearson. An after breakfast/before flying jam session breaks out | photo by Paul Voight. shade trees that are dripping with Spanish moss. There is

cians who serenade (or rock) everyone into the evening

always a circle or group of people to join. If it’s raining, a

during many of the nights of the event. I’d attend this event

large roof over the main pavilion provides shelter. Musical

just for the music. It’s that good.

instruments often fill the silence. A poker game may break out. Hang gliding movies might be shown in the pavilion.

party” is thrown. It’s a catered affair that can see 100-250

There is a pool that the kids love. A “question-and-answer”

people in attendance. A serious dance band is always “in

session with the Wills Wing principals has become a

house,” and copious quantities of libations are provided. A

common activity provided on off days. And If the Wallaby

late night of dancing, listening, and imbibing is always fol-

compound doesn’t provide enough stimuli for you (or the

lowed by a “fuzzy around the edges” Sunday morning.

family), all of the Orlando attractions are just down the

That’s about as good a description of the event as I can

road, as is every hotel chain and restaurant you can name.

convey in writing. You really have to be there to appreciate

Personally, I enjoy having the occasional non-flying day

it. Both Malcolm and Wills Wing throw an amazing amount

thrown into the mix. It’s nice to just hang, meet people, and

of effort and resources into making this event a home

have no pressure to do anything! A lunch bell (flyable or not) and a dinner bell punctuate each day, and five-star meals at a FRACTION of real-world

run every year. The result is the most magical celebration of flight and camaraderie that I can imagine anyone can attend annually. What these guys provide for us each year

prices are the norm. The cooks/chefs the Ranch has on hand

is appreciated more than is probably ever stated. In Steve

each year never fail to provide a variety of great tasting,

Pearson’s speech at the Saturday shindig (normal “MC” Mike

complete meals, including delicious desserts. Evening musical entertainment is a “Malcolm thing.” He is into it. He somehow finds and hires extremely good musi-

On Saturday evening, the festival culminates and the “big

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Meier had lost his voice that evening), Steve said, “Let’s do it all again next year!” Which is just what we wanted to hear!

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

TRAVEL Taco Alley by Nick Greece

here are many reasons we are

the last 15 years I have visited this

world. It was for the best street tacos

inspired to travel. Wandering

small resort town around 10 times

I have ever encountered in the whole

encourages us to get out of our

and witnessed it grow into a thriv-

wide world—aka Taco Alley. Some

comfort zones, helps grow our world

ing hotbed of activity for the elite of

take cooking classes in Thailand

view, or have experiences distinctly

Mexico City, which makes it incred-

(amazing) while others go to France

different from what our normal

ibly accessible to foreign tourists. I

and enjoy five-hour-long dinners.

milieus provide thus making us ap-

eagerly accepted the invitation with

To me the tortilla, flour or corn (all

preciate the lives we live even more

only one thing on my mind. It wasn’t

good) is the finest delivery vehicle

when viewed in contrast to some-

to witness the terminus to the 2500-

for protein, vegetables, or any savory

thing different. Recently I was asked

mile, multi-generational, monarch

edible for that matter. Although the dumpling, and its many variants

to go to a paragliding mecca known

migration where millions of butter-

as Valle de Bravo, Mexico in the

flies take over certain mountains just

from peroggis to momos, is a very

state of Michoacán, which is also the

outside town, or to go flying around

close second, the hankering for a

region where carnitas originate. Over

one of the most famous arenas in the

great street taco trumps all. The street taco on Taco Alley comes in many forms and the board highlighting the many options can be a bit overwhelming at first. This blog post will serve as a starter guide so when you sidle up to the stainlesssteel counter you’ll have a head start on your first half-dozen. Side note: There are things to look for so you’ll know you have arrived, e.g. freshly cut limes, radishes, big bowls of cilantro and the omnipresent and generously applied 321-brand vegetable oil. Picking out the best place can be tricky, but a few general rules apply. The number of customers at a stand usually signifies how hot the spot is (or not). If the street is slow, look for how many employees a place has. If it has more than others, that probably means it usually is busy there, hence

ABOVE Taco Alley! You know it, you love it. OPPOSITE Cedar Wright and Jeff

Shapiro getting taco fit. Five a day keeps the doctor away.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

the extra staff. Check out the offerings in terms of salsas, fresh limes,

and other add-ons. A good spot will

similar to Adobada in its spice profile

have a plethora of all condiments

but with one distinct difference—

including a light avocado-based salsa

pineapple. So you can eat healthy

that is not to be missed. And now, without further ado… tacos defined! First the “must-eat, safe-zone, go-to” staples. Bistec: Salted and peppered sirloin that is flattened with a meat-ten-

whilst eating pork treats! It is a dish developed in Central Mexico, and credited to an influx of then Ottoman citizens from what is currently Lebanon immigrating to Mexico and fusing two amazing food cultures. It is a shawarma spit-grilled meat that

derizing tool, and then chopped up

is usually carved in front of the

into small morsels. This is my go-to,

hungry customer, grilled to perfec-

palate-cleansing taco—I often order

tion, then adorned with pineapple as

one in every three just to reset. A

garnish along with the typical cilan-

delicious variant you might like is to

tro and white-onion accoutrement.

add cheese (con queso, por favor) for

Carnitas or “little meats”: Usually

the south-of-the-border cheese steak

a breakfast taco in Valle de Bravo,

equivalent.

which I enjoy thoroughly, it also can

Adobada/Adovada: Generally pork,

be an evening tradition and shouldn’t

typically marinated in a “red” chile

be overlooked in this run down as it’s

sauce with vinegar and oregano.

so dang delicious. Slow roasted pork

In Mexico, the special seasoning

seasoned perfectly. I try to get rid of a

often includes allspice, cinna-

lot of the fat they love to carve off for

mon, cloves, bay leaf, and/or nutmeg,

you with the meat (I’m guessing they

all in subtle amounts. Long cook-

think that’s where the “real” flavor is).

ing cools most of the heat in this

I figure that this dish is created from

lovely pork treat. Cheese can also be

braising and simmering a nice chunk

added to Adobada tacos for a bit of a

of pork in lard, which is enough for

greasier, yet scrumptious, affair.

me.

Al Pastor: This pork dish is very

Now for the tacos that I splash out

ABOVE Jeff Shapiro flying in between taco runs. LEFT TOP Fresh Churros?

Don't even get me started. MIDDLE Caroline Schou walking to taco alley for the evening ritual. BOTTOM Con todo por favor.. and try when I’m feeling frisky. Suadero: In Mexican cuisine, this is a thin cut of beef from the meat

tillas hold in a large helping of Pastor

that hangs from the breastbone on

pork, pineapple, and cheese.

a cow. Suadero is noted for having a smooth texture rather than a muscle

sisting of edible lining from the stom-

a bit more texture similar to flank

achs of various farm animals, usually

steak.

cattle, Mexico is no exception. While I generally steer clear, many enjoy

literally means “wire” in Spanish. It

the texture of this nuanced cut of

is commonly believed that the name

meat.

refers to the act of skewering the ingredients while cooking, although

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

Tripa: With nearly every culture serving some form of this dish con-

grain. It tastes like carnitas but with

Alambre: The name Alambre

Gringa: This is a taco and a quesadilla at the same time. Two flour tor-

Lengua: Tongue is more and more difficult to find as it takes a

this is not always the case. It is a mix-

bit more sophistication to prepare

ture of beef, pork, green bell peppers,

and execute on this delicacy. If you

onions, and cheese served on a corn

do see it on the menu, it’s worth a

tortilla. If you are looking for more

try. Prepared correctly it is flavorful,

veggies in your all-taco diet, this is a

and delicately tender from the slow

must-have.

braising process and the fine cut of

the muscle. Chorizo: If you are looking for a taco that will knock the socks off all others in flavor, and fat, chorizo will be your jam. This pork-stuffed sausage is usually made with native chili peppers of the same Capsicum annuum species in Mexico. Chorizo can also be added to all the other tacos above to super-charge the grease and taste quotient. Mexico has a one of the finest cuisines in the world. This in no way supposes that tacos are the end-all, be-all, and if you really want to see what’s what, a trip to Mexico City to sample the plethora of Michelinstarred restaurants should be high on your list. This is a short list of a

ABOVE A feast at the Quintanilla residence is an all time treat in Mexico.

sampling of street-food delicacies that I crave almost as much as I do

provides. Adventures and travels

game of the amazing places we go to

the paragliding in the legendary city

are a patchwork of experiences, and

for our passion pursuits that leaves

of Valle de Bravo, Mexico. For around

paragliding trips are often reported

the most lasting memories. Let’s not

$5US a night you can gorge yourself

from the perspective of aerial accom-

even get into the fresh churros or

on the many options that Taco Alley

plishments, but often it is the ground

tamales!

