Forbes Flatlands Tow Meet

was no accidents but we just didn’t know what would happen. Steve and Gui are both base jumpers and while they didn’t think conditions were that great, they both agreed they’d be much more comfortable with a base rig than a paraglider!

The next task was much more wholesome. Late November is a great time for hiking in the Arab Emirates - it’s hotter than anything the European athletes have experienced, but cool for this part of the world. The northern province of Ras al Khaimah is a gateway to the Hajar mountains which lie between the Persian Gulf and Oman.

Flying conditions were actually very pleasant, gentle well formed thermals giving us views of dry jagged peaks stretching off into the distance. At least they were on the practice day - on the day of the task a north wind put us into the lee, and conditions were very scratchy. Starting mid-mountain we climbed to the launches near the top of Jebel Jais and flew, having to land again to sign our names at the start, before ascending to the next turn point above us.

The winners actually packed up and hiked, I flew my way up but it was so slow that Spike (from Poland whose guest house I stayed at in the Dolomites) attempted to fly, gave up, slope landed in the same place a second time, walked up, and finally overtook me. I believe he did have rather a sore head from the exertion, however - worse than any day in the X-Alps, he said.

At the finish the organisers facilitated a carnival atmosphere, we filled out bellies courtesy of the Arabian hospitality, and we had prize giving with the local Sheikh giving the nod of approval for a new paragliding site, our transgressions at venturing too close to the Omani border the day before seemingly forgiven.

The Dune task. Stopping by the road to have a closer look at the camels, our ridge seemed to tower in the distance. It was an optical illusion - when we arrived it had shrunk somehow. But it was still the perfect place to gather the desert breeze and offer world class soaring. You could play waggas in the sand, thermal up to a thousand metres, or glide along the ridge. Of course the environment is inhospitable to your wing with the red gritty sand but my Gin Puma has had a good life, with a long summer full of adventures.

Above; Playing with the Gin Puma, dune reconnaissance day

Below; Waggas while watching the sunset

Above; Nick Neynens flies gentle thermals in Ras al Khaimah, UAE

So a brilliant site for learning, tandems, or playing, but perhaps not the best for a cross country task. I used more speed bar in the task than probably the entire lifetime of the wing so far. At one stage I even gained the lead, but then failed to spot the sign board and veered off course slightly. A couple of wingovers to lose the extra height I didn’t actually need and a dozen wings overtook me.

Then with wings bunched up we raced up a quarry track and tried to launch in the rubble. A rather frustrating experience, but at least it wasn’t a new wing. Racing on the ridges low to the ground took its toll and Steve fell out of the sky, Eduardo face planted into the rocks, and Aaron wrapped his Lamborghini sponsored wing around the only (spiky) tree around. Unfortunately there was some confusion and lack of situational awareness and it took a while for Steve to get to hospital, where he was joined by Eduardo.

Thank goodness for the hot shower and buffet back at the hotel. Next we had a rest day where some went to The World Expo, or the kite beach, or the Burj Khalifa. Instead I’d been invited to go sailing with some South African expats I met during my first hike and fly race (x-berg) back in 2014. We went “around the world” - the artificial sand islands - and viewed the skyline, one building in particular (Address Beach Resort) now being especially familiar.

There is quite the expat community in Dubai and Linda asked where else in the world can you feel so safe in the city as a woman. There was some controversy about the lack of representation in the athlete lineup, although we did expect Yael to join us, but she changed her plans after the Argentina Worlds. Oh, the hectic rock star lifestyle of the paragliding elite...

While after the X-Alps I’m considering my “retirement”, events like this are certainly a perk of the modest opportunities available to aspiring semi-professionals, and pretenders like me. There was a great sense of community amongst the pilots, genuine enthusiasm from the organisers, and real pioneering feel to the experience. Supportive hosts make everything a pleasure and our exchanges with locals, expats, and visitors were all a positive part of the experience. One to remember.