Kario Training T
his winter we are all firmly grounded in New Zealand with summer flying overseas s i m p l y a d re a m o n hold... but magically our fantastic coastline lets us play in the air even in winter! Actually, we can do much more in these winter months than just hanging in the air or following the coastline backward and forwards, we can use this time for gaining and growing some practical skills which will make us safer and more efficient on the coast, flats, and in the mountains. Coastal training has made a massive difference to my volbivouac adventures and this training kept me safe during Red Bull X-Alps. Deep in the mountains, no take-off is perfect. Good top and slope landing skills save us loads hours of hiking and also keep us safe making our flying adventures far more fun! I’ve travelled around the world chasing it for years now but still, the best training ground I can imagine is just here at our doorstep. It is called Karioitahi. With kilometers of grassy top and slope landings and take-offs for pilots at any level of experience, it’s ultimately one of the best training grounds in the world. Fortuitously I am lucky to live close by and fly there all the time in both perfect and challenging conditions for many varied exercises. If you live in another part of the country and usually fly on other sites, you may implement some of these exercises when you fly at your spot. Still, it will
By Kinga Masztalerz
Above; Kinga,
1. Managing your wing in strong wind By strong wind, I mean the wind which you don’t feel comfortable to launch in. It might differ depending on your skill level, wing type, and your weight. These exercises are perfect for days when otherwise are too strong for flying. Incredibly useful on the coast, flatlands, and absolutely crucial in the mountains, mastering your wing
Above; Graham Rose on the Kario dunes above the high take-off at sunset Photo; Kinga
Left; Graham’s adventurous spirit made him land on random dunes. Sometimes landing was way easier than relaunching! Photo; Kinga
14 A i r b o r n
Photo; Chris Wright
be worth coming to Kario for some good weekend training sessions. Of course, flying backward and forwards in the laminar wind is pleasant and sometimes it’s all we need to relax after a long week. However, if you want to up your game, here are some essential skills:
will make you safe and in time will let you fly when others being are being dragged around or grounded with their wings unpacked. Basic: On the take-off (or on the beach, low on the dunes if it is very very windy) find a place that is slightly sheltered to prepare your gear without letting it being blown away. Don’t open your wing completely so it cannot fly away, just allow enough to see if the lines aren’t twisted. Put on the harness, attach to the wing (if you haven’t already), and then try to completely open the canopy using only brakes and lines. If you have a cravat or knot, try to open it without approaching your wing. If it is too windy, don’t try to launch,