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ICARISTICS Understanding Relative Wind by BRUCE GOLDSMITH

One of the fundamental concepts of flights is often misunderstood...

n launch in Andradas,

others seems to linger. Three of the

depends on whether there’s a head-

Brazil, at the recent XC

most troublesome that I have found

wind or tailwind.

Open I met an enthusiastic

are:

Brazilian pilot, Kurt Stoeterau, an

1. If a pilot experiences a collapse

reveal a lack of understanding of

SIV instructor who has written a

when flying crosswind, the wind will

the concept of relative wind. And,

book in Portuguese about SIV called

affect the recovery. If it occurs on the

tragically, that lack of understand-

The Obedient Paraglider. He told me

upwind side of the glider, the wind

ing often leads to accidents, because

he had noticed that pilots in Brazil

will hold it in, but if it’s on the down-

pilots flying downwind stall their

were having accidents that could be

wind side, the wind will blow it open.

wings when they see the ground

attributed to their not understanding

2. A full stall behaves differently,

the relationship between the wind

according to whether a pilot is facing

and their wing.

into wind, crosswind, or downwind.

This is an age-old topic I remember arguing about many times in the past, especially in the early days of hang gliding. At that time, hang glider pilots believed that upon completing a 360-degree turn in wind, a pilot needed to speed up and fly faster as he/she turned downwind to avoid a stall. This was, of course, complete nonsense. The way one turns a hang glider or paraglider isn’t directly affected by the wind in which the pilot is flying. I say, “directly affected,” because we must take into consideration some “indirect effects” that occur when flying in wind while close to the ground. But we will look at these later. While many of the “old wives’ tales” that used to surround our sport have gradually died out as pilots have become better educated, the belief in

All of these ideas are false; they

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

3. The performance of gliders

rushing by so quickly. When one flies in smooth, nonthermic wind, out of the wind gradient, the way the glider travels

ABOVE, OPPOSITE Jon

Malmberg, Noah Briller and Casey Peifer flying Cape Kiwanda, Oregon | photos by Judy Bair

through the air isn’t affected by the

of relative wind to test out on our

wind. The glider will fly exactly the

innocent fly. If there were an effect

same whether flying through a lot of

of the wind, you would see it on a fly

down, or turning. When you apply our fly’s law of physics to our sports, it’s clear that

wind or no wind or flying upwind or

that’s flying at 10kph when the wind

a glider flies the same upwind as

downwind.

is 120kph. Yet our fly will happily fly

downwind. The glide path through

around exactly the same as if the car

the air is the same and the polar is

windy day, flying above the clouds,

were still. He is not affected in any

identical in all directions. It is only

with no reference to the ground.

way by the speed of the car. The only

your glide over the ground that is

Both you and the clouds would drift

way he can be affected is by the force

influenced by the wind.

at the same speed, and you would

of the car’s accelerating, slowing

Imagine that you are circling on a

remain above the same point in the clouds. It would be completely impossible to tell if there was any wind. Despite this simple concept, I frequently hear even experienced pilots make comments that indicate they do not understand this concept.

PICTURE THIS Imagine that a housefly is flying around inside your car as you are driving. If the car is driving at 100kph, you have a huge amount

I often hear pilots say that one

“Imagine that you are circling on a windy day, flying above the clouds, with no reference to the ground. Both you and the clouds would drift at the same speed, and you would remain above the same point in the clouds. It would be completely impossible to tell if there was any wind.” HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

unnaturally quickly. At this moment,

another. This cannot be true. As

inexperienced pilots are tempted

pick up speed to keep up airspeed as

we’ve discussed, a glider performs

to apply the brakes to slow up and

you drop through the wind gradient.

the same, whether flying upwind or

sometimes accidentally stall. Some

Dr. Adrian Thomas, ex-British PG

downwind. The difference occurs

people claim that to avoid stalling,

champion, explains further: “If you

when you fly upwind and “speed to

you need to let the glider accelerate

are flying upwind in a strong wind

fly” theory says you should fly faster.

when you turn downwind (which is

gradient, you go from a stronger

So maybe pilots who say a glider flies

where the old hang gliding argument

headwind to a lesser headwind as

better upwind should just say that

originated). The problem actually

you descend, losing airspeed as you

the glider has a better glide at higher

arises from the pilots’ slowing their

drop, which causes the glider to de-

speed.

wings due to their natural reactions

scend further. Similarly, if you climb

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

to the speed at which they are travel-

through the wind gradient when

ling over the ground, rather than

flying upwind, you go from a lesser

However, these misconceptions

from some inertial effect.

didn’t spring up from nowhere. There are several effects caused by

2) WIND GRADIENT In windy conditions, friction with

headwind near the ground to stronger headwind higher up in the wind gradient—so you gain airspeed. The

wind that lead pilots to incorrectly

the ground means that the wind

opposite effect happens if you are

think that the wind is the direct

speed decreases as you get lower. If

flying downwind: You gain airspeed

cause of the problems, rather than

you are flying though the wind gradi-

as you descend and lose airspeed

the indirect cause.

1) GROUND SPEED When you turn downwind, you see the ground rushing towards you

ent, facing into wind, you need to

glider performs better upwind than

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

“Keep in mind the true relationship between the relative wind and our wing.”

as you climb. The size of the effect

a pilot initiates a turn on a paraglider,

blown downwind. Flying through

depends on the strength of the wind

he needs to maintain the wing’s air-

the various strengths of lift causes

gradient and also on how good your

speed as well as compensate for the

the wing to pitch about. We have to

glider is at zoom-climbing, which is

pendulum effect.

adjust our wing’s speed to suit the lift

improved by high speed and high

and surges within the thermal.

Bob Drury explains: “Because of

If you are ridge soaring on the

up pitched behind you. So, as you

top of a hill, you may encounter a

appear to rush towards the land-

negative wind gradient during which

scape (which is common if you are

the wind becomes stronger when

flying a face breeze) with the wing

wind on their wing, and that these

L/D.”

3) VENTURI EFFECTS

the way a paraglider wing pendulums in that first 180° turn, it ends

t’s understandable that the situations mentioned above can lead pilots to draw the wrong

conclusion about the effect of the

you are closer to the ground in the

pitched behind you, the glider feels

misunderstandings may lead to ac-

compression zone. These conditions

as if it doesn’t want to turn. It’s easy

cidents. However, we need to remem-

are common on ridge-soaring sites,

to panic and pull more brake to try

ber that these conclusions are wrong

where the wind on takeoff is much

to turn, which causes a spin. Instead,

and keep in mind the true relation-

stronger than the wind out in front of

you need to lift the brakes and pitch

ship between the relative wind and

the hill. In such conditions, when you

the wing back in front of you, which

our wing.

turn downwind, towards the hill, you

will give you the energy to turn. I’ve

will enter the stronger wind closer to

been using and teaching this tech-

ceptions about relative wind contin-

the hill and need to speed up to have

nique for years.”

ue at all levels throughout our sport.

the same penetration.

4) PENDULUM EFFECTS It is always important to keep the wing flying above stall speed. When

Sadly, it appears that these miscon-

5) WIND-BLOWN THERMALS

I hope this article goes at least part

A thermal is affected by the wind.

way to help those of us that don’t get

The lighter lift has less energy than

it, to understand it and become safer

the stronger lift and is more easily

pilots.

