USHGA Paragliding November 2000

PARAGLIDING • NOVEMBER 2000

AIR MAIL

DIXON'S NOTES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

COMP LINES

2001 lJSHGA REGIONAL 13}JREGI'.0R lELE(JI1QN

UPDATE

UstHhe ballot r:tt/acberl tt} tJHs is.foe of t1ie 111aga±ine.

INCIDENT REPORTS

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PRESIDENT'S CORNER

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

PILOT PROFll.ES In~rtfieuJs Py D.(;7n Olsen

CoN%'RCiENCE ItFr byJosh) U<$J'l1rs

CO VER: Bali cliff, poolside, near Timbis.

See story on page 16 Photo © 2000 by Stefanie Brendl/Sea to Sky.

NOVEMBER

2000

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Gil Dodgen, Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief Steve Roti, Contributing Editors Dave Pounds, Art Director Will Gadd, Dennis Pagen Staff Writers

Office Staff

Phil Bachman, Executive Director, phbachman@ushga.org

Jeff Elgart, Advertising, jjelgart@ushga.org Joanne Peterson, Member Services, rjpeterson@ushga.org Cleda Ungles, Member Services, cungles@ushga.org Natalie Hinsley, Merchandise Services, njhinsley@ushga.org USHGA

Executive Committee:

David Glover, President, david@davidglover.com Mark Ferguson, Vice President, mark@ballvarios.com Bill Bryden, Secretary,bbryden@hsonline.ne/ Geoff Mumford, Treasurer, gmumford@apa.org REGION 1: Bill Bolosky, Steve Roti. REGION 2: Jamie Shelden, Ray Leonard, Scott Gaspari an. REGION 3: Ken Baier, John Greynald, Gregg lawless. REGION 4: Mark Ferguson, Jim Zeiset. REGION 5: Frank Gillette.

REGION 6: Jeff Sinason. REGION 7: Bill Bryden.

REGION 8: Doug Sharpe. REGION 9: Randy Leggett, Geoff Mumford. REGION 10: David Glover, Matt Taber. REGION 11: Kent Robinson. REGION 12: Paul Voight. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Ed Pitman, Paul Rikert, Dan Johnson, Jan Johnson, Dennis Pagen. HONORARY DIRECTORS: G.W. Meadows, Bob Hannah, Randy Adams, John Harris, Steve Kroop, Larry Sanderson (SSA), Chris DuPaul, Gene Matthews, Lars Linde, Ken Brown, Rob l<ells, Michael Robertson, Liz Sharp, Russ Locke. EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS: Art Greenfield (NAA).

The United States Hang Gliding Association Inc. is an air sports organization affiliated with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) which is the official representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the U.S. at FA! meetings, has delegated to the USHGA supervision of FAl-related paragliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions.

PARAGLIDING magazine is published for paragliding sport enthusiasts to create further interest in the sport, and to provide an educational forum to advance paragliding methods and safety. ContribLrtions are welcome. Anyone is invited to contribute articles, photos and illustrations concerning paragliding activities. If the material is to be returned, a stamped, self-addressed return envelope must be enclosed. Notification must be made of submission to other paragliding publications, PARAGLIDING magazine reserves the right to edit contributions where necessary. The Association and publication do not assume responsibility for the material or opinions of contributors. PARAGLIDING editorial offices: 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy., Suite A-256, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, phone (949) 8887363, fax (949) 888-7464, e-mail: GilDodgen@aol.com.

The USHGA is a member-controlled sport organization dedicated to the exploration and promotion of all facets of unpowered ultralight flight, and to the education, training and safety of its membership. Membership is open to anyone interested in this realm of flight. Dues for full membership are $59.00 per year (of which $15 goes to the publication of Paragliding), ($70 non-U.S.); subscription rates only are $35.00 ($46 non-U.S.). Changes of address should be sent six weeks in advance, including name, USHGA number, previous and new address, and a mailing label from a recent issue.

PARAGLIDING (ISSN 1089-1846) is published ten times a year (Jan./Feb., March/April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept.,Oct., Nov., Dec.) by the United States Hang Gliding Association, Inc., 559 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 101, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903-3657 (719) 632-8300. FAX (719) 632-6417. PERIODICAL POSTAGE is paid at Colorado Springs, CO and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: PARAGLIDING, P.O. BOX 1330, Color,1do Springs, CO 80901-1330.

NOVEMBER

2000

AIRPLAY KUDOS Dear Editor, I'm not old in age, but have been flying paragliders since 1989 as a weekend pilot.

My instructor was Fred Stockwell in Salt Lake City, Utah, and after that it was mostly trial and error for the next five years as far as learning goes. You pick up as much as you can from other pilots, but in my case there were only two of us in New Mexico at the time. For the last couple of years I have been taking different courses here and there and they all were very good.

But the latest clinic was with Airplay and Dixon White on thermaling and X-C It was the best! The reason I decided to take the clinic was that I wasn't very comfortable thermaling in strong conditions (or what I thought were strong conditions), and found that I was second-guessing myself and landing instead of staying up. I did know Dixon from meeting him at different flying sites throughout the years, but chat was just in passing. Then this year I met a gentleman in Aspen who had taken one of Dixon's clinics and he was very excited about what he had learned at Airplay. I had seen Dixon's advertisement in Parrtgliding magazine and called Airplay. They said they would provide two instructors for a maximum of four students, would tailor the class to meet each of our goals, and that it would be the most indepth class I had taken.

So, I tried to sign up for the clinic, but two months ahead of time was too late; both clinics were already filled. Then at the last minute some poor pilot backed out, and I thank him for his spot because it was the best learning experience one could expect concerning weather, thermaling and X-C, and not just because I met every goal - a maximum gain of 4,000 feet over launch, flying in a wide variety of thermal conditions, and staying up in the strongest lift I've ever flown in. The difference was that they helped me understand what was happening in the air and what the weather was doing, and for the first time at cloud base I was at ease and having fun on my first fivemile cross-country flight. Dixon and Mark flew right beside us at Chelan Butte in Washington state, and this was far better than having an instructor sitting on the

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ground looking up at you.

Another nice touch was the guest speakers, one of whom was Matthew Taggart who had just won the serial class in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was very exciting and informative to listen to all of them and to ask questions and get in-depth answers without feeling foolish.

I would like to thank Dixon and Mark for an outstanding clinic. My hat is off to the entire crew at Airplay, who not only make you feel welcome but are very professional and put an extreme emphasis on safety. This is the kind of school and program that will help paragliding be around for a long time, These people are devoting there lives to our sport, and we all need to express our gratitude and support our schools.

So, if you get a chance and are thinking about getting some help, or just want to learn something new, I highly recommend Airplay. Old dogs can learn new tricks.

James Stelzer Los Alamos, NM

BIG THANKS Dear Editor, I would like to express a big thanks to the nearly 90 brave souls who attended the 10th Annual Pine Mountain, Oregon Fly-In. Even with a forecast of wind, rain, snow and thunder, they came, and we got it alL Luckily, no one froze to death on the ground or in the air. The brave, the hearty and the cold just kept coming, flight suits on and stocking caps pulled low, and despite the weather they flew. The camaraderie and devotion to the sport made it worth just being there to see at this threeday event over the Labor Day weekend.

What a wonderful bunch of people we have the privilege of hanging out with. The generosity of the paragliding community that was represented from across the states is also worth noting. I must say that we are very lucky people to have each other.

Frankie Watson Bend, OR

PARAGLIDING

USHGA ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISABILITY~ ENROLLMENT FORM Name of Applicant: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ USHGA Number: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address/P. 0. Box, City State Zip E-Mail address: _____________ Daytime Telephone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ USHGA Membership expiration date on membership card: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Name of Beneficiary _________________ Relationship_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Benefits: This program provides coverage for accidental death, accidental loss of limb or sight and accidental permanent total disability for accidental loss which occurs as a result of a covered accident.

Loss must occur within 100 days after the date of accident. The benefit summary is available on the USHGA website at www.ushga.org. A certificate of insurance will be sent to you upon enrollment verifying coverage.

1st Year Introductory Level of coverage requested: (Check one)

Limit

Annual Premium

_ _ $10,000

$20

_ _ $25,000

$50

- - $50,000

$100

Effective date of coverage: (Premium and application must be received within 7 days of effective date, or coverage will commence upon date premium and completed application are received by Summit America.)

Eligibility Requirement for Coverage: All of the following must be in place in order for coverage to be in effect: J) Applicant must be a current USHGA member, and 2) premium payment with application must have been received by Summit America Insurance, and 3) application must be completed in its entirety.

Signature of Applicant Date Premium Payment - Payment can be made by check or credit card. For check payment, make payable to Summit America and mail to Summit America (below address). You can also apply by faxing this form to Summit America at 1-913-327-020 I utilizing the credit card option below.

Summit America Insurance Services 5001 College Blvd., Suite 216 Leawood, KS 66211 For coverage questions or inquiries contact Ronda Ashley at Summit America at 1-800-955-1991.

Visa

MasterCard

Number: ______________ Exp. Date: _ _ _ _ __

Cardholder Name (please print) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Cardholder A d d r e s s : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State: _ _ _ _ _ Zip: _ _ _ __ Signature: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Date: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Calendar of events items WILL NOT be listed if only tentative. Please include exact information (event, date, contact name and phone number). Items should be received no later than six weeks prior to the event. We request two months lead time for regional and national meets.

COMPETITION UNTIL DEC. 31: The Michael Champlin World X-C Challenge. No entry fees or pre-registration requirements. Open to paragliders, hang gliders, rigid wings and sailplanes. For more details visit the contest's Web site at http://www.hanggliding.org or contact: John Scott (310) 447-6234, fax (310) 447-6237, brettonwoods@email.msn.com.

CLINICS/MEETINGS/TOURS OWENS VALLEY 2000: Fly with a World Champion, 10-time National Champion and X-C world record holder Kari Castle as your guide in the Owens.

Private one-on-one or group instruction available. Further your flying education.

Contact: Kari Castle (760) 872-2087, karicasde@telis.org, www.north westout doors.com/fly/.

FEB. 1-28, 2001: Brazil Paragliding Tour 2001. Warm X-C flying in the middle of winter! Experienced U.S. instructors guide you to one of the premier flying sites in Brazil. Governador Valadares, north of Rio, is a popular site for world-class competitions. Mild thermal conditions, light winds and gentle terrain allow magnificent flying from morning until dusk. Fly X-C or locally;

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the best mid-winter flying anywhere.

Hospitable city, pleasant entertainment and dining are abundant. Transportation to launch and retrieval available.

Lodging and two meals per day provided. $1,200 for any 12 days. Contact: Adventure Sports, (775) 883-7070, www.pyramid.net/advspts.

NOV. 18-27: Chile 2000, in the Atacama desert of northern Chile. Break your personal best record (so far every pilot who has joined us has), and improve your X-C flying skills. Check out the tour section and slide show at www.fun2fly.com or call (206) 3209010.

NOV. 20-DEC. 27: Fly Nepa! 2000.

Three 10-day tours in the Himalayas, the most stunning, exotic country imaginable. Friendly and consistent thermal conditions. Guidance from Master-rated instructor Dale Covington. Logistics handled by Nepal expedition specialist Kellie Erwin-Rhoads and friendly Sherpa staff. Limit 7 per trip, $1,800.

Contact: www.razors-edgelflynepal, (208) 233-1380, or Dale Covington (801) 474-2380.

JAN. 7-28, 2001: Parasoft Paragliding 7th Annual Mexico Tours to Igualla, a 2,800' drive-up launch in central Mexico. Perfect safety record, flying every day with no injuries. Eight-day clinics for novice and intermediate pilots to improve thermaling and cross-country skills. Parasofr meets you at the Mexico City airport and covers transportation, hotel and instruction for eight days. Granger Banks will offer a new trip to Valle de Bravo, Pueblo, and the volcanoes for advanced pilots only, Jan. 21-28. Visit http://parasoft.boul der.net/ WinterFlying.html.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1. Title of publication: PARAGLIDING 2. Publication No 1089-1846 3. Date of filing: September 20, 2000 4. Frequency of issue: 10/year - Jan./Feb., March/April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept. Oct., Nov., Dec. 5. No. of issues published annually: 1O 6. Annual subscription price: $35.00 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 559 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Suite 101, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3657 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: Same 9. Full names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: Publisher: United States Hang Gliding Assn, Inc., P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330. Editor and managing editor: Gil Dodgen, 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy., Suite A-256, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-1836.

10. Owner: United States Hang Gliding Assn, Inc., 559 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Suite 101, Colorado Springs, CO 809033657. Its Officers are: David Glover, President, 1696 Creek Rd., Wildwood, GA 30757; Mark Ferguson, Vice President, 1173 Ridgeview Cir, Broomfield, CO 80020; Bill Bryden, Secretary, 6608 N. 100 E. Rd., Seymour, IN 47274; Geoff Mumford, Treasurer, 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002.

11. Known bondholder, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1% or more of total amounts of bonds, mortgages or other securities: none.

12. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for Federal income tax purposes: (1) Has not changed during preceding 12 months.

13. Publication name: Paragliding 14. Issue date for circulation data below: August 2000 15. Extent and nature of circulation: (A) Total No. copies printed: 5,859 av./issue. preceding 12 mo.; 5,331 for August 2000.

(B1) Paid circulation through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales: 1,381 av./issue preceding 12 mo.; 1,362 for August 2000.

(B2) Paid or requested mail subscriptions: 3,617 av./issue preceding 12 mo.; 3,269 for August 2000.

(C) Total pa'1d and/or requested circulation: 4,998 av./issue preceding 12 mo.; 4,631 for August 2000.

(D) Free distribution by mail: 53 av./issue preceding 12 mo.: 48 for August 2000.

(E) Free distribution outside the mail: 21 av./issue preceding 12 mo.; 18 for August 2000.

(F) Total free distribution: 74 av./issue preceding 12 mo.: 66 for August 2000.

(G) Total distribution: 5,072 av./issue preceding 12 mo.; 4,697 for August 2000.

(H1) Copies not distributed - office use, leftovers, spoiled: 700 av./issue preceding 12 mo.; 575 for August 2000.

(H2) Copies not distributed - returns from news agents: 87 av./issue preceding 12 mo.; 59 for August 2000.

(I) Total: 5,859 av./issue preceding 12 mo.; 5,331 for August 2000.

(J) Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 99% av./issue preceding 12 mo.; 99% for August 2000.

16. This statement printed in: November 2000 issue.

17. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Signed by: Jeff Elgart, Director of Circulation, 9/20/2000.

PARAGLIDING

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Sales Office & Rocky Mountain Demo Center Fly Away Paragliding (303) 642-0849 flyaway@diac .com

San Francisco Bay Area Skytimes Paragliding (415) 868-1330 switzer@hooked.net

Southern California Fly Above All Paraglidin (805) 965-3733 info@flyaboveall .com

PRO-FLYGHT MAUI, HI UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

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om and Tammy Chesrnur have recenrly acquired rhe Maui, Hawaii randem operarion and school. The Amy's, who sraned rhe business some years ago, have since moved on ro pursue orher interesrs.