TEA CHING THE W ORLD TO FLY SINCE 1974

EXPERIENCE MORE

O U T E R B A N K S , N O RT H C A R O L I N A 1 . 8 7 7 . F LY.T H I S • K I T T Y H A W K . C O M

HANG GLIDING • PARAGLIDING • POWERED PARAGLIDING • GEAR AND ACCESSORIES

CHARLESTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE 6 0 3 . 5 4 2 . 4 4 1 6 • F LY M O R N I N G S I D E . C O M

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

A Paragliding Holiday in

SLOVENIA by JOHN W. ROBINSON

atience...patience. Gotta think it all out, keep work-

turnaround point with a communications tower perched

ing it. Patience is not my strongest attribute, but,

upon the rocky knob at the terminus of the ridge. It’s a

hey, there’s always the possibility of improvement.

classic route that I’m stoked to be on.

And right now, I realize that in order to stay in the air on

Patience, that’s what it takes. That, and much more, such as assessing and reassessing the wind speed and direc-

this flight, patience is what I need. I’m flying over the Soca Valley in northwest Slovenia,

tion, identifying thermal sources and triggers, and noting

with the wing of my red-and-sapphire

the solar orientation of the topography

Gin Atlas XAlps glider spread above me

spread out beneath me, as well as how

seeming to exude a “Let’s fly!” attitude.

it’s changing throughout the day. And, of course, I also read the clouds,

I’m headed roughly west, with the grandeur of the Julian Alps to my right

ever striving for fluency in the lan-

and the Adriatic Sea just out of sight

guage they speak. The clouds. What

through a haze to the southwest.

is their character today? Are they still forming? Where are they forming? How

I’m trying for a 55km out-and-back cross-country flight, the route of which

high is cloudbase now? Is it increasing

originates at the Kobala launch above

in altitude? Will there be overdevelopment later?

the town of Tolmin and heads west, past the village of Kobarid, and continues along the Stol Ridge, ending at a

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ABOVE Personalized

plate! TOP Kobala launch, Soca river valley.

I’m about to take the jump across a tricky transition near Kobarid (a town

Hemingway mentioned in A Farewell

swimming, sailing, fishing, and pad-

to Arms) and I’m trying—patiently—

dling. And then there’s free flight.

to evaluate the aforementioned

Our guesthouse is in the village of

factors, even talking aloud to myself:

Ribcev Laz at the east end of this

“Don’t blow this crossing! You can

gorgeous alpine lake with the river

figure it out.” I’m at cloudbase and

outflow. Flying in Slovenia is characterized

finally commit to the route ahead. Several hours later, I set up to

by reliable cross-country opportu-

land back at the Tolmin LZ, stoked

nities in fairly mellow conditions.

at having completed the XC route.

Many world records have been made

Lazily circling around that Stol Tower

here, particularly in out-and-return

turn point was most satisfying, after which I pieced together the remain-

ABOVE Alpine

wildflowers. BELOW On the Mt. Triglav ascent.

flights pushing 200 km from the Soca Valley far into Italy and back. Somewhat more modest XC routes

der of the puzzle to get back here. It’s been a day as fulfilling as any, ever. Meeting up with pals

include, besides the Stol flight described earlier, the 100km

in the LZ is strangely akin to meeting long-lost brothers,

Kobala to Gemona, Italy, and return. Cloudbase in season

and we enthusiastically share tales of the day.

is between 2000 and 3000 m, and the launches are at an

I’m on a paragliding holiday, under the professional guidance of world-record-holder Brett Janoway and XTC

elevation of approximately 1000 m, with landings around 200 m.

Paragliding, in Slovenia —a storied place of which I had

Several free-flight venues are located in the area, from

been hearing for years. Now, my friends and I are here. I

launches served by cable-car at the local ski area, to alpine

was charmed with Slovenia as soon as I got off the plane

meadow launches accessible by vehicle throughout the

in Ljubljana and became fully smitten by the scene at our

valleys. To reach the stellar flying sites of the Soca River

base of operations on Lake Bohinj.

Valley from Lake Bohinj, one takes a train consisting of

The Lake Bohinj area is the main jumping-off point for

vehicle-carrying flatcars. The rail route transits through a

adventures, such as day hiking, climbing, or trekking hut

100-year-old, 9km tunnel beneath the mountains and then

to hut in the Julian Alps, which are located in the huge

crosses through a stunningly beautiful alpine valley. My

Triglav National Park. The lake provides opportunities for

mates and I enjoy standing braced at the railing of the flat-

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

cars, wind whipping our hair, taking in the sights, sounds, Gerlitzen, Austria, a short cross-border van hop from

the Julian Alps, depending on one’s skill level—not to men-

Lake Bohinj, is a popular all-season resort that offers,

tion one’s tolerance for the possibility of long hike-outs.

among other amenities, lift-served paragliding. We take a

One day while sampling the misty air of cloudbase in the

day trip there and check out its progressive acro scene. In

Krn massif, I’m exhilarated at the setting and being able to

fact, an acro comp is underway during our visit, produc-

surf near brooding cliff faces and revel in the chilly, wild

ing plenty of excitement in the air, pun intended. The two

mood of the place—a mood that is in stark contrast to the

flights I took at Gerlitzen could be described as sedate

warm and sunny valley LZs, where the first thing I do upon

compared to the complex acro displays, but cruising the

landing is tear off my down hoodie.

perimeter of the lake, taking care to avoid the acro “boxes,”

ABOVE One

is nice indeed. Back in Slovenia, the launches enable flying deep into

and smells.

The Slovenian launches and LZs are well maintained

of many Alpine huts in huge Triglav National Park. TOP Tim Reynolds soaring Kvok, aboard Ozone M6.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ABOVE Cruising

northeast, southern Julian Alps.

and civilized, as mirrored by the atmosphere of the coun-

challenging XC possibilities. The rocky ridge there makes

try in general. Slovenia is neat and tidy and many of the

for delightful soaring, and a modest XC flight finds me

warm, friendly residents speak fluent English.

finally, irreversibly, losing altitude above ruins of a medi-

There are lots of other outings to be had among the

eval castle (distracted, I guess) and I land in a peaceful pas-

Julian Alps and the lush valleys of Slovenia, as well as on

ture by the silent village of Zemono. I relax and write in the

side trips to Austria and Italy. On one long and memorable

sparse shade of an olive tree before packing up and hiking

non-flying day, my friend Allen and I leave our guesthouse

down valley to a retrieve. Later that same day I fly with my

at 1:00 a.m. for a one-day ascent of 3000m Mt. Triglav, the

buddies on a local circuit at Kovk, and we finish the day

highest peak in Slovenia, via the steep Mostnice Gorge

landing in golden light beside a convenient taverna.

route. It is said that all Slovenians should climb Triglav at

When the flying shuts down due to high wind one

least once in their lifetime, and we are hoping to qualify

afternoon, we take the opportunity to tour Postojna, one

for citizenship if we climb it. We reach the summit eight

of the most extensive cave systems in the world—and one

hours after leaving the valley, returning to Ribcev Laz via

of Slovenia’s top tourist destinations. Truly amazing. One

a different route—Koca pri Triglavskih. Our 18-hour round

section even has a train that runs for several kilometers.

trip turns out to be a fantastic, albeit exhausting, sub-

These caverns justifiably attract folks from around the

adventure in a broader experience of premier paragliding,

globe.

trail running and hiking, and cultural discovery. Our group consists of 14 pilots from the United States

Our base on Lake Bohinj, even without great flying, is well enough endowed to ensure a happy holiday. Running

and the UK; part of the fun of such a trip, of course, is in

and hiking on the trails around the clear, picturesque body

meeting other kindred souls, making friends and sharing

of water, watching a variety of boats plying the sparkling

the experience. I’ll never forget the laughs, the wonder, and

surface, is a nice way to start our days here, while swim-

the gratitude that brought us close.

ming in the evening after a full day of flying, before seek-

We visit a few other flying sites to the southeast, towards the border of Italy and Croatia, Kovk and Lijak. At the site briefing at the Kovk launch, Brett explains some of the

ing out a lakeside evening meal of scrumptious Slovenian cuisine, finishes the evening off nicely. One afternoon I visit an interesting cheese-making

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

BELOR Lake

Bohinj. RIGHT Soaring Gerlitzen, Austria.

museum in nearby Stara Fucina. This museum, housed in a two-century-old dairy barn, documents the art and science of cheese making over the past 300 years. The milk from cows grazed in the high Julian Alps apparently makes particularly good cheese. On another day, when we think flying might not be ideal, my two roommates and I take off in different directions: I, on an extended solo paddleboard excursion on the lake; Allen, fishing for trout down river to his heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s content; and Phil, exploring the ancient church and other historical points of interest. Later, with that gleam in his eye, Allen describes the amazing fishing, and I tell of my paddleboard discoveries in the deep, clear water of Bohinj, and Phil? We finally find him swimming

an alpine canyon rewards us with the sight of one of the most stunning of them all: Slap Savica. This part of Slovenia saw heavy fighting during WWI,

in the lake. The Triglav area is also known for its stunning waterfalls, and a hike deep into

and the Soca Valley experienced extended clashes between Italian and Austrian troops. Throughout the area are points of interest and signage describing war-related events, which, thanks to their English translation, make for interesting reading. From the sound of it there was no real victor in the local battles; since much of the action took place during bitter cold winter conditions, nature took its heavy-handed toll on soldiers, irrespective of the side on which they fought. Today

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

LEFT Side

trip to the Italian coast near Trieste.

of regret later, when I find out that a few pilots in our party are able to slip through and over the back, “no problem.” Next time... Our last night in the village on the Bohinj Jezera shore coincides fortuitously with a summer night festival of music, dancing, and feasting, with lots of imbibing of the local beer and wines. Our little party splinters into groups of three or four and wanders through the crowd, taking it all in. An economy-sized pig roasts over coals, turning on a spit handled by gregarious locals. The lads insist upon giving us samples of the steaming, greasy, tasty meat. It’s more “experience” than good eating, but the warmth and the village of Kobarid prides itself on its fine museum of WWI history. Returning to Kobala, the Soca Valley launch, on one of

friendliness of the Slovenians is delicious indeed. Free flight for me helps to satisfy a restless urge, perhaps a primordial, instinctual desire towards discovery. It’s also

the last days of our trip (we love that car train ride), we

a desire towards existence beyond the ordinary; a desire

launch into an inviting easterly breeze and work our way

to feel a deep connection with the natural environ-

up, up in the building thermals. As my altitude increases

ment. This connection is physical,

toward cloudbase, I can gaze deep into the Alps; the high

but, even more significantly,

mountains beckon. On this day some of us are planning

emotional. And trips such

to go over the back if conditions allow, beyond Mt. Krn,

as our Slovenian holiday

then above the ski area and across high terrain, eventually

particularly help

descending into the Lake Bohinj LZ. Cloudbase doesn’t get

to quench such

high enough for me; the space between the summit peaks

thirst.

and the thick clouds is pinched down to marginal. I’m a bit too intimidated to commit to that, so I have a fabulous local tour of the Tolmin area instead. OK, so maybe I feel a tinge

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

“I turn west and push out towards the ocean. My glider bobs in and out of a wispy cloud, placing me over flat sand in no time. I’m way up there. I pull strings, go fast, draw shapes in the sky. I’ve got altitude in the bank, so I make it rain. I head back to the hill, dizzy and smiling. Then, back to the top in eight minutes; I repeat the cycle. It is official; I’ve made it to mecca.”

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

EQUIPMENT Hang Glider Drogues by Jonathan Dietch

or the past four years, I have consistently flown with a stable,

landing speeds below 4:1. My T2C 144, with VG loose and my

custom, double-surface Moyes Mega II with a measured L/D of 11:1—a one-off glider that would skim forever. But

powerful, and forgiving drogue

body upright with racing harness dan-

that has enabled me to confidently fly

gling between my legs, gets an 8:1 L/D.

that was in 1981, when there was no

my hang glider into the realm of my

Even my Sport 2 155 with VG loose in

shortage of open space to find a place

dreams. I have better access to lines

a fast dive gets a very impressive glide.

to land on an XC flight. And drogue

and routes that I wouldn’t attempt

My Falcon 4 195 can be dived steeply,

chutes, which had been around since

without this ability to land in a sig-

but when rounded out still skims far,

the mid-‘70s, seemed more like a fad

nificantly more restricted space. Even

which sometimes provides too much

than necessity.

on days when I don’t fly into terra

performance.

incognita, I enjoy making a straight

I am an average pilot nearing the

During 2008, my interest in hang gliding rekindled, and I resumed

and steep descent into an established

end of my sixth decade. I began in the

flying by late August. Before my first

LZ. I fly XC on lower-altitude days and

sport in 1973 and stopped early in

return mountain solo, I met XC pilot

explore for lift farther from estab-

1982. By the time I quit, I was flying a

extraordinaire, Tony Delao, while

lished triggers than I might without the ability to come down fast and steep without overshooting. My skies are open, wide, and inviting. I live and fly in the sprawling, metropolitan-suburban, industrial complex of the Los Angeles Basin and Inland Empire of Southern California. Even the high-desert north of the major ranges and inland valleys from San Diego County north through Elsinore and Soboba are filled with landing hazards and limited spaces. Surface conditions can be turbulent and thermic, resulting in awkward and treacherous landings without effective glide-path control. Modern hang gliders have more than enough top-end performance. Where they fail is on the lower end, unlike paragliders, which have brakes. What has me so stoked is finding a reliable way of reducing my minimum L/D at safe

ABOVE Where hang gliders didn’t formerly land next to Hwy 33 below Pine Mountain in Ojai, CA | photo by Jonathan Dietch. OPPOSITE Droguechute landing fun on my Falcon 4 195 at Andy Jackson Airpark, San Bernardino, CA | photo by David Aldrich.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ABOVE Setting

up to land by Mr. Suds Car Wash in Highland, CA | photo by Jonathan Dietch.

getting a reserve repack by Betty

who lives in Oregon, helped me

the remembrance of misconceptions

Rothman at High Energy Sports in

obtain what was touted as a stable

given me from well-meaning mentors,

Anaheim, CA. Tony’s tales of recent,

drogue chute by ordering from Italy.

I decided not to use my Metamorfosi

epic flights on his Atos VR and past

Meanwhile, several experts warned

Deltastop drogue as I set up a nil-wind

flights on every variety of hang glider

me about the dangers of drogues and

landing at Willow Springs Park in

and paraglider captured my imagina-

the possibility of their causing glid-

Glendora.

tion. My new home sites were Sylmar,

ers to suddenly stall, etc. They said a

Crestline, and Elsinore. I soon met

drogue should only be deployed above

proach over and between utility

every experienced XC pilot I could find

500’ and when it’s used, one must

wires and lined up my final leg with

in order to get mentored, and I learned

continue to deploy it every third flight

the parking lot past the six-foot-high

about the growing issue of bailout

or suffer serious consequences.

chain-link fence as an overshoot. All

shrinkage. I recalled the early keel-

was fine, until my trajectory put me

mounted drogues and began combing

enced me to end my flying career in

on glide for an SUV parked in my path.

through the archives of Hang Gliding

March of 2009. I was on an XC flight

I veered to my left, clearing the fence

magazine, where I found articles writ-

east from Sylmar, when the day shut

by a few feet and was now on track

ten by Mike Sandlin during the ‘90s

off and I found myself on glide near

into the side of the administration

about pilot-mounted drogues. The last

Glendora Mountain Road. I glided

building. With no further options, I

of these talked about a drogue that

out over the East San Gabriel Valley,

executed a solid flare at 10’ AGL, zoom-

was powerful, stable, and resistant to

where my chosen landing field was

ing upward, and then dropping down-

collapse. I wanted one, but it was out

overrun with children, so I had to

ward. It was not like Mary Poppins or

of production.

venture deeper toward the next avail-

Tinkerbell, but more like toes, heels,

able park. Fearing the worst, based on

buttocks, keel, control frame followed

During late 2008, my friend Holger,

Fear and myth could have influ-

I boxed the field during my ap-

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

by a loud bang. The park was empty, but a man out walking his dog heard the reverberating echo of my touchdown reflected off the nearby wall. Aside from a little tenderness on my right ankle, I was hunky-dory. A group of local children soon came by and took turns lying in my harness and getting their photos snapped, after my driver arrived on scene. Several more XC flights soon followed, but still no drogue chute landings. Finally, on May 19, 2009, I found myself attempting a shallow downhill landing behind Santiago Estates in Sylmar. With my Sport 2 155 and VG loose, I was running out of field faster than I was approaching the deck. I