Tom, an avid P3 pilor from rhe sourhern Oregon area, heads up rhe all-srar casr including his wife Tammy and rhree indusrry experrs, hand picked for rheir experience and professionalism.

Monte Bell, formerly ofTorrey P ines G liderport, and Paul Franco, formerly of Ellenville, New York, along wirh Cary Mendes, a veteran of rhe Pro-Flyghr Team are rhe key players.

Pro-Flyghr provides rhe rhrilling experience of raking randem passengers from high amp Mt. Haleakala ro rhe beach at Kihea, a flighr unparalleled in rhe world. In addirion, Pro-Flyght offers comprehensive insrrucri o nal packages and sire guide service for rhe entire island.

T he new ream, armed wirh a new fleer of randem, rraining and demo gliders, harnesses and equipment, promises ro offer a level of professionalism, rraining, sales and service never before seen in rhe Hawaiian Islands.

While rhe name remains rhe same as ir has for many years, rhe Pro-Flyghr Team is brand new and rhe experience of flying Maui has never been bener. Comacr (808) 87-GLIDE ro arrange a Hawaiian paragliding experience wirh Pro-Flyghr.

office. We are emphasizing the importance of rhe 30-day membership for very imporram reasons. First, both tandem occupants must possess and have in rheir possession current pil or rating documentarion issued by USHGA. If your srudent is not a USHGA member and you have not issued a 30-day membership for rhe "discovery" tandem flighr, you are in vio lation of the tandem exemprion granted by the FAA. Second, wirhour USHGA membership, the srudenr does nor have rhird-parry liabiliry insurance coverage.

Any reporrs of non-compliance char I receive will be investigared. Any complaints that are verified ro be accurate will result in immediate revocarion of the insrructor's tandem insrrucror raring. [n cases where the insrructor represents a larger school/ operation, the school itself will be treared as non-compliant, and the abiliry ro conti nue tandem acriviry will be revoked.

I'd like to thank the di ligent operations that have maintained 100% compliance, and hope thar chis includes all schools. I'd like nothing better than ro receive no reports of non-compliance. Fly high!

- submitted by Paul Voight, USHGA Tandem Committee Chairman

SOL INFO wiss pilot and designer Andre Rorrer is now responsible for development and testing at SOL Paragliders. Andre has been a pilot since 1989 and began designing paragliders in 1993. He has worked in rhe pasr for Falhawk and Mac. Andre will divide his rime berween Switzerland and Brazi l. At SOL he is using new, customized sofrware rhar has resulted in very clean canopies .

T he first producr from Andre is complere, rhe Yess2, competirion glider for rhe 200 1 season. Ir will be offered in rwo sizes 25 (90-110 kg) and 22 (70-90 kg).

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TANDEM INSTRUCTOR REMINDER

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would like ro rake rh i_s _opporruniry ro remind all randem instrucrors rhar yo u musr uulize rhe 30-day remporary USHGA program for every "discovery" randem fl ighr operarion performed wirh a civi lian.

This is nor a difficulr or expensive task. You pre-purchase rhe rhings ($2 each) , urilize rhem, and send rhem back ro rhe USHGA

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SCOTT HARRIS RECEIVES SECOND DIAMOND SAFE PILOT AWARD

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he USHGA would like ro congratulate Scotr Harris of Jackson Village, Wyoming on his achievement of logging more than 2,000 consecutive safe flights, earning him the Second Diamond Safe Pilot Award.

P ARAGLIDING

--.~et 1necih.rtt gJjd· . '11b~!.ly.:;

Glider of choice for:

--Josh Cohn --Mark Telep

--Kari Castle --Steve Roti

www . wnd te ch. es

I Dixon's 1airPlay I tel · so9 102 5543 I I email · dixon@paraglide.com I I web· www.paraglide.com I ... hanggliders, planes, paragliders and rigid wings.

For pilots, who dream our dream of flying!

The great thing is that many of these people are still active in the sport in some way. They were the early adopters in the Association. Now Nikki McDonald is member 75,000, a woman from Dallas, Texas.

USHGA STATISTICS Total Membership Counts Hang Gliding: 6,575 Paragliding: 3,478 Total: 10,053 Roth: 679

First 1,000 Members US GA Statistics New At www.ushga.org

T

here are 33 members with a USHGA number below a thousand that are still current members: 30 Bob Chase, 46 Bill Watson, 61 Herbert Seidenberg, 77 Michael Riggs, 13 7 J uri Kauk, 148 David Kilbourne, 17 4 Scott Sayre, 189 Ed Geller, 191 Douglas Carmichael, 218 Larry Hall, 262 Thomas Peghiny, 291 Bob Ellenberg, 337 Floyd Fronius, 369 Francis Rogallo, 390 Jerry Martin, 394 Grant Smith, 422 Richard Lindskog, 437 Michael Sandlin, 486 Bud Mclaney, 498 Virgil Dahrens, 551 T Cheston , 552 Richard Kelly, 562 W. Roecker, 619 Ken Nead, 735 John Williamson, Sr., 791 Raymond Berger, 845 Joe Kelsay, 868 David Ductor, 921 Chris Wills, Md., 944 Mike Meoli , 946 Doug Wilson, 957 Dave Raybourn and 975 Russell Hodges.

NOVEMBER

2000

Hang Gliding Renewals: Paragliding Renewals: Total Renewals:

489 265 754

Instructor Count by Sport Hang Gliding: Paragliding:

323 195

Ratings by Rating level Beginner HG: 13% Novice HG: 28% Intermediate HG: 22% Advanced HG: 34% Master HG: 3%

PG: 9% PG: 52% PG: 22% PG: 16% PG: 1%

Dollars Processed Through Website September 2000 New Memberships: $5,793 Renewal Memberships: $23,200

NEW AT WWW.USHGA.ORG • •

Order a $5 video Renew, join, change, add to your personal information on-line.

• Sign up for new AD&D insurance policy • Get the 2001 Calendar • Make a membership list for your state • Check out the new USHGA on-line score • Find almost anything about the sports

Large, illuminated display, 40+ memories, l .Sw or 5w transmit output, scan function, lockable keypad, CTCSS encoder standard, DTMF selective call, full featured! SALE $149 to $229.

Dry-cell battery cases (AAx4), PTT's for all brand radios, antennas, etc.

A•lf• Pir.o lm!llo

111ltlllll':!1Mu

This comfortable "One Size Fils All" radio harness instantly adjusts to hold any radio snugly lo your chest.

Features all-Cordura construction, large bellow cargo pocket and pen/antenna pouch. $44.95

ILmW•, fflulh Guol1'y ftlllff ...

Solid Cordura construction protects your investment! Fully opens to cover gear or cinches up around unfolded wing, harness, etc., offering protection and portability. Unique "Cinch Closure" design slays ed! Built in stow bag and shoulder straps. The best quality and design available today!

Nlffldnm Hook Knh,as Beautifully crafted aluminum hook knives all feature replaceable stainless steel blades and lightweight construction. Knife pockets available.

4" Single blade design. The best small hook knife available.

4 3/4" Also a single blade design, with snap strap. Incredibly rugged!

The 8" Raptor. The highest quality Hook Knife available today. Light- weight and very strong, the handle is designed to fit your hand even while wearing heavy gloves.

If you have any questions or comments let me know. Make your flying safe and fun.

David Glover, david@davidglover.com, (706) 657-8485. !II

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2001 USH GA Regional Director Election Use the ballot attached to this issue ofthe magazine.

REGION I

Bill Bolosky - Incumbent REGION II

Ray Leonard - Incumbent Hello Region 2 Pilots. Since the last time I was elected to represent you I have been able to accomplish quite a few priorities. After many years of work, the U.S. Speed Gliding Team has become a successful reality. This, and hosting the most successful Wild Wild West Regionals in 10 years was quite an accomplishment. This year we will be in the Reno Air Races as a demonstration sport promoting USHGA as well as giving discovery flights to Make-AWish kids.

On the paragliding scene we have been opening up ski areas in che Lake Tahoe region at the rate of one new one every year or so. There is still a lot of work to be done here.

On the horizon I hope to work on the Safety and Training Committee and Site Committee to assist with future projects as well as complete the ones in progress.

Once again I would appreciate your support with your vote in theses endeavors.

REGION III

Ken Baier - Incumbent The USHGA is a service organization for its membership. As a member of the BOD I have devoted most of my energies to the Pilot Proficiency Program involving pilot ratings and instruction. I'd like to see our system become easier for the pilots and instructors to use, without compromising the quality or safety of our flying. Safe and fun flying is the most important goal for most of our pilots. This is also important to the Association because it leads to healthy growth for the sport with all of the benefits that brings us, things like improved insurance rates, open flying sites, legislative power and a positive image. I'd like to continue as Regional Director, to help the flying community go flying!

Just a few resume items. I started flying hang gliders in 1973 and graduated in '76 from University of Arizona with a degree in Recreation Administration. That means my degree actually applies to being an Instruc-

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tor/Regional Director! In '77 I moved to Southern California to avidly pursue hang gliding and became a hang gliding instructor in '81. I started paragliding in '89 and became an instructor later that year. In '91 I started Airjunkies Paragliding and have been teaching paragliding ever since. I am Master-rated in both hang gliding and paragliding and a Paragliding Tandem and Instructor Administrator.

DavidJebb - Nominee I seek your support and nomination for Region III Director. My family and I have operated the Torrey Pines Gliderport for the past three years. I am asking for your very important vote to the Board because as a free-flight professional, I believe that I can contribute to the overall wellbeing of our sport. I support the Association and feel that they have done a good job over these past years. The "winds of change" are upon us and we must take some bold and broad steps to ensure the future of our sports.

The issues that I would like to direct my attention to are as follows: First, I would attempt to increase our membership. The future of hang gliding and paragliding depends on the expansion of membership.

We must attract new members and continue to expand our horizons. Second, I would like to improve the training standards as established by our Association. Enhanced training and instructor standards, in my opinion, will result in fewer accidents and deaths. Last, we must continue to establish site preservation as a goal on the local and national levels. Many of our older sites are losing ground to the developers. Our sports continue to be pushed farther out to the boonies.

I make no promises other than to be true to those concepts and principles of free flight. I am an active hang glider and paraglider pilot and believe that we share a very special bond. This unique bond, the fun and excitement of free flight, is what I

have dedicated my life to. Thank you and I hope to see you in the sky.

David Jebb, Master Pilot, Advanced Instructor David Jebb is endorsed for Region III Director by the following members: Bill Kimball , Past President, San Diego HG & PG Association; Rob Van Zabern, President, Crestline Soaring Society; Joe Greblo, Owner, Windsports Soaring Center, Dockweiler; Paul Phillips, Owner, Lake Elsinore Sports; John Ryan Owner, The Hang Gliding Center, Pete Michelmore/Marc Hill, Owners, Gravity Sports-, Rod Mitchell; Past President, San Diego HG & PG Association; Mitch McA!eer.

REGION IV

Mark Ferguson - Incumbent REGIONV No election this year.

REGION VI No election this year.

REGION VII

Bill Bryden - Incumbent REGION VIII

Douglas Sharpe - Incumbent For the past two years I have been your USHGA Director. So What? Well, out of a strong interest - or maybe a better word, passion - for the sports of hang gliding and paragliding in New England or where ever I travel, I would like to continue to represent you and Region 8 as a USHGA Director.

Over the past two years, flying in New England has continued to be popular and the role of the regional dubs continues to be an important aspect of flying in this Region. As Director over the next two years I will continue to uphold the interests of PARAGLIDING

these groups and assist in site development and mediation issues that need attention by · a Regional Director.

I will do my best to represent Regional interests to the national organization as well as bringing back information to our clubs regarding initiatives occurring on the national front.

I will support continued progress in New England in the development of sitepreservation initiatives. This is essential to the long-term maintenance of some of our Region's best sites. Without further dialog and work, some of our best sites may be at risk in the not-to-distant future. I believe more work needs to be done in this arena.

I will encourage the growth and development of new instructors, new USHGA Observers, and clubs to better represent the USHGA system and provide guidance and safety to our flying sites.

Please support me in the next two years.

As well, I encourage any of you to work more with me or your local clubs to make flying better in New England.

REGION IX Felipe Amunategui - J\lominee I started hang gliding in 1979, and since I relocated from South America in '81 l have been involved with a very active group of pilots in Ohio. To date I have accumulated well over 1,000 hours of airtime through a combination of foot-launched and towing flights. I hold Advanced and ATP ratings and I have served as an Observer for our Region. Recently, most of my flying has been aerotow-based, but I mal<e sure to keep current in the ancient art of footlaunching by attending fly-ins and other hill-based activities.

I subsidize my flying habits by practicing psychology. I have experience dealing with complex organizations and serving on committees responsible for policies and procedures. I am easily accessible through email and telephone, and I am committed to being responsive to the needs and concerns of pilots throughout the Region, regardless of their winged persuasion.

I am running for Regional Director to help with keeping our sport alive and growing in our area. I am interested in promoting self-regulation through safe, responsible flying and a positive public image. I an1 also interested in increasing the awareness of USHGA administration about issues that impact the sport in our corner of the Region, such as the lack of certified instructors and the preservation and addition of flying sites. Since much of our flying is towbased, and it takes place at airports, I also NOVEMBER

2000

wish to be part of a movement to increase awareness and acceptance of hang gliding and paragliding by the general aviation community.

REGIONX David Gtover -

Incumbent

Hello Paraglider pilots of AL, FL, GA, NC, PR, SC, TN and the Virgin Islands.

I tried paragliding again recently in Aspen. What a great time. Chris Santacroce 1s a great instructor. It was just a short tow, but it got me excited again about paragliding. I have a trip planned to visit Chris Bowles at Southern Skies in North Carolina and fly off the mountam.

I care deeply about our sport; ask anyone who knows me. I have made my home in Georgia, Florida and North Carolina to work with three different schools for over a decade. I now no longer work at Lookout but still live in the landing field. I have invested a great deal of my own time and money into understanding how the Association works and building relationships. It takes time to become effective and I am making a difference. I will represent all pilots in the Region vigorously. I have much more work co do.

To be elected USHGA President, I must be a Regional Director. I have more work co do as Regional Director and President. I don't represent a single issue or cause; I want what is best for all members.

Almost daily I answer questions, return emails and phone calls.

I have a strong vision for the sport.

There are important issues I am dealing with: site access, magazine content and design, FAA exemptions, flight park growth, insurance benefits, website changes, a new revitalized USHGA Foundation, and member communication. Take a few minutes co complete the ballot and send it in. Please vote and let me continue.

Thanks. Call or e-mail me: (706) 657848 5, david@davidglover.com.

Tiki Mashy- Nominee Some hang gliding buddies nominated me to run for Region 10 Director. After thinking about it, I realized this could be a perfect role for me to pursue. I live, eat and breath hang gliding, and this would be an excellent opportunity for me co give some-

thing back co this sport that has given me so much.

To that end, I believe the key to our evolution is working together to promote hang gliding to current and potential enthusiasts, and show those outside our community- the media, our friends, our family and "Joe Land Owner" - the respect and loyalty we have for each other and our sport.

Also, let us not forget that it is USHGA's mission to "preserve and expand pilots' opportunities to fly." Accordingly, we must remember that the lifeblood of our sport courses through the veins of our newbies, the new people coming into hang gliding.