ABOVE Andy Jackson Airpark, San Bernadino, CA | photo by David Aldrich.

caught sight of a rusty steel tank near chute during his downwind leg. He

the drop-off bluff at the end of the

a perfect no-stepper in nil wind on a

flat Earth where “thar be monsters.”

shallow downslope and was forever

instantly jerked hard to his left and

changed in that moment. The “stoke”

his glider stalled, nearly crashing into

had begun.

the berm along the wash. He soon

“Damn the naysayers!” I yelled, as I reached over to pull the drogue out of my Rotor Kickass side pocket. The

During 2007, a video posted to

recovered from his upset and made a

Deltastop opened smoothly, and my

YouTube showed a hapless pilot on his

near-perfect touchdown. Years later, I

glide slope rapidly diminished. I made

Aeros Combat deploy a certain drogue

tested the same model drogue chute

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HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ABOVE Landing

near Mr. Suds Car Wash in Highland, CA | photo by Jonathan Dietch.

and had an almost identical experi-

wisdom to me when he said, “Never re-

a chain-link fence. After I inspected

ence of the opening shock and the

invent the wheel and always research

all the footage, I concluded anything

continual jerking all over the place. I

prior art.”

spoke with this pilot at length. We

based on this design is bad news. This has since been further verified by another pilot.

concluded that many of the myths and

chutes and found a certain four-panel

misconceptions about drogue chutes

model rocket recovery chute that

were based upon the erratic behav-

claimed impressive drag and great

YouTube, I encountered a video from a

ior of this particular drogue chute’s

stability. I found one on eBay for a

gentleman who had exactly what I was

design and that video.

reasonable price and began flight test-

looking for. I reached out and intro-

ing. Although it seemed OK to me in

duced myself. He generously provided

tendency to oscillate and pull me from

flight, inspection of my video footage

me with precise measurements and

side-to-side. I wanted a drogue chute

and interval still photos revealed that

photographs. Interestingly, no one

I grew weary of the Deltastop’s

I searched online for stable para-

During 2012, while searching

that was stable, so I could make tight

it was collapsing and generally doing

knew who the original designer/build-

turns at any altitude and focus on crit-

nothing. During flight testing, I experi-

er was, so I had no way to express my

ical out-landings. I wanted a drogue

enced a line-over with this four-panel,

appreciation. My newfound friend’s

that would not interfere in any way

tulip-shaped design, and it wind-

chute was already decades old and showing its age. I recently sent him a

with my glider’s handling, other than

milled at high RPMs, which made the

allowing me to descend many times

drag so high I nearly deployed my

new version… but I am getting ahead

steeper than usual at a given airspeed.

reserve before I crashed or tumbled. I

of myself.

I was motivated by the desire to keep

had a snap shackle quick release for

I built my first copy of the mystery six-panel drogue chute using 3/4oz.

flying XC over terrain that was becom-

flight testing and released the pin-

ing ever more unforgiving. When I

wheeling chute at a safe altitude. On

ripstop polyester kite fabric. I flew the

was a child-inventor, my father, an

another landing, the four-panel chute

drogue like a kite; it was very stable,

R&D electrical engineer, imparted his

kept collapsing, and I nearly flew into

but the fabric was too stiff. I built

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

ABOVE Alfredo

Grey in a steep decent at typical landing-pattern speed | photo by Jonathan Dietch.

another from 1-1/4oz. ripstop nylon

Enterprises at Lake Elsinore, CA. FFE

mized and the end result optimized.

kite fabric and tested it on my Sport

manufactures the LARA line of re-

After test flying several pre-produc-

2 155. I could not believe how stable

serve parachutes distributed by Wills

tion prototypes, I was really stoked

and effective it was. Pilots in the LZ

Wing. After much correspondence, I

with the quality and performance.

were equally impressed. The design

was invited to come and learn more

The next step was to spread the word

took time to build. I approached an

about the genesis of the LARA reserve

and see whether there was enough

exercise parachute manufacturer

parachute design. I was curious about

demand for production. There was

about putting these into production. A

the six pounds of fabric and webbing

indeed.

dozen or so were made and sold before

that may someday save my life.

I would like to segue into other

Following their generous and

aspects of drogue chutes for hang

his only stitcher willing to build these on a piecework basis retired. Although

informative presentation, I presented

gliders. During flight-testing, I en-

the early production models were not

one of my self-built six-panel mystery

countered a situation pilots need to be

precise, they still performed very well,

drogues. I made the pitch that if pilots

aware of. Originally, I used a marine

so pilots have been pleased.

can land more safely when flying into

snap shackle as a quick release with

unknown terrain, they may fly more

a strip of webbing attached to the pin.

often and buy more equipment as they

Since I was flight-testing, I needed to

My next quest was to find a manufacturer willing and able to build these great high quality drogues at an

move up or wear out old equipment.

be able to cut away an out-of-control

affordable price. Hang glider drogues

This behavior may produce a market

drogue. Because this had occurred

are not a particularly profitable enter-

for selling more gliders, harnesses,

several times, I was glad to have this

prise. I am stoked because these are

and, therefore, reserve parachutes. I

ability. But there came a time when I

an essential component of our future,

worked closely with FFE in order to

no longer needed a quick release, and

as bailout options continue to shrink

further refine the original designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

the possibility of an accidental release

and pilots age. I made a number of

construction methods and materials,

upon deployment posed a serious

attempts to hook up with Free Flight

so manufacturing labor could be mini-

concern.

site of what I want to be doing. Therein lies the rub. In order to travel further upwind with an effective drogue, I need to slow down and float the glider across the threshold. Once safely across, I need to accelerate quickly, since it now takes the glider longer to accelerate and gain airspeed to avoid stalling in a strong surface gradient. This means my angle of descent will be much steeper than normal, but I may balk and blow the landing flare. I may need to perform a hard flare, higher above the deck than normal. This is something I need to be acutely aware of when recovering from coming up ABOVE The author and his experimental 69” drogue chute at Andy Jackson Airpark, San Bernardino, CA | photo by David Aldrich.

short. A serious issue sometimes occurs when a pilot drapes some portion of

where it would have come down in

the drogue canopy over the control

Crestline to Silverwood Lake on my

the brush and was gathering it up for

bar. I have learned about two fatal

Sport 2 155. I made a tactical error and

me the next day as I was setting up to

accidents during which the drogue

So there I was on an OTB flight from

failed to connect on the hills to the

land right over his head. I have since

inflated while draped over the bar

south of Hwy 138. Conditions were

switched to using a 3mm Maillon

and caused the glider to tuck or dive

very thermic when I spotted a field

Rapide as my connector, unless I’m

into the ground, before it could be cut

doing flight-testing over an LZ.

away or the reserve chute deployed. In

where I could safely land with my preproduction FFE-built mystery drogue.

one case, I read about a pilot who was

ness pockets, attachments, canopy

able to cut her draped-over drogue

the carefully folded chute from the

sizes, shapes, materials, etc. There is

away and land safely. Another issue I have encountered

side pocket of my cocoon harness

no USHPA/FAI/DHV sign-off or estab-

and never looked back or even to the

lished training system that I am aware

side. I simply focused on my approach,

of. I am here to share why it is I am

my hand, especially if by the apex, the

since the six-panel mystery drogue

so stoked and to share some of what I

greater the chance for a line-over, tan-

is typically so smooth I’m not aware

have learned from my own experience.

gled lines, bad inflation or pinwheel.

it’s there. I began to think it was more

There is no standardization of har-

I set up my approach and deployed

If my drogue is truly effective at

is that the longer I hold a drogue in

So I try to have my drogue ready to

buoyant and thermic near the ground

reducing my L/D through the air at

deploy with the flick of a wrist or as

than expected. I was soon on glide to

fast glide speed, then my ~9:1 L/D with

little motion as possible. This depends

overshoot the field, as I flared high

VG loose will degrade to as low as ~4:1

upon the style of drogue installed, as

and descended vertically for a clean

or even lower. That’s wonderful for

well as the pocket. The manner of

landing near the utility poles, a few

times when there’s no wind, but what

folding and packing the chute can be

feet shy of a utility box. I reached back

happens when there’s more wind

critical.

to pack my drogue, only to find the

than expected is critical to not landing

opened gate of my snap shackle.