Their increasing numbers will insure the longevity and evolution of our sport. So, it is essential that we concentrate on safer, more comprehensive training programs (beginner through advanced), more prudent competition guidelines and an overall "rally-round-the-flag" type support for our local hang gliding shops and flying sites.

Twenty years ago I was drawn into hang gliding because of the fun, freedom and excitement of flying (and the really cute guys was just a bonus), but it was the kindred spirit and the camaraderie which made me stay. I would like to use this opportunity as Regional Director to give our organization a "get high, go far" shot of adrenaline. Keeping our passion for flying burning. Michael "Hollywood" Champlin once cold me: "This [hang gliding] is great. .. I hope I always feel chis way." And he did. To further the feeling behind these simple words would be my goal.

This concludes my sermon for today.

Now, if that didn't bore you enough, here is a brief description of my background: Master Rating, Advanced Tandem Instructor, Aerotug Pilot, two World Records (distance), two National Records (distance), college educated, 16 years as a paralegal, media savvy, I've flown all over the world, and I am tenacious as all get out. Additionally, I adore "I Love Lucy" reruns and "The Three Stooges" are my favorite comedians.

Enough said. I hereby ask for your support in electing me Regional Director of Region 10. Thanks for listening. Fly safe.

REGION XI No election this year.

REGION XII Paul Voight-- Incumbent Ill

13

Weather And Flying Conditions

by Dixon White f you want to become more successful in your ability to fly with confidence and competence it's not only important to develop a weather model for the day and glider management skills, it's important to notice what the air is doing on launch, within the mass of air you' re currently flying in, and at your targeted landing area. Notice and consider whether or not the air is moving because of regional flow, localized valley/sea breezes, or from anabaticlthermal flow. You want to make the best choices about when to launch and where to locate yourself within the air mass, and then make an uneventful landing based upon your skills of making sense of the micrometeorological air mass.

Monitor conditions from the moment you arrive at launch, and note everything while preparing your gear. Note what is occurring on launch before and after other pilots take off and sec what they get. If they do well catching the "right" air, you can use the model of what was occurring on launch.

Knowing when to launch can make a huge difference when it comes to success at getting off launch easily and then finding the air you want. Many newer pilots launch at the end of a cycle and then wonder why they get nonlifting air. Quite often the best thermal is out in front of launch which requires launching when conditions arc ve1y soft on launch, a good reason to practice light-wind launch skills.

While in the air be sure to continually observe other pilots, birds and what you are sensing about the conditions. Take advantage of that information to help you move to areas oflift. Keep an eye on the landing areas and note which direction other pilots face when landing, and that they have, in fact, landed into the wind. If there aren't easily readable wind indicators in the landing area, be sure to observe your ground track as you fly closer to the ground to determine your drifr and thus the wind direction.

Simple air should be easily identifiable as air movement from one source, as when flying at a coastal site late in the day. Complex air could include regional air flows compressing through valleys, then merging with anabatic flows with a large thermal within and a microburst gust front pushing the whole area. Until you begin to appreciate

I

14

how different flow sources work together, purposely stay well within very easy flows or combinations of flows.

An example: Although a sea-breeze coastal site seems simple, it can develop glider-tossing thermals. A coastal ridge site at midday in the summer can be turbulent, just like most sites at midday, and you must still look at your stability models.

Another example: Many evenings offer heat-release conditions that may be smooth and simple, but if the pressure is dropping and upper-level temperatures drop late in the day, evening conditions can become very windy and even bumpy. Be ve1y thoughtful in the evenings; stay out in front so you aren't blown back if the winds increase.

Yet another example: Many mornings arc very mellow with nice, light breezes, but can become very windy with strong turbulent conditions within a minute or two toward midday. Be sure to check for an inversion that may mask the strength of upper-level wind flows. As the inversion warms up it can spontaneously mix with the upper-level winds and be more than you bargained for.

Still yet another example: A dark cloud showing virga/rain some miles away may lead to a gust front. Although you don't feel any wind for the time being, it's very likely you could have what is technically called an "outflow boundary" (gust front in some books) blow through. If the cell is 15 miles away and the outflow is 30 miles per hour it will rake about 30 minutes to reach you.

A final example: The pressure is high and the stability index is moderate to high. The atmosphere seems pretty stable and mellow.

Ar some point at midday, between noon and 3:00 I'M, the whole area triggers and it becomes very windy with all of the oppressed heat letting go, resulting in extremely strong conditions.

Previous articles have addressed many of the above-mentioned wind sources. Contact me or the USHGA for those articles. Here is a quick description of terms not previously defined. Anabatic flow occurs on a heated slope. Stand on a sunward-facing hillside without a strong, countering regional wind or thermal blocking and you'll usually find a steady upslope flow from heat rising. Thermal blocking can be felt or seen as a windsock

slows down to a standstill or has a possible "blowing down" type of appearance. The windsock is being drafted toward a thermal in front of launch. The huge mass of thermal lifting in front oflaunch can actually block air flows and suck air away from a hillside. A windsock that is whipping around and/or changing intensity may indicate the influence of regional and/or thermal flows affecting the anabatic flow. Valley/sea breezes are from warm air being replaced by cooler air. Stand on a warm sea cliff and you'll feel a breeze as rising warm air is fed by the cooler air over the water.

Rotor is found on the back side of an object facing the wind - not a happy place.

Rotor can be found behind hills, trees and buildings. You need to know that you aren't trying to launch, fly or land in rotor. Your upper-level model should help you determine this as well as observance of valley flows and gust fronts. You need to make sure the thermal strength is within your abilities, so do your stability models, look at the pressure and monitor the gust differentials on launch. You'll notice that large mountain sites can have booming thermals with light conditions on launch. Small hills may be more manageable in stronger cycles, but be sure that the gust differentials (how fast the gusts increase and decrease in a few seconds) aren't beyond your skills. As you spend more time ground handling in different conditions you'll become more aware of how gusts and top wind speeds put demands on your skills. In general, it's best for recreational pilots to restrict themselves to winds under 15 mph, bur if you're flying in the mountains you need to restrict yourself to winds under eight mph or less. Recreational pilots should restrict themselves to gust differentials of no more than a five-mph change in less than five seconds. Take the time to actually monitor these winds with a good wind merer. If you get in the air and don't like the conditions, make sure you know what was going on and make notes ro yourself so you can avoid those conditions in the future.

Obviously, make notes about the atmosphere you like as well.

All in all, it's best to fly in pure base wind without heat, or within pure heat without a base wind.

If you don't develop your observational skills you're not developing an important aspect of your flying. Remember, this sport is unlike anything you've ever done before; you need to learn a whole new set of rules watch, listen and read. •

PARAGLIDING

I h

n e w

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r

a

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"The ARCUS is the best all around paragllder that I have ever flown.

It has It all: speed, glide. sink rate , great handling, light brake pressure, excellent thermalhng characteristics, quality of materials and workmanship, as well as superior stability.

There i s no need for a pilot to even own a DHV-2 or DHV 2 -3 to get performance anymore Everybody from new P ·2's to veteran P-4 's will be happy with this glider."

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"I found the performance and flying enjoyment of Swing's new ARCUS beyond my expectations. Swing's ARCUS has raised the bar with this newly released entry level glider.

All the speed. performance and looks of a performance glider, in a DHV 1 paragllder. Any student choosing this g lider will likely wear it out, rather than sell It off for greater performance as they progress down the line.

Advanced p ilots w ill rediscover the sheer fun of safe flying without feeling overly restricted My DHV 2-3 Is going to have to share air time with the ARCUS as I ended up buying one for myself " Rob von Zabern Paragliding Magazine. July 99

"I never expected a beginning paragllder could have such a fantastic combination of great thermalllng performance. eye-watering speed capability, rock-solid stability, and carefree maneuvering. The ARCUS is my idea of a flying dream come true."

Mark Forger" Stucky Paragliding Magazine, July 99

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© 2000 by Jimmy Hall photos © 2000 by Stefanie Brendl rmd Jimmy Hall/Sea to Sky

One of the biggest, if not the biggest, benefits of combining paragliding with travel is that not only do you get in a lot ofgreat flying, but the inevitable downtime doesn't mean the fan must stop. An exotic destination coupled with an active imagination can get a pilot through some serious dry spells. ,.._,_ 11fortunately, this same mixture also opens up ample opportunities for disaster. Either way, the fun (depending on how you interpret the word) never stops. We certainly found this to be true during six chaotic weeks spent in Bali.

Although the trip's focus was paragliding, T don't think anyone was bored when we watched a Javanese man coerce/force a snake into his nose and out his mouth. Nor were we at a loss for something to do when we found ourselves in a panicked sprint across the volcano's jagged terrain as molten lava rained down on us. Even the simple act of driving in Bali, where everyone is in a hurry, is equal to most amusement-park rides. (In Bali, seatbelts are an option, a moped is a family vehicle, and the white lines on the road are merely a suggestion.)

Like I said, the fun never stops. Although we had planned on getting our kicks from paragliding, in a place like Bali sometimes the only place you feel safe is in the air!

For more than two years my partner Stefanie Brend! and I had been traveling throughout Indonesia, photographing the country's incredible flying, surfing, diving, sailing, culture, etc. With Indonesia's diverse geography and chaotic population providing an endless source of amazing visuals, we

NOVEMBER

2000

decided it was rime to dabble into video.

One thing led to another, and before long dabble turned into complete immersion and we were committed to nothing short of a full-blown adventure series. Due to logistical convenience and the abundance of great flying, we chose Bali as the location for our first episode.

Needing another tandem pilot and some more on camera talent, we decided to bring another pilot into the crew. Finding the right person was not as easy as one would think. You would assume that the offer of an all-expenses-paid trip to Bali would bring out some volunteers. Add to that the fact that the six-week trip would be extensively photographed and filmed, then run in magazines, aired on TV and edited into a video, and you would think it an opportunity any pilot would give a treasured (or at least well-liked) body part to join. That's what we thought too. But it seemed as if the W's were against us (Wives, Work and pWc events). One after another, all our "committed" pilots had to cancel out due to the above excuses. We started to worry that we wouldn't be able to find an experienced pilot with that much time to spare.

As our start date in Bali approached, Gabriel Jebb from San Diego came to our

rescue and we had our third pilot. The timing was perfect for Gabriel. Since the peak flying season in Bali happens at the same time as the peak rainy season in the Philippines (where he was starting a paragliding school) he had the rime to spare.

Stefanie and I had only met Gabriel a few times while flying Torrey Pines in California and we were a bit worried about how we would all get along. After our first day it was obvious. We had a great team.

With an abundance of energy, equipment and time, we had everything needed to really make something happen. Everyone knew it wouldn't be easy, but our enthusiasm rarely wavered during the entire six weeks.

With most of the team assembled, we wasted no time in getting busy. After piling into our newly acquired rental car, we started down the long, bumpy road to Timbis (and the long road to destroying our car's suspension). Timbis is the most popular site on Bali. Located on the southern tip of the island, Timbis is less than a half-hour drive from the capital city of Denpasar and the tourist centers of Kuta and Sanur. Timbis may be the hub of Bali paragliding, but "popular" does not mean "crowded." This

Continued on page 36.

17

Mieussy and Aspen

by Josh Cohn th the Olympics going on as I write, this seems like a good time to reflect on the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat and that sort of thing. You may have read last month about the low point of my summer, using my parachute, but this time I have better news. A long-held dream was realized when I won a PWC task in France.

8/13/2000 - Traveling with Kari Eisenhut between Garmisch, the site of the European Championships that he had just won, and Silvaplana, site of a KitesurfWorld Cup, we stop for the night in Scuol, about 60 km before Silvaplana. Kari claims to have retired from paragliding competition in favor ofkitesurfing competition. I am reminded that Switzerland is still as expensive as I remember it when the ATM gives me two bills for the week (or that is the idea anyway).

8/14/2000 - The next morning, after becoming one with the parking lot (especially my shoulder blade) on Kari's springy downhill skateboard, we go for a flight. I suggest flying to Silvaplana, our ultimate destination. Kari is reluctant at first, until the perfect cumulus clouds start popping overhead, and transport is arranged, when he gets more excited about the idea.

From the middle of the Swiss Alps we climb out slowly at 11 :00 i\M and fly from cloud to cloud, each dotting its spine, up the valley.

It's fun and laid back after flying in big gaggles, yet we are still going quite fast. It would be a good day for a record flight in the Alps. In sight of the St. Moritz airport, we top-land and take a break, deciding to land well short of the airport in Zuoz. Too bad, as flying to Silvaplana, another 20 km, would be easy.

8/20/2000 -Arriving early on the first day of the Mieussy PWC, thanks to Olivier, we find that the day is blown out. This is good luck for me, as I need to find a place to stay and generally get organized.

Fortunately, Scotty Marion has an extra bed in his room.

8/21/2000 - On the second blown-out day, determined to do something, Mads Syndergaard and I go climbing at a convenient roadside limestone crag. In classic French style, it features a warm-up route with bolted-on river cobbles.

8/22/2000 - Task 1: Finally the wind drops but it is vety stable, so at 4:00 PM a 40-km task is called. We have an exciting climb-out in gaggles close to the cliffs. With weak thermals in strong valley wind, my head isn't right for the conditions and I land soon after, heading back into the wind. Five French pilots use their intimate local knowledge to squeal< into goal. I get to see the first three glide in 50 meters over my dinner table. This task is not validated for PWC ranking but only for the competition, a slightly strange compromise between pleasing the local media and providing fair competition for the pilots.

8/23/2000 - Task 2: I won! I take the second time of the clock start, in conditions much better than expected. We are getting nice climbs near the start gate and return to that thermal twice more in the course of the crisscrossing task. It is hard to tell who is in which group and I am often flying alone. Just after the second-to-last turnpoint of the 55-km task, three different options present themselves. Some go west to the Saleve ridge, anticipating strong valley winds ahead, most go back to the start gate thermal, without much luck, and I go nearly straight. After the last turnpoint, I notice Hausi Bollinger come blazing in low on full speed bar, but he arrives low at the small ridge before

W

18

goal and has to divert along it and go around it while I fly almost straight. I have someone on an Advance to race in to goal, though it turns out I've caught up to that pilot from the previous group.

I don't really !mow I've won until Mandy, the PWC secretary, tells me at dinner that night. Several congratulatory e-mails I receive mention my "radical trajectory," which puzzles me until I read Frederic Escriba's account of the day on the PWC website: "After the first task and the very stable conditions we had in the first task, we were expecting no good conditions. Pascal Betent, the meet director, did set a 54-km speed run using nine clock starts. This task is designed to offer strategic opportunities to the pilots. Finally, the conditions turned out to be much better than expected.

The good thermals made a fast task along Cluses, Mieussy Valley, and Green Valley. Josh Cohn from the USA is the best today. To win, he tried a different option to the last turnpoint using a direct and more radical trajectory."

8/24/2000 - Task 3: By this time we've all heard that the Mieussy area is notoriously stable this time of year. The multi-hour waits on launch in the sun are starting to tal<e their toll, and negativity is setting in among some. Today is another day of weak thermals and strong valley winds. I land pretty short, bm am not that envious when, on the way back to town in the bus, I see pilots still scratching, making slow progress. Jimmy Pacher wins the day by flying 64 km of the 85-km task.

8/25/2000 - Task 4: It looks desperately stable again, and we are pleasantly surprised to be able to break through the inversion and climb to 3,000 meters in the higher mountains to the north oflaunch. I am happy

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to find myself with the lead gaggle rounding Super Morzine, a large high-rise ski village on top of a broad mountain. I lose time at some cliffs before and after the dam turnpoint. I don't seem to climb ve1y well in marginal lift when near scary-looking cliffs, obviously a mental problem. But I catch up some afterwards and cross the Morzine Valley in good company, with Achim Joos, Vincent Sprungli, Steve Cox, Christian Tamegger and seven others. We scratch hard on the other side and barely gain enough to glide over a pass into the Val D'Enfer. It is especially exciting for me as I clear the trees by three meters and can't sec what is on the other side. But I trust that the French aren't leading us into an unlandable valley. If we get one more climb we will practically have goal on a glide, but sooner or later we all land there. Denis Canella takes a different route, by Les Gets, and wins the day.

8/26/2000 - Task 5: Heavy haze and high winds greet us at launch.

Mont Blanc is barely visible. When the wind finally calms down we get another round of scratching on windy cliffa. 1 see a pilot who had just gone into a tree perched in the middle of a 100-metcr cliff. Yelling, "Arc you all right?" I get an affirmative answer and get out of there quickly. I am relieved when the day is invalidated due to too few pilots achieving minimum distance. One drawback ro meets in central Europe is that pilots who live nearby often drive home the night of the prize giving, making for an anticlimactic party at the end. Also, Mieussy is no party town, but a sleepy village, albeit one steeped in paragliding tradition.

Mieussy's winners were: \](/omen: I st, Louise Crandal; 2nd, Sandie Cochepain; yd, Caroline Brille. Serial class: 1st, Rolf Dale; 2nd, Olivier

Loiodice; 3rd, Andrew Smith. Overall: 1st, Stephan Stieglair; 2nd, Juraj Kleja; 3rd, Vincent Sprungli.

8/2712000 - I have a day in Boulder, Colorado to get things in order and then head up ro Aspen with my girlfriend Karin and Matt Taggart. The Red Bull Wings over Aspen has some good parties and is a ve1y professionally run event. Other than the date conflict with the PWC final and the weather, it is great. The weather never really cooperates, and while we do get to fly several times, there is never a long enough window of good conditions to have a fair task.

The kitesurfing conditions in Aspen are nothing to write home about, though lots of pilots there are getting into it, helped by a couple of videos I brought. A little later I read about the PWC final, that Scotty Marion and Mads Syndergaard have done very well there. But Mads consoled me with the fact that it was horribly stable in Chamonix, with lots of cliff-scraping and strong valley winds - not my favorite style of flying.

The kitesurfing here in Boulder is also nothing special, though pretty convenient. There are better spots two and three hours drive away in Wyoming and Nebraska.

The next challenge after finishing my Master's thesis will be to find a job that will give me enough time off to do the tour again. I should warn you that the PWC tour can be highly addictive.

A huge thanks goes to Windtech Paragliders, Dixon's AirPlay, Starkhealth.com and Serengeti Eyewear for making my trip to Europe possible th is summer. Ill

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19

FLYING

Saint Martin article and photos by David Frawley

Saint Martin, one ofthe small eastern Caribbean islands, well known as a vacation paradise, holds another secret - it has great paragliding opportunities. The island, halfFrench and halfDutch, offers beautiful beaches, fine restaurants and casinos, duty-ftee shopping and a relaxing recreation atmosphere.

T

he discovery of a well-established paragliding community there should be noted by paraglider pilots looking for wonderful flying conditions and an enjoyable vacation spot with international flare.

Besides paragliding, the beach at Orient Bay is considered one of the top 10 beaches in the world. It extends for one and a half miles and the sand is the consistency of flour. This side of the island is very French; American money and European swimsuits or clothes are optional. Makes for an interesting early-morning walk.

The south paragliding launch can be viewed from the delightful beach. The nonh launch may be viewed from another beach in the area known as the Cul de Sac. This launch is not quite as scenic, but it offers a lot of privacy and great snorkeling.

The island has its own flying organization call the St. Martin Flying Club. Here you will find a friendly group of novice and advanced pilots who are helpful to newcomers and offer a lot of local knowledge regarding terrain and weather conditions. It is not unusual to soar for up to three hours in excess of 1,000 feet over a 280-foot launch, a half mile out over the ocean. Another launch, popular with club members, is at the island's highest point, Pie Paradis. The northwest launch allows you to fly five to six miles south and back to the LZ in a nice little town in the French Quarter. This launch is used for full-moon evening flights. The flying club president, Patrick, has flown from 11 :00 PM to 3:30 AM. This is a vacation spot where you can

20

watch paragliders fly while your family enjoys water sports of all kinds. Rentals include windsurfers, snorkeling equipment, jet skis and parasailing trips - lots of Fun for those not-so-great flying days.

The best thing about this friendly island is that flying is not paramount; there are so many other things to do if the weather doesn't cooperate. The people are extremely friendly here, and you often run into a character or two from the States. A great place to enjoy a cold beer and meet up with fellow pilots is the Surf Club South, operated by a funky guy from the shores of New Jersey, Andy, who is always sure to give you a laugh.

Restaurants and shops on the island are exceptional. Our favorite spots include Alabama, a wonderful French restaurant run by a terrific couple, Karen and Pascal.

They serve great food in a wonderful, charming atmosphere. And there is KonTiki, a fun beach club that serves up a great lunch and the best drinks on the beach, with live bands a couple of afternoons a week along with cheery greetings from the owner, Jerry, making for a great way to wile away the day. On the Dutch side is Antoines, a beautiful restaurant right on the water in downtown Phillipsburg. You will never have a better meal! Club Orient at the far end of the beach is a terrific resort (clothes optional but very private).

Does it get any better, ridge soaring, water sports, restaurants and great beaches?

I think what we enjoy most about this spot is the variety of things to do for pilots and non-flying folks alike. •

CONTACTS

For paragliding or ultralight flights Patrick Senez

Appt. 328 Batiment 2 Residence Lalaguana 97150 Saint Martin French West Indies

tel/fax 011-590-87-1801 Club Orient Baie Orientale, St. Martin 97150

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PARAGLIDING

The author in the LZ for the northeast launch.

NOVEMBER

2000

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Interviews by Dan Olsen

B

y now you know who Chris Santacroce and Josh Cohn are and what they have done for our sport.

You can look at previous issues of Paragliding magazine and get to know our whole U.S. National Team. But I would like to introduce you co some lesser-

known pilots for no other reason than the fact that you might find some of their comments interesting. Some of them have been around a long time and some have only been flying for a few years, but they all have contributed to this sport. Of course, I consider these guys to be some of

the best people I. know; they just happen to be great paraglider pilots ::is well.

Some pilots would not agree to be interviewed, choosing to maintain a low profile, so the pilots who did agree to this interview are much appreciated for their willingness to share their opinions and I like them. I'm pro.

Have you ever flown a hang glider or flown tandem?

Yes, I've flown a hang glider but have never gone tandem.

Have you ever thrown your reserve?

Yep. I was doing maneuvers over the ground, in a safe area, but I got too low to risk it and I wanted to live to fly another day, so I chucked.

How long have you been attending paragliding competitions and why do you keep coming?

This is my third and I keep coming because all the best pilots converge at comps and I want to learn from the best.

Which pilot has had the most influence on you?

Peter Brinkeby.

What is your name?

Brad Gunnuscio.

Where do you live?

Salt Lake City, Utah.

How many years have you been flying paragliders?

Four years.

What was the first paraglider you ever owned?

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ITV Jade.

What is your favorite site and why?

Probably Telluride, because of how big and beautiful the mountains are.

Are you pro or con big ears?

Con. I just never found myself doing them for the obvious reason of taking your hands off the brakes, which you shouldn't do.

Are you pro or con B-line stalls?

What was your most embarrassing paragliding moment?

I was kiting in strong conditions and a wind gust dragged me into a van at Antelope Island, Utah.

What changes have you seen in pilots over the past few years?

People are going for aerobatics a lot more than they used to and I like it.

What do you do when you are not flying?

Snow boarding, taking care of my daughter, partying, listening to music or hanging out with my girlfriend.

PARAGLIDING

Are you pro or con big ears?

I think all maneuvers have a time and place.

People who preach against big ears don't realize their validity. I'm for ears.

observations about the sport. I had each pilot answer the same basic questions so it would be easy to compare their different views. While attending the Wings over Aspen paragliding competition this year I had the chance to talk to the following pilots.

What is your name?

Bo Criss.

Are you pro or con B-line stalls?

I've only done a few of them for fun, in a maneuvers course. I've seen some people having problems going negative as they exit, not checking their forward penetration or something. I don't do them very often. I think it's a good descent maneuver, although in high winds you're going to drift backwards, so I go for spirals.

Have you ever flown a hang glider or flown tandem?

No, neither, but I really would like to do a tandem.

Have you ever thrown your reserve?

No tosses.

Where do you live?

Salt Lake City, Utah.

How many years have you been flying paragliders?

Five years.

What was the first paraglider you ever owned?

Nova Philou. I never even lost a wing tip. I had a couple of 16-mile flights reaching cloud base at King Mountain (Arco, Idaho) and it never gave me any trouble. It was just a little slow.

What is your favorite site and why?

Telluride is absolutely gorgeous. We were lucky and had a competition there this year with great weather, nice thermals, spectacular . . views - epic.

How long have you been attending paragliding competitions and why do you keep coming?

I started in '98 at the U.S. Nationals in Lakeview, Oregon. I've flown five more since then. It's the best way to progress in flying because you get so much information, available both in the sky and in conversation after flights. The camaraderie is fantastic. You really get to explore new sites and expand your flying tremendously.

Which pilot has had the most influence on you?

Chris Santacroce, from the very beginning, throughout the years. He's talked about the basics of flying, including body position in the harness, how to start a turn and how to finish a turn, all the way through advanced maneuvers. He is always there to really educate the flying community. I appreciate what he has done. Also, Bill Belcourt and Todd Bibler are devoted to cross-country flying which is something I enjoy and aspire to, and they have been there to share information with me.

What was your most embarrassing paragliding moment?

Hmmmm. I did make a tight turn on Olympus (Salt Lake City) and put it in the bushes, falling out the back side of a thermal. It was a great learning experience and I didn't get hurt or anything, although landing on the side of the mountain was not what I wanted to do. It taught me that I was really trying to push myself harder and not realizing what the conditions were allowing for.

What changes have you seen in pilots over the past few years?

1 think there is better education and better wings are available right now. I think things are progressing really well. I'm glad I got into the sport when I did.

What do you do when you are not flying?

I love sports, racquetball and ultimate frisbee, and I do graphic design.

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2000

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What is your name?

Neil Michaelis.

Where do you live?

Telluride, Colorado.

How many years have you been flying paragliders?

Three and a half years.

What was the first paraglider you ever owned?

Edel Atlas.

What is your favorite site and why?

Telluride, because of the big air, big mountains, and it's so incredibly beautiful.

Are you pro or con big ears?

I avoid using them personally; I prefer to fly the glider rather than hanging out in big ears. There are very few situations in which you need to use them, although there are occasions.

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Are you pro or con B-line stalls?

I don't use them that often, but I do use them if I have to. Personally, I don't like the feeling of being a leaf in the wind. I'll try to spiral first, but I don't feel totally comfortable spiraling hard in big, big air, so I'll resort to B-lines if necessary.

Have you ever flown a hang glider or flown tandem?

I haven't, but I have been for a ride on a trike.

Have you ever thrown your reserve?

Yes, just once. I was too actively videoing friends at cloud base, rubbernecking for the shots and not actively piloting, which can get you into trouble. It made for great footage though.

How long have you been attending paragliding competitions and why do you keep coming?

Just since last year. This is my fourth competition. I come because it's a good party.

Which pilot has had the most influence on you?

Josh Weinstein, from Telluride. He was the first one to get me really psyched to fly.

What was your most embarrassing paragliding moment?

My worst whacks have been in private, but I guess it would be when I hadn't even been flying for a year and attempted a strong-wind launch during winter in Telluride. I got swung into some rocks in front of a big audience. Rung my bell a little bit and bled on my paraglider. It was embarrassing.

What changes have you seen in pilots over the past few years?

A change in attitude about what can be accomplished on a paraglider. People seem to be realizing more potential than previously believed possible.

What do you do when you are not flying?

Thinking about flying!

PARAGLIDING

What is your name?

Carl Snitselaar.

manufacturers are now putting big-ears tabs on their gliders.

Where do you live?

Durango, Colorado.

Are you pro or con B-line stalls?

B-line stalls are an excellent way of descending if you know what you are doing, but I don't think it's great for the average pilot. You need to have plenty of altitude and you need to learn how to do it in an SIV course.

How many years have you been flying paragliders?

Twelve years.

What was the first paraglider you ever owned?

The first wing I owned was an ITV Airies, but the first wing I flew was a Feral wing.

What is your favorite site and why?

Horseshoe in the Owens Valley, because it's my old stomping grounds. You can get up over some incredible country and it's huge.

Are you pro or con big ears?

Have you ever flown a hang glider or flown tandem?

Yeah, I've flown a hang glider and gone tandem and I loved it, but I'm more of an adventurer and like to put it on my back and do a lot of hiking.

Have you ever thrown your reserve?

No, I've never thrown my reserve in a real situation, only in practice.

If anything I'd have to say I'm pro big cars, because I don't believe in saying con about big ears. If you want to fly, you fly the way you fly; it doesn't matter. If I were con big ears I would have to ask why most of the NOVEMBER

2000

How long have you been attending paragliding competitions and why do you keep coming?

In l 991 I flew in the U.S. Nationals in the

Owens bur didn't compete. I started competing early on in Europe though. I keep going because it's the only time I get to fly with other pilots.

Which pilot has had the most influence on you?

Mark Axen. He took me under his wing and he was my mentor.

What was your most embarrassing paragliding moment?

My most embarrassing moment was at the Telluride XC 2000 when it took eight of my fellow competitors to get me out of four trees. I had actually gotten out of the tree on my own, hiked down, told those guys, and it took us three hours to get my glider out from 60 feet off the deck.

What changes have you seen in pilots over the past few years?

The biggest changes I've seen in pilots over the last few years concerns acrobatics. It seems like pilots are progressing at a much faster rate now. At the same time, with the

25

onset of aerobatics I'm seeing pilots do things that later on even they admit were questionable.

What do you do when you are not flying?

Looking for dates with ladies.

as a crutch for bad technique.

Have you ever flown a hang glider or flown tandem?

Yeah, it was cool up until the landing, just way too fast.

Have you ever thrown your reserve?

Nope.

How long have you been attending paragliding competitions and why do you keep coming?

It's been four years - just to fly with better pilots. In a calibrated kind of way, I push myself.

Which pilot has had the most influence on you?

Every pilot influences you, whether for good or bad. It's the veterans like Mark Axen and Bill Anderson, guys I've known almost from day one when I started flying, and anyone else who doesn't let his ego get in the way and keeps a positive attitude - pilots who want to have fun and that's why they are flying, not because they are trying to show off and be somebody they are not.