short. As a good hang glider pilot, I

I’ve learned two other methods to extend a short glide. One is by

I had one more accidental release

was trained to come in with sufficient

slowing down at a safe altitude and

incident during a critical wind switch

airspeed to deal with turbulence and

grabbing my drogue bridle or lines. At

landing at Andy Jackson Airpark,

wind gradient. Typically, when coming

minimum sink speed, a drogue has

with my experimental 69” chute. My

up short of an LZ, I will pull the bar in

very little pull and, if in the wake of

friend Bruce, who studied my flight

for better wind penetration. With an

the pilot/harness, will even sag or

video that evening, guessed exactly

effective drag chute, this is the oppo-

collapse. I can either stuff the canopy

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

inside my harness or partially back

I believe this is all worth practicing

mystery drogue is because it stays

into the pocket. I may also be able

at a safe altitude, regardless of the

inflated and is well-behaved, with

to grab it by the apron and let it trail

model drogue I have installed. I also

a short bridle, so there’s little or no

until I land. I still make certain not

like to see how well I can perform a

chance of a keel snag. It can also be used with a very long bridle to avoid

to grab and hold it in a way that can

normal aircraft style approach with

cause it to drape over the control bar,

my drogue deployed. I always want

the keel stinger, yet still remains

then reinflate, or wrap around a rear

to know whether my drogue allows

stable. The drag is greater when

wire and short-sheet my harness,

me to set up my approach normally

using a long bridle, due to the longer

causing a crash.

or whether it’s so unwieldly that only

distance behind the pilot/harness

a straight approach can be managed

wake. When initially rigging a drogue,

safely.

I set my keel stinger on a chair, grab

Another, counter-intuitive technique is to rock upright in my harness and wake the drogue. Any turbulence, especially from harness and body

Most drogues I have owned have had vent holes in them or cascade

the apex of the drogue, and then pull my attached harness back as far as

wake, will cause a drogue to fully or

lines with slots between panels. If

it will go, as if I were getting dumped

partially collapse, depending on the

my bridle and mounting position

hard in turbulence. I also check to see

design and bridle length. The drag

are in between short and long, it is

whether an inflated drogue will snag

from being upright is a fraction of

possible to have my keel stinger get

the stinger in a way that may restrict

the drag from an efficient drogue.

caught on the canopy or snagged

or imperil me. Some types of snags

The cleaner and more prone I am,

between panels or even poke through

are harmless, while others can be a

the steeper my glide path will be. By

a vent-hole. My control movements

nightmare.

staying out of my drogue chute’s way,

may become so restricted that I may

I will come down faster for any given

need my reserve chute. Regardless of

airspeed. In other words, if I wake my

whether I have a quick release device,

drogue, it goes to sleep. What a drag

I keep a hook knife within easy reach.

that isn’t.

One reason I really like the six-panel

Currently, the six-panel mystery drogue chute manufactured by FFE is available through Dustin Martin, www. rotorharness.com.

For some year s I have been af flicted with the belief that flight is possible to man. -Wilbur Wright –

W W W. W I L L S W I N G. C O M

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RATINGS ISSUED MARCH 2016 RTG RGN NAME

H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-1 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-4 H-4 H-4 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1

1 3 3 3 10 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 7 7 10 10 10 11 2 2 2 2 3 5 7 9 3 3 5 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 6 6

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

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RTG RGN NAME

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

P-2 P-2 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4

GA NJ WA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA UT CO CO CO WY

10 12 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 8 9 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 6 6 8 9 12

Herb Lauw Grzegorz Radgowski Angelica Garcia Morales John Timble Joshua Gwiazda David Mednick Franck Techoueyres Brian Lawrence Loic Le Meur Bernie Nowel Duane Hall Preston Rhea Myles Connolly Iii Jiri Rutner Alex Gray Anthony Thompson Ladislau Molnar David Mellon Brandon Schmit Ryan Strong Kristopher Holub John Spitler Ho Shiu Kei Chan Cheung Ho Yeung Ka Ho Grace Stansbery Ed Kwok Leung Lam Chung Ka Po (cedric) Peter Warren Brandon Tarr Todd Taylor Benjamin Fullerton Daniela Nalesso Daniel Fourie Preston Rhea Alex Allen Khalid Chalouan Marja Seidel John Glime Cedar Wright Siu Ming Chan Hakan Cetinkaya Michael Freedman Tanju Kuzu Craig Ruhm

CT PA OR WA CA CA CA CA CA CA UT CO

MA MD NY

Chris Santacroce Miguel Afanador Miguel Gutierrez Patrick Eaves Patrick Eaves Patrick Eaves Patrick Eaves Wallace Anderson Jesse Meyer Patrick Eaves Justin Boer Troy Hartman Rob Sporrer Jordan Neidinger Jon Malmberg Michael Masterson Gabriel Jebb Chris Santacroce Troy Hartman Michael Jobin Kay Tauscher Rob Sporrer Matt Senior Peter Humes Matt Senior Marc Radloff Matt Senior Peter Humes Philippe Renaudin Bill Heaner Kelly Kellar Steven Wilson Mike Fifield Jesse Meyer Troy Hartman Mark Rich Stephen Nowak Stephen Nowak Stephen Mayer Matt Henzi Matt Senior Murat Tuzer Calef Letorney Hadi Golian Pete Michelmore

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HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

RATINGS ISSUED APRIL 2017 RTG RGN NAME

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

RTG RGN NAME

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

RTG RGN NAME

H-1 H-1 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2

2 4 1 2 2 3 10 10

Jules Brouillet Jonathan Hayden Chad Laposky Bennjamin Kohler John Kelly Landry Poole Ethan Lockert Sergio Mosqueda

CA CO WA CA CA CA TN MS

William Dydo Mel Glantz Derreck Turner George Hamilton Michael Jefferson John Heiney Alan Friday Cj Giordano

CA CA

H-2 H-2 H-2 H-2 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-3 H-4 H-4 H-4 H-4 H-4 H-4 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1

11 11 12 12 2 4 6 6 9 9 10 10 2 3 3 4 9 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3

Gabriel Gavidia-garcia Susie Cupit Zoe Sheehan Saldana Martin Lutz Timothy Fleming Tom Norris Anastasio Villa Douglas Bebensee Anthony Lloyd Robert Kesselring Robert Williams Kevin Osborne Timothy Fleming Erika Klein Nils Vesk James Penrod Richard Milla Christopher Parrish Kris Petter Cristian Dan Lee Patzer Kendra Petrie Curtis Nelson Kendra Sundberg Joy Dutta Regis George Shannon Kay Salvador Razo Hernandez

TX LA NY NY CA AZ

Bart Weghorst Cj Giordano Scott Schneider Dan Deweese Robert Soares Luke Waters John Heiney Malcolm Jones Ward Odenwald Iii Wayne Baker Scott Schneider Scott Schneider Robert Soares Andrew Beem Kari Castle Charles Glantz Spencer Kindt Spencer Kindt Marc Chirico Kelly Kellar Kelly Kellar Kelly Kellar Kelly Kellar Kelly Kellar Jeffrey Greenbaum Jeffrey Greenbaum David Hebert J C Perren

P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-1 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2

P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-2 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-3 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4 P-4

KS MD WV TN GA CA CA CA NM MD GA WA OR OR OR OR WA CA CA NV CA

3 3 6 6 6 7 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 6

Charlie Hynes Saeed Barati Cindy Berger Andrew Stover Chi-lun Choi Alan Dolley Scott Ruyle Shawn Northrop Yuval Zonnenschein Keith Dawson Sean Joy George Halsted Gregory Giacovelli Jr. Michael Maher Kalisa Muganza Tyler Langenfeld David Oddy Mary Formanek Brett Colby Stan Barankiewicz Ii Shay Munroe Derek Arculli Catherine Warchal Jason Edmiston James Carroll Brett Mcnary Richard Chess Eric Edmond Meaghan Maher Ian Jack David Rondon Ryan Belt Misha Banks Riley Cluff Ryan Perry Kevin Mabry Robert Vossmeyer

KS MI OR OR OR WA AK CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA HI CA CO NM AZ UT UT AZ CO CO UT UT MT MO

Jerome Daoust J C Perren David Hanning David Hanning Tung Ng David Hanning Maren Ludwig Kevin Lee Kevin Lee Maren Ludwig Chris Santacroce Jesse Meyer Jeffrey Greenbaum Jesse Meyer Jesse Meyer J C Perren J C Perren Gabriel Jebb J C Perren Stephen Nowak Rob Sporrer Rob Sporrer Stephen Nowak Steven Wright Stephen Nowak David Hebert Charles (chuck) Woods Aaron Cromer Chris Santacroce Jonathan Jefferies Chandler Papas Rob Sporrer Granger Banks Jonathan Jefferies Chris Santacroce Andy Macrae Rob Sporrer

6 7 8 9 10 10 12 12 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 6 6 7 7 9 9 10 10 10 12 2 2 4 4 5 5 8

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

Steve Holmes AR Mike Upchurch WI John (sterling) Burnett CT Peter Whitlock MD Gilles Trawalter NC Josh Mitchell NC Yuriy Roshchepa NJ Jacob Bolewski NY John Hall WA Mary Juliano WA Brian Simmonds WA Petr Gvozd WA Chris Kennedy CA Aasun Laine Guilmette CA Taylor Smallwood CA Manochehr Sadri CA Kevin Lin CA Charles (cruser) Putnam HI Marc Collins HI Ho Siu Yuen Au Sek Ho Kyle Lukey WI Matt Erdmann WI Kyle Mccullough VA Thomas Johncox MD Jake Thomas TN Shannon Tuck TN Jay Phelps AL Margaret Walsh NY Dietmar Burkhardt Jr CA Solomon Reisberg CA Michael Kuenning CO Ryan Hayes UT Todd Onken MT Jeff Shapiro MT Carlos Eduardo Carneiro Lessa MA

Jonathan Jefferies Scott Harris John Dunn Jonathan Jefferies Max Marien David Hanning Jason White David Hanning Chris Santacroce Chris Santacroce Marc Chirico Marc Chirico Jeffrey Greenbaum Jesse Meyer Mike Steen Madhu Chikkaraju Stephen Nowak David (dexter) Binder Steven Wright Matt Senior Jeffrey Greenbaum Andy Macrae Andy Macrae Max Marien David Hanning David Hanning David Hanning David Hanning Matt Henzi Wallace Anderson Maren Ludwig Etienne Pienaar Jonathan Jefferies Derek Goldman Joshua Winstead Luiz Fernando Costa

GIVE & GET! Make a $250 donation to the USHPA General Fund today and receive a Free Flight Forever t-shirt as our thank-you gift! Super soft 100% combed-cotton tee that's light and comfortable to move in. Available in Blue or Gray. Make a $1000 donation to the USHPA General Fund today and receive a Free Flight Forever jacket as our thank-you gift! 100% polyester soft shell with bonded fleece interior, light snow and water resistant.

Visit ushpastore.com to purchase yours.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

HOW TO USE

CALENDAR &CLASSIFIED

CALENDAR, CLINIC & TOUR LISTINGS can

be submitted online at https://www.ushpa. org/page/calendar. A minimum 3-MONTH LEAD TIME is required on all submissions and tentative events will not be published. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES - Rates

start at $10.00 for 200 characters. MINIMUM AD CHARGE $10.00. ALL CLASSIFIEDS ARE PREPAID. No refunds will be given on ads cancelled that are scheduled to run multiple months. For more info, visit www.ushpa. org/page/magazine-classified-advertising HANG GLIDING ADVISORY: Used hang gliders should always be disassembled before flying for the first time and inspected carefully for fatigued, bent or dented downtubes, ruined bushings, bent bolts (especially the heart bolt), re-used Nyloc nuts, loose thimbles, frayed or rusted cables, tangs with non-circular holes, and on flex wings, sails badly torn or torn loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and leading edges. PARAGLIDING ADVISORY: Used paragliders should

always be thoroughly inspected before flying for the first time. Annual inspections on paragliders should include sailcloth strength tests. Simply performing a porosity check isn’t sufficient. Some gliders pass porosity yet have very weak sailcloth. BUYER BEWARE - If in doubt, many hang gliding

and paragliding businesses will be happy to give an objective opinion on the condition of equipment you bring them to inspect. BUYERS SHOULD SELECT EQUIPMENT THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR SKILL LEVEL OR RATING. NEW PILOTS SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION FROM A USHPA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR.

CALENDAR clinics & tours AUG 13-24 > NE Alps in Switzerland Come with

us to Switzerland and see how easy, scenic and fun paragliding can be. Gondolas and tramways take us high in the Swiss Alps! We walk a few steps and then fly over scenic mountains and land alongside the base of the gondola. Granger has been paragliding in Switzerland since 1989 and will take you to eight nearby flying sites. Go to website to see places we fly: http://parasoftparagliding.com/switzerland/

COMPETITION (non-SANCTIONED) JUL 8 & AUG 5 > Marshall, San Bernardino, CA -

SoCal Sprint League The SoCal Sprint league is designed for pilots just getting into cross country flying. We set easy tasks with a custom scoring formula that rewards only distance flown so that pilots learn to value making goal over flying fast. We do briefings before and after the event for those that are interested and often times we will have more experienced pilots team fly with newer pilots ot help them along. If the weather is bad on the Saturday we may roll the event over to the Sunday. More Info: www. socalxcleague.com

JUL 30 - AUG 5 > Tater Hill Flight Park, Boone NC Tater Hill Open The THO is a race to goal, with a sport and open class. We will have clinics given by great pilots. Rides to launch and retrieve, lots of prizes, an awesome t-shirt and awards dinner all included. More Info: Bubba Goodman 828-773-9433 www. flytaterhill.com SEP 9-10 > SoCal Flying Sites (anywhere within an

hour or two of LA usually) - SoCal XC League The Southern California XC League is a monthly cross country event for paragliders. We usually choose our site the Wednesday or Thursday before the event to get the best flying conditions for the weekend. The flying is very informal and is a great way to see new sites, meet locals and have a great day of XC without the hassle of finding rides and retrieves. More Info: www.socalxcleague.com

FLY-INS JUN 30 - JUL 9 > Buffalo Mtn Flyers July 4th Fly-In –

Talihina, OK Yes, we have mountains! The Torrey Pines of the central states! 10 acre roll-off pasture launch. Thanks to FFF we have 5 launches covering all wind directions and all within 30 minutes drive. Launch from 1,000ft 5-mile long ridges, soar for hours, mass gaggle multiwingal 50mi+ XC's, altitudes >6K AGL, easy retrieves, come back for epic evening glass-off flights. Hotels, motels, camp at launch, share the stars with all your flying friends. This is THE place to enjoy air sports to the fullest. More Info: tinyurl.com/bmf-flyin

JUL 14-16 > Inkler’s Point (Chewelah, WA) -

Inkler’s Point Fly-In A fun filled family Fly-In during Chewelah, Washington’s Chataqua Days Weekend. Camping on-site will be available. USHPA membership is required - Inkler’s Point is an insured flying site. More Info: As the date nears see centeroflift.org or our Facebook Group “Center Of Lift”.

SEP 1-4 > Pine Mountain, Oregon - Pine Mountain Fly-In The 27th annual Pine Mountain Fly-In will be taking place in Central Oregon near Bend during Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 1-4). Known for its reliable summer glass-offs and good cross country potential, Pine has brought smiles to the faces of pilots since the late 1980s. Camping options are abundant at the LZ, and the party never disappoints. Both paragliders and hang gliders are welcome. We do not discriminate. Admission is free. (Donations accepted.) See you there! More Info: https://sites. google.com/view/desertairriders/fly-in

CLASSIFIED BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT Opportunity to acquire a paragliding school in Milton, Vermont, 10 miles north of Burlington, Vermont. Must be a USHPA certified paragliding instructor. We have taught paragliding for 25 years. Retiring within 5 years. This opportunity begins with a solid relationship developed through actually teaching paragliding with us for a season followed by an agreement to purchase Parafly Paragliding. See paraflypg.com. Contact Rick Sharp at paraflypg@ comcast.net

CLINICS & TOURS BAJA MEXICO - La Salina Baja's BEST BEACHFRONT

Airsport Venue: PG, HG, PPG: FlyLaSalina.com. by BajaBrent.com, He’ll hook you up! Site intros, tours, & rooms. bajabrent@bajabrent.com, 760-203-2658

FLYMEXICO - VALLE DE BRAVO for Winter and year round flying tours and support. Hang Gliding, Paragliding. Guiding, gear, instruction, transportation, lodging. www. flymexico.com +1 512-467-2529 Paragliding Tours 2017 with USHPA Advanced Instructor and veteran guide Nick Crane. Jan/Feb/Mar - Costa Rica; Jun/Sep/Oct - Europe; Mar/Dec - Brazil. www.paracrane.com; www.costaricaparagliding.com; nick@paracrane.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE BUZZ Z5S Brand NEW (R,YW,O) + New Yeti Cross

Reserve, $4,000. Plus used full set: Harness Woody Valley LS, Tube for Wing, Radio, pouch for GPS Garmin Flytech. Basalt, CO 81621, 970-379-5060.