What is your name?

Richard Kocurek (otherwise known as Critter).

Where do you live?

Crested Butte, Colorado.

How many years have you been flying paragliders?

Ten years.

What was the first paraglider you ever owned?

My first "real" paraglider was a Firebird Apache, but my first was an unnamed paraglider called the wedding cake because it was pink and white. It was uncertified, rectangular.

What is your favorite site and why?

I have a lot. Anything in Europe because the flying community is more positive and it's more conducive to flying there than here (in the U.S.), especially Annecy and Chamonix, France, also Telluride, Crested Butte and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Outdoor clothes and bags.

Are you pro or con big ears?

I just say, never say never.

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Are you pro or con B-line stalls?

It's kind oflike the above question; if you know what you are doing there is a time and place. If it's the right time then do it.

Use the maneuver correctly, but you shouldn't use it

What was your most embarrassing paragliding moment?

This one!

What changes have you seen in pilots over the past few years?

Well, the learning curve is shorter than it was 10 years ago when the instructors barely knew more than the students did.

Now there is a more solid background in teaching, but it can lead co people getting in over their heads. There certainly is a large turnover in the sport, at the top and bottom ends, so that's something that needs to be thought out in order for the sport to grow.

What do you do when you are not flying?

I work at Critter Mountain Wear (www.crittermountainwear.com). I make paragliding backpacks and outdoor clothing. Otherwise, I'm riding my mountain bike or hiking, and in the wintertime I do a lot of back-country skiing and snowboarding.•

PARAGLIDING

by Peter Reagan years ago many of our most serious accidents involved very experienced pilots on high-performance wings. This last year most of the repons were about much more commonplace problems faced by the average recreational pilot. Today, however, l would like to report on two unusual incidents befalling very mature pilots with excellent safety records.

Like Daedalus and Icarus, we all have something to learn as we strive to push our flying envelope.

SUMMER, HIGH DESERT A Master-rated tandem instructor set off on a cross-country flight from a launch at about GJOO feet. The day dawned partly cloudy and possible thunderstorms were in the forecast. He thermaled to 10,000 feet under a large cloud and then flew out and tried to stay near the highway.

After 10 miles he was at about G,500 feet. He again encountered lift and thermalcd up with an overdeveloping cloud behind him. Tall, dark clouds were visible around him but no thunder had been heard. Reaching 9,000 feet he realized that he would have to fly through the corner of a cloud to get back out over the highway. He had been in the air over two hours and was cold.

He entered the cloud and held his G PS course toward the highway, but the lift intensified. It started snowing. He pulled big ears and engaged his speed bar but his climb rate continued to increase. Snow was building up on him and in the cells of his glider. His hands were numb. After 15 minutes in the white blizzard room he pulled off his sunglasses and looked at his vario, noting that he was above 15,000 feet.

He saw lightning and heard thunder nearby.

He was vcty worried about using a B-line stall because he was potentially disoriented, and his arms were so numb that he was afraid he might lose control and fall into the wing. But he decided it was his best choice. He could only hold the configuration for several seconds at a time because his arms got so tired. He considered hooking his speed bar to his B-lincs, but could not get his frozen fingers to work.

To his relief, he began to lose altitude. He eventually dropped out of the cloud, landed in a small canyon near the road, and hitchhiked back to the flying site. By history there was significant hypothermia, but no injuries requiring treatment.

He had made one vc1y frightened radio broadcast from inside the cloud and then his batte1y died. Many pilots were concerned and began to orchestrate a search - 911 was contacted and

NOVEMBER

2000

later called off Cumulonimbus clouds arc known to be very dangerous. lt is unclear how often footlaunch pilots have actually been killed in these clouds, but there are stories of both remarkable survivals and swift fatalities. l tis hard to know how desperate the situation actually is, and how desperately one should respond. One observer on the ground radioed the suggestion to cut the lines and deploy the reserve after falling out of the cloud. (This extreme choice would have a very high risk of equipment failure, as our reserves arc not designed to open at terminal velocity.) l suspect that the B-line was a reasonable, relatively conservative and effective response. These clouds were not large as thunderheads go, probably not much over 20,000 feet. A more ferocious storm might well have called for more radical action. Incidentally, B-linc stalls are notoriously difficult to hold for long periods of time. It's almost as demanding as a continuous chin-up.

Our experiences in thunderheads are thankfully not very common. We have all learned that FAR 10,1 requires staying 500 feet below clouds, as well as a thousand feet laterally from them.

We must recognize that the natural consequences of violating these rules can be dire.

SUMMER, HIGH ALPINE SITE An Advanced-raced tandem instructor had been flying several hours per day on long, challenging cross-counny routes over spectacular terrain he was just getting to know. He was short on sleep and perhaps a bit jet-lagged, He was extremely excited about the flying and the potential of the Alps. Cloud base was relatively low on the day of the accident. He launched at roughly 11 :00 AM and flew for three hours, assisting companions on their X-C flights. After they landed he continued on to where three others were having lunch and landed to join them. He repeatedly mentioned his fatigue at the table and suggested he probably shouldn't be flying, but he was under some time pressure to arrive at another flying site later that afternoon. He relaunched with his companions a half hour later.

He was a few hundred feet above launch, scratching for altitude fairly deep in an inside corner of a spectacular cliff about 4,000 feet above the valley floor, when he felt his right wing go soft and started to crab slightly toward the cliff He weight-shifted to the left which did not correct the bank angle so some left brake was applied. He lost airspeed but that did not remedy the situation so he turned into the turn to retain airspeed, hoping to parallel the cliff face. At this point the right wing tip took a slight tuck, which steepened the turn, and the pilot accelerated

directly at the cliff. With no room to recover he leveled out and flared to minimize the impact.

He hit the cliff perfectly square at about 25 mph, severely damaging both ankles. The pilot and glider faced the cliff and continued to ny to fly fo1ward, scraping down the rough limestone in a constant stall, fraying the leading edge and several lines.

Unable to turn away from the clif{ he pulled evenly on his D-lines to move rhc stalled glider backwards, flying away from the cliff about 15 fret, then rapidly released the D's and tried to spin, turning the glider 90 degrees and impacting the cliff slightly. With one side of the wing flying and the other scraping on the wall, the pilot weight-shifted to the flying half and pushed away from the cliff with his free arm.

Miraculously, the glider was still ai1worthy.

He flew away from the cliff and radioed his companions that he had broken both of his ankles and was flying out to the valley to land near or in the water recreation areas that lay below. His friends dissuaded him from a water landing, and he eventually landed on his seat in a grassy field next to the road and was very rapidly evacuated to the hospital where severe and complex fractures involving both feet and ankles were addressed by immediate, lengthy surgery, He has undergone a month of hospitalization, several more operations, and is still facing more reconstruction and extensive rehabilitation. There was no neurological injury.

That this pilot survived is a true testament to his tenacity and flying skill. Not very many people would have had the presence of mind to fly backwards after this degree of inju1y. He feels that hi., exhaustion was the primary, significant contributing factor to his momentary lapse in turning back into the cliff. He was in a difficult situation before the crash, in a rotor thar was curling him back further into the vertical gully like a whirlpool. It would probably have been marginally safer simply to fly straight away from the cliff and hope for the best instead of trying to climb out of the odd air. The best way to avoid this kind of accident is to fly farther from the terrain.

This was an extremely complex scenario. As our flights get more elaborate with our increasing skill and exploration of new areas, we will keep finding situations that challenge our understanding of the sport, its possibilities and our own limitations. We need to listen carefully when that voice within suggests backing off But above all, his story instructs that we should never give up, Thank you all for your support in providing reports for these articles. We can't improve our safety without knowing what sorts of things go wrong. Ill

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CONVERGENCE LIFT

by Josh Meyers

Does a flying day ever irritate you? I mean really get to you? You're flying around, hitting plenty ofstrong lift, but every time you turn to engage it, it's gone. You try circling, figure-eights, you go one way, then the other. Nothing. Everything you do seems to be wrong. The lift seems to hit and run; you come right back to where the lift was IO seconds earlier and it's gone.

T

hen, to add insult to injury, there are those birds chat seem to be having no trouble with the conditions, setting off on glides for who knows where, disappearing out of sight without losing a bit of altitude, all the while doing this with a brain that is little more than a wide spot in their nervous system.

So, what is the deal? Do birds have some built-in soar-a-meter that the rest of us terrestrial bums will never be privy to. Maybe. But then again maybe not.

Maybe there are some simple soaring strategies that can actually make us better pilots. Maybe there is a piece to the puzzle other than thermals and ridge. I believe a critical missing piece to be convergence lift.

The idea of convergence lift is not a new one. Many of the world's greatest flying sites have it. This occurs when two or more large air masses are forced together, typically by topography. The result of this collision is that some of the air has nowhere to go but up. If the air masses are large enough and strong enough we get to use oxygen, get really cold, practice advanced maneuvers unannounced, etc.

Convergence, however, isn't always this massive. In fact, convergence, to some degree, may be occurring every time we fly.

Any time air is forced apart (say, by the windward side of a hill), it is going to get back together, typically on the leeward side. Where it does, convergence is occurring, and most likely some lifting air is present. This doesn't do us a lot of good because flying on the leeward side of a hill can range from difficult to dangerous, but what if a slope has either knobs or spines on the windward side that might

28

produce small convergence zones? Those would be excellent areas to look for consistent lift. Have another look at your "house thermals" and see if they don't have the topography that might suggest convergence.

If we look out in front of a flying site and imagine a great flood of water approaching we can begin to see where the water would most easily flow.

Sometimes it's as obvious as a large valley where water would easily race up, but we must also notice the subtle low spots in the terrain where the water would also want to go. To see the areas of likely convergence, look for where one flow of water would collide with another.

Often this is in a low spot in a series of hills that would separate one flow from another. Don't forget to notice the effect of the slope where you fly. It may very well be the place where many of these fluid paths are forced together, converging together, and generating convergence lift.

The bad news is that air is invisible, unless you live around Los Angeles where the air is conveniently marked for later identification. So, predicting exactly where the line of convergence will be is difficult. Sometimes the two air masses do have slightly different coloration, or there might be a line of cumulus clouds

to mark the convergence. Often birds can help to show us the way, but all too often we are left to find it on our own that is, if we are even looking.

Here is the good news: The air mass you are flying in is trying to guide you to the areas of convergence if you will only let it.

Remember the time when you'd been dutifully working your butt off trying to make the most of the day and decided to take a break? Maybe it was to put your gloves on, adjust your harness, or get a bite to eat. After a couple of minutes you realize that your vario has been beeping away the whole time. You might even realize that for the last few minutes you've been outsoaring yourself by doing nothing. Now, this isn't always the case, sometimes soaring is hard work that requires nearly constant changes in direction and speed, but sometimes the harder we try the worse we seem to do.

Some days the lift just isn't there fine, go see a movie and don't take it personally. It's those days that you feel are full of potential, yet you just can't seem to make it happen, that get to me. I admit it, I take it personally. Usually I have plenty of time to think it over on long walks back to the car.

I have come to believe that many of these days can be better understood if thought about in terms of convergence.

Here are the details: You are flying along, traveling perpendicular to the prevailing wind. This is what we are doing most of the time as we turn back and forth in front of our flying sites. You hit moderate to strong lift, then a headwind.

You do a reversing turn, away from the ridge of course, and the same thing happens - lift, then headwind. If you watch you ground speed in both directions you will notice that you seem to have a slight tailwind before you hit the lift, then a headwind. Fast, lift, slow, in both directions. If we were to put windsocks on different parts of this ridge we might see PARAGLIDING

I

BooKREVIEW them both pointing toward our area of lift, and pointing somewhat at each other - converging air masses. This is worth investigating.

Try turning 90 degrees away from the ridge as you hit the lift, then do nothing.

In fact, try hard to do nothing. Bring your glider to minimum sink and try to be still. Resist the temptation to lean or turn to keep yourself on a heading. We do this all the time without thinking about it. If you look down you may see your ground track move side to side as these two air masses push you back and forth. By not turning and keeping the glider at minimum sink speed, you are maintaining the lowest sink rate possible for the glider, and thereby climbing in lift that might be too light to climb in while turning. The air masses should do an adequate job of keeping you centered in the best lift.

If you find a particularly strong section of the convergence line you are free to circle there, but all to often pilots and birds alike do best by doing nothing. Just go with it. Don't be surprised if the line takes you out to places where you would never have guessed lift would be. If you want to return along that same line, just turn around and do the same trick; the air masses should still hold you between them like pillowy air cleavage.

Now that my eyes are open to the presence of convergence lift I see it everywhere. It is a rare day that I don't spend some time using it. Convergence can make an otherwise impossible valley crossing possible. More importantly, awareness of convergence helps me expand my awareness of the sky in which I spend so much of my life. About the only place I don't regularly fly convergence is at a coastal site like Torrey Pines in California. Even there, in what would appear to be pure ridge flying, we see lift in places where it shouldn't be, and occasionally much higher than would seem possible.

But I'll leave that and many other yet unexplained phenomena to later times and other authors.

Meteorology and Flight

by Tom Bradbury by josh Cohn eading books about weather is the next best way to improve your flying, after competition, but it's important to pace yourself and not expect to understand everything on the first try.

I've talked to pilots who have given up after one attempt at a weather book. It's good to go back and forth between flying and reading, applying new knowledge and getting motivated to learn more. It also helps if you find a book that suits your learning style, so it's worth checking out a few books before giving up on the subject as overly dry.

Since you don't usually see a large selection of weather books at the local bookstore or paragliding shop, I'd like to introduce you to one that I happened upon: Meteorology and Flight, by Tom Bradbury. I've had the second edition for several years now, liked it, and was about to write a review when I heard that a third edition was forthcoming. After an e-mail to the publisher, A&C Black, they graciously sent a review copy.

The most obvious difference berween the third edition and its predecessor is a larger page size and heavier, whiter paper.

Comparing the tables of contents, there aren'r any major changes in content, but the price is significantly less than the second edition, so I guess I can't complain too loudly about the omission of Internet weather sources and such. Perhaps the reasoning was that the best place to find weather websites is on the web, as they are quickly changing.

The discussion of macrometeorology in the first four chapters is remarkably understandable, considering the topic.

The following chapters include: convection and cumulus clouds, organization of cumuli, cumulonimbi, waves, local winds, airflow over ridges and mountains, visibility, and soaring weather.

There are enough basic facts and diagrams to hold the attention of the beginner, along with details to satisfy the experienced pilot. Especially fascinating is the "Convection and Cumulus Clouds" chapter, which gives some of the best descriptions I've read of thermals, as well as some theory explaining their behavior. The author's credentials from 40 years with the British Meteorology Office lend authority to the occasionally surprising ideas presented.

A couple of small complaints: On page 25, Figures 31 (a) and (b) are switched in the text reference to them. Also, I would have liked to see more new material from the author's cross-country columns included.

At this point you've probably either skipped to the next page or are wondering where to find the book. I'd encourage you to support your local paragliding instructor by buying it from him or her. If that isn't an option, and your local book store doesn't have it, you can order it from Amazon.com.