PARTS & ACCESSORIES GUNNISON GLIDERS - X-C, Factory, heavy PVC HG gliderbags $149 Harness packs & zippers. New/used parts, equipment, tubes. 1549 CR 17 Gunnison, CO 81230 970-641-9315

SCHOOLS & INSTRUCTORS ALABAMA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - The best facilities, largest inventory, camping, swimming, volleyball, more. Wide range of accommodations. hanglide.com, 877-hanglide, (877) 426-4543, hanglide.com.

CALIFORNIA EAGLE PARAGLIDING - SANTA BARBARA - the best

year-round flying in the USA. Award winning Instruction, excellent mountain and ridge sites. More than one instructor,www.FlySantaBarbara.com, (805) 968-0980

NEW YORK AAA Hang Gliding Teaching since 1977, Three training hills, certified, adv instruction with mtn launch, tandems, towing, pro shop, pilots lounge, camping. We carry North Wing and Moyes, 77 Hang Glider Rd Ellenville, NY www. mtnwings.com 845-647-3377

Fly beyond! with the Oudie

NORTH CAROLINA COLORADO GUNNISON GLIDERS - X-C to heavy waterproof HG

gliderbags. Accessories, parts, service, sewing. Instruction ratings, site-info. Rusty Whitley 1549 CR 17, Gunnison CO 81230. 970-641-9315.

FLORIDA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Nearest mountain training center to Orlando. Two training hills, novice mountain launch, aerotowing, great accommodations. hanglide.com, 877-hanglide, (877) 426-4543.

GEORGIA LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Discover why 5 times as many pilots earn their wings at LMFP. Enjoy our 110 acre mountain resort. www.hanglide.com, 877-hanglide, (877) 426-4543.

HAWAII PROFLYGHT PARAGLIDING - Call Dexter for friendly information about flying on Maui. Full service school offering beginner to advanced instruction, year round. 808-874-5433 paraglidemaui.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE MORNINGSIDE - A Kitty Hawk Kites flight park. The

Northeast's premier hang gliding and paragliding training center, teaching since 1974. Hang gliding foot launch and tandem aerowtow training. Paragliding foot launch and tandem training. Powered Paragliding instruction. Dealer for all major manufacturers. Located in Charlestown, NH. Also visit our North Carolina location, Kitty Hawk Kites Flight School. 603-542-4416, www.flymorningside.com

KITTY HAWK KITES - The largest hang gliding school in the world, teaching since 1974. Learn to hang glide and paraglide on the East Coast's largest sand dune. Yearround instruction, foot launch and tandem aerotow. 1902 Wright Glider Experience available. Dealer for all major manufacturers. Learn to fly where the Wright Brothers flew, located at the beach on NC's historic Outer Banks. Also visit our NH location, Morningside Flight Park. 252441-2426, 1-877-FLY-THIS, www.kittyhawk.com

TENNESSEE LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FLIGHT PARK - Just outside Chattanooga. Become a complete pilot -foot launch, aerotow, mountain launch, ridge soar, thermal soar. hanglide.com, 877-hanglide, (877) 426-4543.

• Touchscreen • Color moving map • Highly customizable • Thermal assistant Flytec.com • 800.662.2449

TEXAS FLYTEXAS TEAM - training pilots in Central Texas for 25 years. Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Trikes. Hangar facilities Lake LBJ, Luling, Smithville www.flytexas.com 512-4672529

UTAH Wings Over Wasatch Hang Gliding, LLC - Tandem lessons, solo instruction and equipment sales. Mountain tours and supported XC trips. 603-545-2774 Come fly with us: www.WingsOverWasatch.com

VIRGINIA BLUE SKY - Virginia's full time HG/PG school. All forms of towing, Custom sewing/repairs, WW, Icaro, Airborne, Moyes, Woody Valley, HES, AerosPG, Aerolight, Mosquito. 804-241-4324, www.blueskyhg.com

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

FINAL Professional Air Sports Association by PASA

f you have been tuned in during

that PASA, an organization that had

thorough safety plans, and uphold a

the last year then you have no

been in existence all along, was per-

competent level of instructing. Many

doubt heard the term PASA,

fectly positioned to provide that kind

schools had to amend their programs

the acronym for the Professional Air

of service. Originally established by

slightly, and some had to add signifi-

Sports Association.

hang gliding industry leaders in 1997,

cant elements to meet the standards.

PASA has mainly been known as the

While it might be hard to find any

nity to reach out to the USHPA mem-

organization that certifies kiteboard-

schools or instructors who actually en-

bership. Please bear with us as we

ing schools and instructors for their

joyed the process, (there were a few!),

outline a brief history of how we got to

insurance needs. Last year, PASA was

by and large, most instructors will tell

where we are today. Our goal is for you

called upon to create a way to certify

you that the process was educational,

to know who we are, what we do, and

free-flight schools.

and that they are operating at a higher

We would like to take this opportu-

what our role is in free flight in the United States.

What followed was a mountain of work, by hang gliding and paragliding

If the first year was any indication,

professionals, on a mostly volunteer

things are really looking up. The

USHPA underwent an insurance

basis. PASA worked to establish a

instructor community nationwide is

revolution around one year ago, when

system that could certify schools, thus

a little bit healthier, and the statistics

our provider determined we were not

qualifying those schools for the RRRG

support this theory. In fact, because

profitable to renew. The Recreation

who would provide newly certified

of the continued efforts of all the

Risk Retention Group (RRRG) was

businesses with free-flight insurance

instructors in the free-flight commu-

established so that we could take care

either in a separate policy for a large

nity, a new dues matrix has just been

of our own insurance, and work to

school, or under PASA’s umbrella

released that actually REDUCES the

create a cost-effective solution to an

policy for smaller schools.

dues that individual schools pay, by an

No doubt you are aware that the

evergreen issue.

Schools who have been through the

average of 16 percent. This significant

As part of that process, the RRRG

PASA certification process can attest,

reduction in dues is a direct result of

needed a way to certify that free-flight

it’s a thorough one, requiring them to

the hard work and continued atten-

schools were identifying and thor-

dig deep into their teaching methodol-

tion to the details of safety on the part

oughly understanding the risks in-

ogy and check to make sure that every

of everyone in our free-flight commu-

volved in their business and taking all

aspect of it is up to high standards of

nity.

steps possible to mitigate those risks.

quality and professionalism. Every

While figuring out how to go about

school is subjected to an investigation

information about the Professional

certifying schools, it was determined

to determine that they have completed

Air Sports Association and to update

Many schools had to amend their programs slightly, and some had to add significant elements to meet the standards. 66

level now.

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

We aim to continue to provide

members about any evolutions that take place. We also welcome any questions or comments at pasaschools@ gmail.com.

Your expertise as a pilot has earned you exclusive access to top brands. Your involvement with the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association and your status as an advanced or master-rated pilot have earned you an invitation to join Experticity. It’s an exclusive community where you can get deep discounts and insider information from brands like Kelty, La Sportiva, The North Face, Brooks Running, Diamondback Bicycles and many more you know and love. Because brands like these recognize that experts like you know more, do more — and deserve more. Signing up is simple and free: • Go to the members-only section of the USHPA website to learn how to sign up • Join the USHPA team • Complete your profile to lock in your access • Start enjoying up to 70% off top outdoor brands

HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE

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