SUMMARY Plus: Lucid explanations of difficult concepts, good illustrations.

Minus: Little changed from the second edition, emphasis on UK weather.

OTHER READING

Understanding the Sky by Dennis Pagen (very hang glider and paraglider specific).

Performance Flying by Dennis Pagen (good coverage of competition tactics and speeds-to-fly as well as some weather).

Understanding Flying Weather by Derek Piggot (a good, simplified guide aimed at beginner glider pilots). Ill

Please contribute people, you all have something to add to this wonderful pastime. Magazines like this one present an ideal forum for the expansion of public knowledge. Ill NOVEMBER

2000

29

T

he only tricky bit was managing the 1,500-foot elevation gain that sneaks up in the Bendemeer Valley. The valley winds also tested my thermaling ability, although strong lift over Mt. Bungmullagalarno (a classic multi-syllable Australian Aboriginal name), sent me back up to 10,200' MSL (about 7,600' AGL) and gave me the confidence to head out over a small forest in pursuit of three other pilots. I made the plateau with lots of height, but lost the lift in the flats and landed in a dusty paddock next to a farmhouse. Although six miles north of Bendemeer, I still managed a personal best of 42 miles. A farmer got out from his ute (Australian version of a flat-bed pickup) and matter-of-factly said, "G'day."

Frank, as it turned out, wasn't really surprised by my dropping in. He frequently sees the sky dotted with elliptical colors and the local press consistently covers paragliding activities. Frank was the caretaker of the 10,000-hectare sheep ranch I had just landed on. He offered me a ride to Bendemeer with a few detours. \Xie checked out two windmills to make sure they were pumping water properly and closed a couple of gates.

During this time I explained the dynamics of paragliding to him, while he covered the basics of sheep farming for my benefit.

Eventually I found myself in Bendemeer enjoying a swim in Halls Creek with some children while I waited for the retrieve vehicle. The bonus of bombing out well before the others meant I was ensured of a ride back to Manilla as long as I was patient. On this day, patience was a virtue because three pilots flew 100+ miles, although Hirioki's Pacific Ocean quest was thwarted by onshore winds. To this day no paraglider or hang glider pilot has flown to the Pacific coast from Mt. Borah.

Aside from the direction, this was a typical summer's day of flying in Manilla, Australia. In spite of all the uncertainties in the sport of paragliding, the likelihood of having a personal-best distance flight over some vast unrestricted flatlands, landing in the middle of nowhere and receiving some country hospitality to get home, all in the course of a short visit, are as close to a guarantee in paragliding as you can get. In recent years, Manilla has gained some international notoriety. Godfrey Wenness' two world distance record flights occurred from Mt. Borah: his 207-mile solo flight in November of 1998 and tandem distance of

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PARAGLIDING

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roads link small towns and isolated farms.

Actually, Mt. Borah is just one of hundreds of hills in the area that have potential as paragliding launches, but most will never be tried due to inaccessibility and the fact that that there is only about one pilot for every 3,000 square miles of island turf.

MANILLA MADNESS

138 miles set with Suzi Smith in January of this year. However, to the average paraglider pilot visiting Manilla, these remarkable achievements are much like Dorothy's mythical Oz. What makes Manilla unique in the world of paragliding destinations is its relative accessibility, consistency and bigdistance opportunities for any pilot with a wing and a prayer.

HILL OF DREAMS Granted, one must make the effort to get to Australia. Once there, a six-hour drive north of Sydney puts you at the base of Mt. Borah. The mountain, like the launches, is quite benign. Indeed, by North American standards, Mt. Borah is a 1,300-foot lump of eroded clay and granite: a decent hill populated by native eucalyptus trees and kangaroos. A well-maintained, unsealed track meanders up its east face for easy 4WD access (two-wheel-drive cars can make it, but it isn't recommended), and extensive clearing of the three main launches has resulted in plenty of room for vehicles and gliders. In fact, last year a modified World War II Storch prop plane took off from and landed on the main west launch!

Just about every wind direction but northwest is accommodated. The bomb-outs are all straightforward and much of the region

32

is farmed or grazed, so landings can be made anywhere. This accessibility allows even novice pilots a shot at their first real cross-country. Bob (father of Suzy) Smith's story isn't that unusual; with just 20 hours of airtime he flew 43 miles and spent the next year trying to live down the nickname "70K Bob." The history of Manilla as a paragliding destination is relatively new. In 1995 Godfrey pored over topographical maps and meteorological data in search of the best paragliding launch in New South Wales. He eventually came upon Mt. Borah, which had several things going for it: There was already a road carved to its summit, it was adjacent to the little town of Manilla, and the mountain was for sale. Godfrey bought the mountain (or at least most of it), and started to build his hill of paragliding dreams from the top down. Mt. Borah is located in a region perfect for cross-country flying. Small hills and ridges dot the flatlands for hundreds of square miles, providing ideal thermal triggers and easy navigation. The sunny, dry weather generally ensures high bases and strong thermals from November to March. In addition, the region is nearly devoid of air restrictions, yet is covered by UHF repeaters allowing for excellent radio coverage. A solid network of

Much has changed since my first visit to Godfrey's paragliding farm in 1995. Six years and two world records later, Manilla has truly become a paragliding destination.

During the prime summer months, hundreds of international pilots from every corner of the globe turn up (mostly unannounced) at Godfrey's farmhouse, eager to set new personal bests. Like a paragliding Olympics, some even come to break the distance records of their own countries. I've met pseudo-national record holders from New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, the Netherlands, and even Fiji! The influx of accents and egos has created real change for the no-stoplight-town of Manilla, which is nine miles south of Mt. Borah and the defacto hub of the paragliding community.

Manilla has a population of about 3,500, and like most small, rural Australian towns, has been in decline for many years. Visiting paraglider pilots have injected vital, albeit seasonal, life into the town. The young, international character of the pilots has been warmly received by the local community, a reflection not only of their commercial value as tourists, but also genuine appreciation for their diversity and vitality.

Every evening during the summer months when the temperature becomes bearable and the flies are scared away by the darkness, pilots converge on the Imperial Hotel/Pub or Tom and Vic's, the local greasy spoon, to toss back some local brew and exchange stories of the day's triumphs and failures. Generally, the epic X-C stories are reserved for later in the evening when the pilots who flew real distances start to trickle in after a long retrieve. Often the flying dramas turn into comedy when pilots relate how they got home. The outback of New South Wales is pretty safe, assuming you have ample water and sunscreen, and hitchhiking back to Manilla is common.

Locals commonly recognize the colorful backpack, outstretched thumb and trained squint as a crazy paraglider pilot as opposed to an insane, stranded loser.

Fortunately, in the case of the former, PARAGLIDING

-

- - - - - - - -- - -

you are likely to get a ride, and in the case of the latter, you are likely to get a face full of dust. I've learned a lot about Australian outback culture from hitchhiking with my paraglider. A local mayor once picked me up and gave me the lowdown on political corruption, a cattle auctioneer explained the nuances of the market, a beer distributor discussed the palatable differences between VB , Tooheys New and Carlton Cold (all local beers which each taste the same to me), a wheat farmer provided a definitive account of the last 30 years of weather, and an elderly woman invited me home for a cup a tea and biscuits and shared her family photo album. And I'll never forget the ride in the Ford Falcon with the cowboy driving to a karate competition until his engine blew up. I eventually radioed him a ride.

Australia's outback is home to all kinds of folks, and Manilla can be a real cultural experience. Paragliding is the main draw card for Manilla and there are limited earthbound distractions. Manilla is a small community with a handful of restaurants, an Inrerner cafe, one morel with air conditioning, four pubs, some tennis and squash courts and a few ocher essentials. Nearby Warrabah National Park has some good bush walking, bird watching and canoeing.

The local Blue Hole is great for a refreshing river swim. A new addition chis year is the River Gums Caravan Park, located alongside Manilla River. It is owned and operated by a paraglider pilot, Eric Pernoud, and his wife Frarn;:oise. Aside from affordable cabin accommodations and camping, they have turned their establishment into paragliding-

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NOVEMBER

2000

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stompin' 10-day parry is grear fun.

ANY GIVEN SUMMER DAY

central. They offer airport pickup from Tamworth (rhe regional capiral and closesr commercial airport, a 40-minure drive) , lock up storage for gear, rem/bike/kayak/canoe remal, a rock-climbing wall (nor yet complered) and rhe quintessemial per kangaroo. The Manilla Sky

Ranch offers trike and microlighr flighrs and insrrucrion. There is also a local glider club adjacent to Lake Keepir, which is popular for warer spom. Further afield is Tamworth (popularion 31,865), which is besr known for irs coumry music fesrival held every January. This amipodean boor-

The pan of Manilla char hasn't changed over rhe yea rs is rhe paragliding. The launches are bigger, rhe road up Mc. Borah is beuer, and Godfrey has builr a rusric clubhouse beside his farmhouse for pilors ro chill their beer and their heels. Otherwise, rhe summer rourine remains rhe same.

Pilots start ro assemble at Godfrey's ar the base of Mc. Borah every morning. The eager, ofren beginner/intermediate pilots head up the hill in hopes of a soarable smoorhy, while many (panicularly the hung over) wair for rhe weather forecast. Each morning around 11 :00 AM rhe Bureau of Mereorology Faxes in local weather condirions, including wind srrength, direcrion and a temperarure rrace, and Mc. Borah also has a wind merer locared on irs summic.

The Boral1 Basher is the main source of transport up the hill as well as a Manilla icon. The Basher is a cannibalized 1978 extended Toyota Landcruiser, and for five dollars one can enjoy being squeezed imo it like a can of sardines as it roils up the hill,

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PARAGLIDING

lurching and groaning like an overworked bull. It's a safe and sure bet to get to launch, but anyone looking for comfort and flexibility should arrive with their own 4\X1D. Mt. Borah is barely distinguishable from the rest of the Baldwins Range, which snakes north for about six miles. However, what Mt. Borah lacks in dramatic presence it makes up for as a consistent beacon for thermals. The summer sun usually heats up the west face by mid-day, so getting up and away is usually quite easy. Typically, a south-southwest wind blows in the summer, which is convenient because the Baldwins Range generates plenty oflift.

This provides a little time to settle into your flight. Cross-country flights north are very common and a main north-south access road also makes retrieves or hitching back easy. Both of Godfrey's world-record flights assumed a northerly heading and each was more than seven hours in duration, nearly maxing out the soarable period in a summer day, which can range from four to eight hours. (To read previously published accounts of both of these flights visit: http://www.mss.org.au/.) It is claimed that there arc about 300 flyable days during the year. While this may be debated among the locals, it is fair to say that between November and March there are a couple of big distance days each month. Experienced cross-country pilots regularly accomplish 80- to 140-mile flights on any given summer day.

Therein lies Manilla's ace card. Few paragliding destinations in the world can make such a boast so casually. Wild thermals, lee-side scratching, scary ground winds, radical towing, or being chased by cu-nimbs are rarely part of the cross-country equation in New South Wales. Manilla's greatest attraction is the possibility of paragliding farther than ever before, legally and safely from a hill without undue risk.

Achieving a personal-best flight during a short visit to Manilla is a distinct possibility, particularly if you are an intermediate to advanced pilot. Experiencing a unique slice of rural Australian life, not to mention the countless other cultural and geographical attractions throughout Eastern Australia, are just icing on the cake. And if you are one of the few intent on breaking the world paragliding distance record, Godfrey is convinced that a 250-milc flight from Mt. Borah is possible. The only question is, who will do it and how soon?

NOVEMBER

2000

PARAGLIDING IN AUSTRALIA There are only 976 paraglider pilots (1,420 hang glider pilots) in Australia, and most of them fly sites that dot the east/southeast rim of the country between Melbourne and Brisbane. It is illegal to fly a paraglider or hang glider in Australia without first becoming a member of the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia (HGFA), even if you have an insurance policy from an overseas country that is valid worldwide.

A short-term pilot membership for four months costs A$55. Australia uses a unique 27-MhzAM and 476/477 Mhz UHF FM radio system, meaning American VHF radios will be of little use and two-meter band radios require a license. In general, a local club or private instructor looks after most designated sites and visitors are welcome. At some sites it is required to become a temporary member. For example, to fly Mt. Borah all pilots need to sign a liability waiver and purchase a Manilla Sky Sailors club membership, which costs A$20 ($15 from Dec. 1) and helps pay for maintenance of the site.

Sydney is the most central point of entry for paragliding in eastern Australia.

Sydney itself has a variety of sites nearby.

The most popular is Stanwell Park, which offers up to 18 miles of spectacular coastal ridge soaring above secluded beaches and forested Royal National Park land. Stanwell Park is a one-hour train trip from Sydney Central or an equally long drive south of the city. Black.heath Lookout in the Blue Mountains is another remarkable setting for ridge and thermal soaring. This site works best in the winter months between June and September due to the prevailing winds.

Another popular inland cross-country site is located in Bright, Victoria. Magic Mountain in Bright offers some great thermaling over forested valleys and ridges. A year-round paragliding community provides a welcoming environment for visiting pilots. In addition, Bright offers a host of other recreational activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and hiking, not to mention some fine dining, complements of a roaring tourist trade in the summer. Bright is about a three and a half hour drive from Melbourne or eighthour drive from Sydney. Finally, there are a variety of other sites including Tumut, Canberra which are both inland, Newcastle, Tarec further north along the

coast, and Canungra which is not far from Brisbane. Further details are provided in the Web resources.

Finally, there are a handful of paragliding competitions between November and March of each year. Unlike many other places in the world, Australian paragliding competitions are quite relaxed affairs, involving relatively small numbers of pilots.

As a result, they can be superb events to make friends, enjoy some great hospitality and push yourself to new paragliding limits in a supportive environment. Two upcoming competitions are: January 20-27, 2001, Bright, Victoria and February 3-11, 2001, Manilla, New South Wales.

WEB RESOURCES

Hang Gliding Federation ofAustralia (encompasses paragliding) http:/ /www.hgfa.asn.au/

Manilla Sky Sailors http://www.mss.org.au/ Manilla Town - http://W\vw.manillainfo.net/index.html River Gums Caravan Park- E-mail Eric Pernoud at airick66@usa.net

Canungra Comp http://home.iprimus.com.au/ plenderlei thm/canungracup.htm Sydney Paragliding Center (Stanwell) http://www.ozemail.com.au/-sydpara/

High Adventure Airpark (Taree) http://www.highadventure.com.au/

Bright Backpackers (includes Bright paragliding links) - http://brightbackpack ers.netc.net.au/

Australian Paragliding Centre (Canberra) - E-mail Peter Bowyer at: austparacen tre@ozemail.com.au

FINANCIAL NOTE The Australian dollar is trading at an alltime low against the U.S. dollar. One U.S. dollar is currently worth about $1.8 5 Australian, making any trip to Australia remarkably inexpensive once in the country.

About the author: Chris Shinn is an American who has lived in Sydney, Australia for three and a halfyears. He has been paragliding for seven years, primariry in the Pacific Northwest ofthe United States and New South Wales, Australia. Chris is currently earning his Ph.D. at the University ofSydney. •

35

Continued from page 17. site is actually a respite from hectic Bali and may see a dozen pilots on the busiest of weekends. Spread this handful out along the 10-mile coastal ridge and you will often be quite alone as you soar over a variety of scenery.

Along this southernmost Bali coast, the views below a pilot's feet range among luxury hotels, Balinese temples, pounding surf, seaweed farms, and trees full of swinging monkeys. Soaring over the Bali Cliff Hotel you could even slap five with a bikini-clad tourist as she bathes in the cliffside swimming pool. Five miles to the east that tourist would be standing on the 12th floor of the Hotel Nikko's observation tower. The big hotels don't seem to mind these flyovers, but when a ceremony is in process at one of the temples, respect calls for a wide margin.

Despite the fact that of Bali's three main sites, Timbis is the least spectacular, we shot some of our best footage there. The ability to drive to launch, top-land and fly just about any hour of any day made this site hugely productive. This was the place to perfect camera mounts and shooting angles.

Among the three of us we made literally hundreds of flights as we tried every camera angle with every combination of gear and pilots we had. Even though many of the flights were just meant as tests, with backdrops like sprawling hotels, seaweed farms, colorful reefs and 600-foot sea cliffs six miles to the west of takeoff, film and videotape were by no means being wasted.

Once all systems were go and cameraman Tom Borden had joined the team, we left Tim bis and shifted our attention toward two very different flying sites, Candidasa and the Batur Volcano. Candidasa is a coastal ridge-soaring site - very good, very often. Batur is a pain in the rear - a very spectacular pain in the rear. Candidasa works when the trade winds are strong, while Batur is best with lighter winds.

Depending on conditions, we were either enjoying the short hikes and long flights of Candidasa or enduring the long hikes and short flights of the Batur Volcano.

Batur is a volcano within a volcano.

Inside a massive crater, the rugged peak rises 1,800 feet above the lake below. From the mountain's side, black smoke billows skyward as fiery eruptions hurl lava and rocks out of the vent with ear-shattering blasts.

The flying here can be just as awesome as the scenery ... sometimes.

36

PARAGLIDING

NOVEMBER

2000

37

The previous year, during some of our first flights from the volcano, Stefanie and I scored big. After the steep, one and a half hour hike in the predawn darkness, we launched as soon as the sky began to lighten. Immediately after takeoff we were hundreds of feet over the mountain's peak. We watched the moon set and a bloody sunrise overtake the gray sky. We flew around clouds that surrounded us with circular rainbows and watched the volcano spew below us. The perfectly smooth, predictable lift made this a photographer's dream. The flights lasted most of the morning. The highs lasted all day. But that was then.

Returning to the volcano, we weren't so blessed. Good weather was even rarer than usual :!1 this fickle spot, and when the conditions were on, our timing wasn't. On our first morning we followed the same plan that had worked so well for Stefanie and me the year before. Up early, we were on the

38

trail by 4:00 AM and at the takeoff before 6:00. The wind at launch wafted in from the right direction but it was too light. Not a problem - sometimes you fly early, sometimes you wait.

Now came the hard part, making the call as to when to go. Launch too soon and bomb out. Wait too long and the clouds sock in (as often happens), and instead of a sled ride it's a long, knee-wrecking stomp down. Or wait too long and launch into air so bumpy that you wish you were hiking down. On this first day we launched too early, and after some prolonged scratching, landed more or less in unison at the volcano's base. We were not disappointed. We knew this would be our most challenging Site.

Late in the afternoon we hiked up to the vent for a closer look at what was making all the noise. This proved to be a far worse decision than any we made regarding flying.

And far more dangerous. Reaching the vent just before dark, we decided on a quick, close look before sitting back a safe distance to watch the spectacular night show. The eruptions were much bigger than during our last visit, throwing really hot things at least 10 times farther than we had ever seen. So we stood twice as far back as we had before. The stupidity of our plan should have been even more obvious when Gabriel tried to sit down. The rock he chose was so hot that he shot up with a yell and a smoking backside. There was only one place that rock could have come from, and it must have come recently. We stood around, ignorantly thinking we could get away with watching one small eruption, which we would have, had the next eruption been a small one.

With no warning at all, the earth burst open with an ungodly roar and turned the sky above us black with smoke. We ran. We

PARAGLIDING

Ceremony at Denpasm; Bali.

Jimmy and Gabriel.

Beach landing, Candidasa, Bali.

.

'

Fishing boats at Candidasa.

ran really fasr, roo fasr for rhe uneven ground. Glowing rocks rained down around us , whistling past our heads and slamming inro rhe ground under our feer. Escaping this one unhurt did nor seem likely.

After a mercifully quick few seconds, the force of rhe eruprion subsided and lava no longer reached us . I came through unscathed, but looked over ro see borh Stefanie and Gabriel exarnining wounds.

Stefanie had nasty scrapes on her arms and legs while half of Gabriel's face was covered with blood. Amazingly, the wounds were not from being struck by falling lava rocks, bur by falling while trying ro outrun them .

We warched no more eruptions from ringside.

Bruised by the volcano but by no means defeated, we stuck ir om, and over rhe next

40

several weeks climbed rhe mounrain nearly a dozen rimes. Bir by bit we shor the footage we needed bur never lucked inro any flights like Stefanie and I had enjoyed the year before. One day the condirions did come rogether, and although ir didn't result in any grear foorage, I did have one of m y mosr memorable flighrs ever.

Around 2:00 PM, afrer yer anorher earlymorning hike followed by endless wairing and a short flighr, while packing up I discovered rhar I had lefr my radio somewhere on rhe mounrain, probably at takeoff. It rook no small effort ro climb back up a second rime, bur wairing unril larer would mean losing the radio for certain if ir wasn'r already gone. Positive rhat the flying wouldn't be any berrer than it had been for most of the day, I went alone and wirhom any

cameras. After rhe second 1,800-foor climb of rhe day, I reached the takeoff ro find great condirions bur no sign of my radio. I spenr little time searching. Bumpy rhermals rurned inro smoother thermals char turned inro a sensarional glass-off. Wirh plenry of lifr I was able ro fl y directly over the active vent. With a much greater safety margin rhan on our first night, 1,000 feer insread of 100, I warched rhe action from th e best seat in rhe house. Even from rhis height rhe so und of the sudden eruptions caused my heart ro skip, but at leasr it didn't draw blood.

Our three- ro five-day boms wirh the volcano alternated with equal periods of sheer bliss at Ca ndidasa. Not quite as awe inspiring as Batur but far more predictable, Candidasa's 900-foot cliffs and black sand

PARAGLIDING

beach face srraighr into rhe prevailing rrade wind. Launch from a small clearing ar 700 feer, buzz rhe remple perched on rhe ridge's highesr peak, srarrle some monkeys, and double rhe heighr of rhe cliff ro cloudbase, and rhe sweary hike ro rakeoff is long forgorren.

Wirh every day we spenr ar Candidasa being flyab le, and mosr of rhose close ro perfecr, we had ample opporruniry for all rhe different camera mourns and angles we had perfecred ar Tim bis. We used booms and wing cams. We shor from rhe beach , rhe launch, air-ro-air, and everywhere in berween. We divided up rhe cameras and chased each orher rhrough rhe clouds and inro rhe sunser.

On days wirh really ab undanr lift, one of us would rake Tom up in rhe randem, rop our almosr 2,000 feer over rhe ocean, rhen film rhe orher rwo pilors doing silly maneuvers. Being able ro descend nearly ro rhe beach, rhen climb righr back up, made rhis a grear place for such anrics. We all had a blasr cranking our spirals, collapses, sralls and negarives, bur ir was Gabriel who srole rhe show.

NOVEMBER 2000

One afternoon Tom and I were in rhe randem filming Gabriel and Stefanie.

Gabriel's maneuvers had been gening better (some would say worse) as rhe flighr progressed, and he was purring on quire a show.

A lirrle lighr for rhe wing, Gabriel carried 20 pounds of ballasr in his harness. He wasn't happy abour this, as it was uncomfortable and made weighr shirring hard. His complaints fell on deaf ears as rhe wi ng rhar fo him was the wrong color and jusr wouldn't work. (Good colors are so imporranr when filming maneuvers!) Anyway, flying side by side high over the water, Tom and I eagerly awaired Gabriel's next move.

From a grear vantage poim we warched him bury rhe brakes, srall rhe wing, and fall rapidly away. (We only learned rhe exacr sequence of events after warching rhe video in slow morion along with Gabriel's running dialogue. ) As soon as the glider collapsed and Gabriel became weightless, pressure from rhe ballasr bag in his harness pushed him our of rhe sear. Dropping back under rhe wing, he rhen found himself hanging in rhe harness wirh rhe leg straps exerting an extreme amount of pressure on

an extremely render bir of anaromy. Wirh norhing on his mind bur relieving the excruciaring pain, up came his hands. This did the trick as the wing then shot forward so violemly rhar Gabriel was turned upside down and in danger of falling into rhe lines, which now hung slack beneath him.

Fortunarely, rhis did nor happen, and when he fell back under rhe canopy it opened quickly, wirh Gabriel comfortably serried in his harness. U nfazed, all he had ro say was, "Did yo u catch rhar?"

We did Gabriel, we sure did. Gor rhat and mosr every orher mindless siruation we gor ourselves inro during rhose six weeks.

Jusr like I said, rhe fun never srops.

Bali High, A Paragliding Adventure Film,

was voted Most Popular Video, Most Original Idea and Best Film Quality at the Garmisch Film Festival. It is available from USHGA, www.ushga.org, 1-800-616-6888, or Sport Aviation Publications, or Adventure Video.

See their ads in this issue - Ed •

.. . ..... . . . . 4i

PARAGLIDING ADVISORY: Used paragliders should always be thoroughly inspected before flying for the first rime. If in doubt, many 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 USHGA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR. PARAGLIDERS ADVANCE SIGMA 4 - Small, only 5 hours, as new, outstanding paragliding $1,995. (803) 802-0450, fredanddaphne@hotmail.com APCO r!ESTA- DHV 1 $1,999. Apco Allegra DHV 1-2 $2,600. Apco Baghccra DHV 2 $2,700. SupAir harness $425. Flytec 4005 vario $399. Hanwag boots $225.

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DIXON'S AIRPLAY PARAGLIDING - Dixon White: USHGA's Instructor of the Year 1 Airplay: Top ranked school for years and featured in the best selling videos "Starting Paragliding" and "Weather to Fly". The perfect beginner training areas! Open October through May. DRIVE UP to 360 degree treeless and rockless launches. Land in wide open fields. Master rared tandem examiner Dixon White has supervised over 18,000 student flights to date, teaching new pilots is his foll-rime profession. Individualized training with state-of~rhe-arr equipment, 2-way radios, comprehensive ground schooling with an e111phasis on n1icrrnneteorology. Great new and used inventory. Enjoy the Grand Canyon and other spectacular scenery. Dixon's Paragliding in ARIZONA and WASHINGTON (appointments required), PO Box 2626, Flagstaff AZ 86004. (520) 526-4579. www.paraglidc.com or dixon@paraglide.com

FAX your classified ad, membership renewal or merchandise order: (719) 632-6417. We gladly accept VISA and MasterCard.

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PARAGLIDING

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DERPORT 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive San Diego CA 92037 .'-i'ince /928

G

ACCELERATED FLICHT SYSTEMS - l'crsonal USHCA cerrificd paragliding & hang gliding instruction. Courses arc cxpcrrly run l)ll a friendly, informative basis. w·e have been introducing people to the world of foot launched flight since 197(1. New and used gliders and accessories. llall, Comet, Edel, Nova, SupAir, Pro Design, Firebird, Airwave, Wills Wing/Swing and others. All ,kill levels welcome. PO !lox 122(,, Del Mar CA ')2014. (858) 481-7400 Southern Calil,irnia.

AIRJUNKIES PARAGLIDING -

Join KEN BAIER

L

l'f\lZJ\Cl.IDlNC AND HANC Cl.IDINC certified instrucrion, tandem !light instrucrion, sales, service, repairs, parc1chute repacks, motorized pg/hg in...,uucrion and sire tour.'>. Southern California Importer for l'ARATFC!-1, ITV and EDE!.. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Call (858) 452-9858 or roll free at 1-877-Fl.YTFAM Check us out at and order on-line at Jut p://www.flvrorrcy.com FLORIDA SOUTHERN SKIES - Serving the SOUTHEAST, nearest MOUNTAIN PLYING, .dso POWERED PARAGLIDING. (828) 632-6000 WWW.SOUTHERNSKIES.NET

I 00' to 7'000 vertical deccnrs off l-lalcakala Crater (10,02."\'). Toll Free 877-CO-rl.Y-Hl. Visit our website WWW.PARAGLIDEHAWAII.COM IDAHO KING MOUNTAIN PARAGLIDING - Certified fi1ll-tirne SCHOOL, uught by Master rated instructor Brad Bloxham. Tandem, RETAIL. major brands.

POWERED PARAGLIDERS, guide service, mountain tours, site information, including \vorld famous King Mountain I 1'J97 US Nationals.) SUPP!.IER/MfG: The must comprehensive, educational INFO/LOGBOOK in the USA, .S2ii.'J5, RADIO HARNESSES $YJ.'J5, l'C CARGO/DUFFEL BAG (holds wing & everything else) $4'J.95. 1016') N I 'i E, Idaho Falls, Ill 8.l40 I. l'hone ((,02) 42 l -.l')70, Visa/Mastercard, email I( j 11 gM t J)(_~ (f__tlt\(J[, Clllll,

http:// nwm bcrs. aol. com/k ingm tpg/ MEXICO

(or your "Pursuit o!· Paragliding l•:xccllencc" in rhc land

of year-round, excellent paragliding: Southern California and thl' Baja. Cour.'ics for N ovicc, l n t<._.rmnl i,llc, Advanced and Instructor ratings. Powered paragliding, \oaring and maneuvers clinic:-., guided tours, tandem and towing instruction and special events. USI-IGA ccrtdlcd.

Handling the latest equipment. Call (7(10) 75.l-2(,(A l,,r

SOUTHERN SKIES - Serving the SOUTHEAST, 4 hours from ATLANTA. MOUNTAIN FLYING, POWERED PARAGLIDING. (828) <,52-6000 WWW.SOUTHERNSKIES.NET

information.

HAWAII

#tp1=-tt~ Chad J. Bastian Certified,µSHGA Instructor

VAI.I.E DF BRAVO -

Coming winter, week long

tours, in-n-oul on Sunday, $()95 parc1gliding. 1-800-

861-7198, jefftii1f1ymcxico.com

FLY ABOVE ALL - Experience year-round paragliding instruction in bcautil'td Santa Barbara, CA 1 Our li·iendly, experienced staff offers hands-on, personalized, radio-controlled lessons. l•:njoy soaring the hcsr training hill in the Western US and when you land, shuttles will whisk you back to the top !'or your next scenic flight.

USHCA certir1cd, solo, tandem and pmvncd paragliding insrruction, equipment sale,.., and tandem flights.

Vi,-,it our \\/chsitc at www.fly,tbovcall.com or cill at (805) %5-.l7.B. HIC!-1 ADVENTURl·: -

Paragliding, hang gliding

school. Lquipmcnt, sail's, scrvict.: at world L1mou:,

Marshal Peale USHCA t.indem instructor: Rob McKcmic. llv appointml"llt year round ('JO'J) 88.l-81r88, www.nyrandcm.com

NOVEMBER

2000

More than 5,000 GRAVITY SPORTS HAWAII'S ONLY PARAGLIDING AND KITE SURFING shop is now open. Come fly where the snn always shines and the wind always blows with USHGA TANDEM INSTRUCTOR PETE MICHELMORE and MARC "NALU" HILL and PWC'S PETER BRINKEBY (Fdcl) in beautiful Kailua, Hawaii. Fly the famous MAKAPUU sea cliffs, 80km out .md return flights arc possible at .l,OOOft ms! and land 011 WHITE SAND BEACHES. Our complete PARAGLIDING a11d KITE SURFING shop is located just one block from the Kailua beach. Look U.'> up on the web ar W\Vw.paradi...,cparagliding.com or www.gravitysports.org. Start your HAWAIIAN EXTREME VACATION NOW! Call (808) 261-SURI'.

paragliding enthusiasts read our magazine every month. That's more than

10,000 eyes seeing your ad.

43

NORTH CAROLINA SOUTHERN SKIES - MOUNTAIN FLYING and POWERED PARAGLIDING instruction, sales and service with ftdl-time shop, 1 hour north of Charlotte. 7 beautiful flying sires nearby. (828) 632-6000 WWW.SOUTHERNSKIES.NET

P A R A C L 'I O l N C' SUNSPORTS PARAGLIDING - Hood River, Oregon. Beginner lessons, tandem flights, advanced instruction, consignment sales. Rick Higgins, Master rared pilot, Advanced Instructor, Tandem Administrator. (541) 387-2112, SunSporrsPG@aol.com TEXAS

ERS - Put your knees in our breeze and soar our 450' sand dunes. FULL-TIME SHOP. Certitied instruction, beginner to advanced, foot launch and tow. Sales, service, accessories for ALL major brands. VISA/MASTERCARD. 1509 E 8th, Traverse City MI 49684.

Offering POWERED PARAGLIDING lessons & dealer for the Explorer & used units. Call Bill at (231) 9222844, tchanggliderQ1,juno.com. Visit our paragliding school in Jackson, Wyoming. Call Tracie at (307) 7398620.

at Kitty Hawk Kites Outer Banks, NC Lessons Daily Towing & coot Launch Year Round Sales & Service CALL TODAY! 800-334-4777 252-441-4124 f~Mai! Address info@kirryhawk.com

HILi. COUNTRY PARAGLlDINC INC - I.earn complete pilot skills. Personalized USHGA certified training, ridge soaring, foot & tow launching in central Texas. MOTORIZED PARAGLIDING INSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE. (915) 3791185. 1475 CR220, Tow TX 78672.

KITE ENTERPRISES - foot launch, payout winch tow and powered paraglider instruction too. Training, sales, rentals and repair. Edel, Airwave, Wills Wing, UP and DK Whisper. Dallas, fort Worth and north Texas area. 21 I Ellis, Allen TX 75002. (972) 390-9090 nights, weekends. Wv'-'W.kitc-enterprises.com

UTAH WHAT HAPPE:-.JS when you combine the largest paragliding school with the largest paragliding and hang gliding shop' Introducing the new CLOUD 9 SOARING CENTER. We are open 7 days a week for lessons, sales and tandem flights for both hang gliding and paragliding. The shop is now owed by Steve Mayer. Occr new repair facility run by Bill (Bad Bones) Anderson, is ready for any repairs or repacks. !'or more informationwww. f>aragl i ders. com or stop by at 12665 S. Minuteman Dr., just a few minutes from world famous Point of the Mountain. info@paragliders.com l-888944-54.03. In Utah, call (801) 576-6460.

HIGH PLAINS PARAGLIDING - Now selling Sup'Air, Advance, Apco, Nova, F!ytec, Thin Red Line, Renschler and more! Don't wait until Spring! Tap into the new "Hot Winter Deals" page on our web site (http://hometown.aol.com/hiplainz), send an e-mail (hiplainzliDaol.com), or just call! (406) 439-2239. It's gotra be flyable somewhere in the world! It will definitely be flyable sometime in the future!

VIRGINIA KITTY HA WK KITES -

NEVADA ADVENTURE SPORTS - Sierra soaring at its best.

Tours and tandems available. Instruction from certified USHCA instructors with 25 years experience. Sales, service and instrucrion by appointment Carson City/Lake Tahoe NV. (775) 883-7070 http:! /home. pyrarnid.net/advspts NEW YORK AIR SPORTS USA - Lessons, service, equipment.

Paragliding, hang gliding, powered paragliding, trikes.

Phone (718) 777-7000, WWW.FLYFORFUN.NET

44

OVER THE HILL PARAGLIDJNG/POWEREDPC Oregon/SW Washington. Sales, Service, beg-adv USHGA certified solo/randem instruction. NOVA, FIREBIRD, GIN, OZONE, Wills Wing (SWING) FLYTEC, HIGH ENERGY SPORTS. Reserve parachute specialists.

Authorized exclusive area dealer for the amazing new MINIPLANE POWEREDPG! We have great towing and motoring sires close in! Full service shop/rigging facility. Out of state pilots: Call us for lree local advice & info on our great coastal, thermal, and Gorge sites. There is NO SALES TAX to ANY customer buying in or from Oregon. New & used gear. Trades welcome.

VISA/MC/AMEX 22865 S.E. Yellowhammer Gresham OR 97080 503-667-4557 Toll free: 888-215-1442 email: orhpara@spirirone.com Web: overrhehillparagliding.com

See North Carolina.

SOUTHERN SKIES - Serving the SOUTHEAST, I hour from Virginia state line. MOUNTAIN FLYING and POWERED PARAGLIDING. (828) 632-6000 WWW.SOUTHERNSKIES.NET WASHINGTON DIXON'S AIRPLAY PARAGLIDING Please sec our classified ad under Arizona. www.paraglide.com

Our advertising has a twomonth lead time - plan ahead.

PARAGLIDING

PARTS & ACCESSORIES FLIGHT CONNECTIONS, lNC. !'TT!!

FLIGHT CONNECTIONS, INC.

' New and lmproved • Water/Dust Resistant Push Button ' held Replaceable Finger Switch ' Heavier Gauge Wirc/lmproved Plugs • lncreased Strain Relief at ALL Joints

MINI VARIO- World's smallest, simplest vario! Clips to helmet or chinstrap. 200 hours on batteries, 0-18,000 Ct., fast response and 2 year warranty. Crear for hang gliding too. ONLY $169. Mc1llerrec, PO Box 15756, S.u\la Ana CA, ')2755. (714) 966-1240, www.mallet·

SOARING - Monthly magazine of The Soaring Society of America, lnc. Covers all aspects of soaring flight. Full membership $55. Info. kit with sample copy $3. SSA, P.O. Box 2100, Hobbs, l\M 88241. (505)

Price $119.95. Extra linger switch $19.95 "/purchase.

Dealer inquiries welcome. Call (91.3) 268- 7946.

MC/Visa. Visit our website at www.flighrconn.com

FLYTEC 4020 - New cost is $850, your cost is $550.

Light u.se, perfect shape, all software, cables, manual, etc that came with it. (206) 320-90 I 0.

HAVE EXTRA EQUIPMENT - That you know what to do with. Advertise in the Paragliding classifieds, $.50 per word, $5 minimum. Call USHGA for derails (719) 632-8300, ushga@ushga.org or fax your ad with a Visa/MC, fax (719) G:32-6417.

PARAGLIDING: From Beginner to XC - By Sollom/Cook. A great addition to vour paragliding library. Wonde,fol XC tips. See Steve Rori's review in the March/ April 2000 Paragliding. Over 120 pages with superior illustrations & color photographs, $29.95 +$4.75 s/h. USHCA, PO Box 1330, Colorado Springs CO 80901. (719) 632-8300, fax your .\!lC/Visa to (719)

THF ZACl cl.YINC WINC - cor Slope and Thermal .Soaring! Use it a.s an air dummy or just enjoy your parawaiting time more. The Zagi-.,C has a strong and flexible spar system and it's precut features make construction easy and fa~t.

Order www.flyaboveall.com or call (805) 965-373.'l.

VIDEOS

BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT AC:C:El'TlNC DEAi.FR lNQUlRIES - Popular helmet and PC reserve.(303) 347-8995, leave message.

DlSTRlBUTOR US MARKET Leading paragliding manufacturer is accepting inquires. (303) 347-8995 leave 1ncssagc.

PUBLICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

IS IT SOARABLE? - Be sure with a USHGA Windsok. Made of 1. 5 oz. ripstop nylon, UV treated, 5'4" long w/ 11" throat. Available colors fluorescent pink/yellow or fluorescent pink/white. $39.95 (+$4.75 S/H). Send to USHGA Windsok, P.O. Box 1:BO, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1.350. (719) 6.12-8300, fax (719) 632-6417. VISA/MC: accepted.

Renew your membership online!

NOVEMBER

2000

PARAGLIDING: THE COMPLETE GUIDE - By Noel Whittall. The most complete guide to paragliding on the market. Over 100 color photographs & illustrations, 200 pages, $26.95 +$4.75 s/h. USHGA, PO Box 1.BO. Colorado Springs CO 80901. (719) 632-8300, fax your MC/Visa to (719) 632-6417. Our most popular book 1

BALI HIGH, by Sea to Sky Productions. An exotic paragliding adventure on the island of Bali, l ndonesia.

Crear flying footage. 38 min $29.95.

TURNING POINT - IN ALPINE THERMAL.LING,

by Dennis Trott/Alpine Hying Centre. 50% HG, 50% PC. Discover techniques to tame the elusive alpine thermal. Be,mtil'ul footage set against Europe's most dramatic mountains. Also features comments from top pilots & great animation. 24 min $35.95.

STARTING PARAGLIDING by Adventure Productions. Covers basic preparations, weather, proper attitude, ground handling & chose first exciting launches.

30 min $29.95.

FLY HARD: Viking Films newest release. Rob Whittall, Chris Santacroce & a vintage Buick convertible foll of paraglidcrs. Outrageous flying at several west coast flying sites. Meet HG acrobatics champion Mitch McAleer along the way. Excellent rock soundtrack, professionally filmed & edited, 35 minutes $35.95.

PARAGLIDE: THE MOVIE by Viking Films. Rock-nroll world class competition at Owens Valley.

Professionally filmed & edited, 35 minutes $35.95.

Call or fax USHGA (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 6.'l2-6417, please add +$4 domestic s/h (+$5 for two or more videos).

Crear to impress your friends or for rhose socked-in days.

45

MISCELLANEOUS

FLY NEPAL POKHARA - Winter 2000. Three 10 day tours starting November 20th - December 27th, $1,800.00. www.razors-edge.org/llynepal, (208) 233-1380 or Dale Covington (801) 474-2380.

VIDEOS, BOOKS & APPAREL - Call USHGA for your Merchandise order form (719) 632-8300, fax (719) 632-6417, email: ushga@ushga.org,www.ushga.org DON'T LEAVE YOUR GROUND-BOUND EQUIPMENT SITTING IN THE GARAGE. SELL IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES The rate for classified advertising is $.50 per word (or group of characters) and $1 .00 per word for bold or all caps. Phone number=2 words, PO Box=2 words, weight range i.e.

137-185lbs=2 words, web site or email address=} words.

MINIMUM AD CHARGE $5.00. A fee of $15.00 is charged for each line art logo and $25.00 for each photo. LINEART & PHOTO SIZE NO LARGER THAN 1.75" X 2.25". Please underline words to be in bold print. Special layouts of tabs are $25.00 per column inch. AD DEADLINES: November 20th is the deadline for the January issue. Please make checks payable to USHGA. Send to: PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE, Classified Advertising, P.O. Box 1330, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1330 (719) 632-8300 or fax (719) 632-6417, email jjelgart@ushga.org with your Visa or MasterCard.

"AMERICAN FLAG" PARAGI.IDER - Lost by FedX, identical to the one Scott Alan is flying in the inside back cover Parabornc display ad. (407) 935-9912, scott0'1paraborne.con1

FLIGHT DESIGN S2VT - Two paragliders lost by the US postal service, shipped from CALIFORN[A to HAWAII parcel post on August 19th, 1999. One large w/purple top, one medium w/orange top. Lois Hulmes (530) 542-4937.

STOLEN WINGS are listed as a service to USHGA members. There is no charge for this service and lost and found wings or equipment may be called in (719) 6328300 or fax it in (719) 6.32-6417 for inclusion in Paragliding & Hang Cliding magazine. Please call to cancel the I isting when gliders are recovered.

Periodically, this listing will be purged.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Adventure Productions ........................... 19 Aero light USA ........................................ 19 Critter Mountain Wear .......................... 46 Dixon's Airplay ...................................... 10 Flight Design ......................................... 10 Flytec ....................................................... 9 Hall Brothers ......................................... 19 Mojo's Gear ............................................. 8 Pro-Design ............................................... 7 Sport Aviation Publications .................... 18 Sup' Air. ................................................... 7 Super Fly, lnc ........................ 2,Back Cover Thermal Tracker .................................... 11

STOLEN WINGS & THINGS

Thin Red Line ...................................... .47 GIN BOLERO - XL Stolen in the MEDFORDWHITE CITY, OR area in August, 2000. fuchsia color, has damage in center/leading edge, and/or patch, generally in poor shape. Also: XL Pro-Design "Jam" harness, med. High Energy Quantum reserve, Charley "Insider" helmet XL white, Flytec 40 IO vario, Alinco DJ-191 2-Meter radio. Contact Kevin Lee (541) 9551737, thermaltracker@bigfoot.com

Our advertising has a two-month lead time plan ahead.

Torrey Pines Gliderport .................... 33,41 Urban Apparel ....................................... 26 USHGA ............................................ 29,34

BIGGER

SMARTER AND A LOT MORE

COMFORTABLE

SKY TREK The easy way to hike.

An innovative backpack design with a removeable frame that transfers the weight to your hips. The suspension system frame can still be carried in almost every modern harness.

D I RT BAG Protect your paraglider from damaging dirt and harmful UV damage. Our Dirt Bag is an innovative backpack that unzips on each corner to become a tarp.

TRUE COMFORT All of our paragliding packs have multiple suspension adjustment points to fine-tune the fit. Also included are comfortable padded foam shoulder straps and hip belts - just like hiking and climbing packs.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN We have analyzed each feature and every function to make sure the packs are practical without excessive "bells and whistles." True innovation is in the details.

QUALITY MATERIALS Each Critter backpack is built to the highest standards with carefully selected materials including Cordura, large YKK zippers and military spec webbing. We take the extra time to tape and double stitch every seam for added durablity.

100% Guaranteed. Order yours today.

Wills Wing ............................................. 15

January classifieds deadline: November 20

tslir5E A

1-800-686-9327 ~ W critter@crestedbutte.net fax 978-389-5900 V www.crittermountainwear.com

46

PARAGLIDING

..

quickest draw 1n the West.

thinredhne equipment me.

t60 4 .858.2300

f60 4 .858.3080

thrnredhne@urnserve.com

www.thin-red-line.com