USHPA Pilot Vol54-Iss1 Winter/Jan-Mar 2024 by US Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association

$ 6.95

WINTER 2024

H A N G G L I D I N G + P A R A G L I D I N G + S P E E D F LY I N G

VOL 54

No. 1

The Photon brings a new era for the Sport class (EN C). All of Ozone's know-how in 2-liner designs has been applied to this wing to make it the missing link between conventional 3-liners and competition models. We at Ozone have been very happy to hear from many pilots all around the world who have achieved records and personal best ﬂights under their Photons since its release earlier this year. To us, True Performance means practical usability and comfort throughout the speed range in real XC conditions. The handling, stability, and ease of use of the Photon is what is carrying our friends and customers to their best-ever ﬂights. With performance numbers close to the Zeno 2 and collapse behaviour solidly within the EN C category, the Photon is a potent tool with which to achieve your dreams. Welcome to the future. PA P I LPI O TLOT US HPA 2 2U SH

USHPA PILOT 3

Pilot: Horacio Llorens

Photo: ©Search Projects

WINTER 2024

Editor 7

Association 10

Calendar 61

Classifieds 61

Ratings 62

Joining the Beach Club by Max Kotchouro 12 Team flying for a paragliding site record

All According to Plan by Eric Klammer 16 A skin-ski-fly adventure in the Colorado mountains

New to the Owens Valley by Richard Sibley 22 A first-timers experience flying the legendary air

Inside the Red Rocks Wide Open by Seth Itow 28

A VOLUNTEER'S PERSPECTIVE ON MANAGING COMPETIITON

Kari Kastle pilot profile by Lisa Verzella 34 Woodrat Ladies Fly-in by Julia Knowles 38 Time to Re-engage by Jesse Hughes 46 Women of North American Acrobatic Paragliding 48

by Max Marien

Tandem Cross Country by Jeff Shapiro 52 Teaching in flight

Final by Mike Bomstad 68 Bonner FERRY FLIGHT

HANG GLIDING AND PARAGLIDING ARE INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES

USHPA recommends pilots complete a pilot training program under the direct supervision of a USHPA-certified instructor, using equipment suitable for your level of experience. Many of the articles and photographs in the magazine depict advanced maneuvers being performed by experienced, or expert, pilots. These maneuvers should not be attempted without the prerequisite instruction and experience. POSTMASTER USHPA Pilot ISSN 2689-6052 (USPS 17970) SUBMISSIONS from our members and readers are welcome. ADVERTISING is subject to the USHPA Advertising Policy. is published bimonthly by the United States Hang Gliding and All articles, artwork, photographs as well as ideas for articles, Obtain a copy by emailing advertising@ushpa.org. Paragliding Association, Inc., 1685 W. Uintah St., Colorado artwork and photographs are submitted pursuant to and Springs, CO, 80904 Phone: (719) 632-8300 Fax: (719) 632-6417 are subject to the USHPA Contributor's Agreement, a copy ©2024 US HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING ASSOC., INC. All Periodicals Postage Paid in Colorado Springs and additional of which can be obtained from the USHPA by emailing the rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, mailing offices. Send change of address to: USHPA, PO Box 1330, editor at editor@ushpa.org or online at www.ushpa.org. We stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by Colorado Springs, CO, 80901-1330. Canadian Return Address: are always looking for great articles, photography and news. any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, DP Global Mail, 4960-2 Walker Road, Windsor, ON N9A 6J3. Your contributions are appreciated. or otherwise without prior written permission of USHPA.

4 U SH PA P I L O T

For questions or other USHPA business +1 (719) 632-8300 info@ushpa.org

Photo: Jerôme Maupoint

USHPA PILOT 5

BORN TO CLIMB The Evora can take you to the places you dreamed of. It’s a wing that always stays soft and gentle, even when the air around you doesn’t. Talented beginners and established leisure pilots alike will appreciate the unique qualities of the Evora. Its well-balanced turn, combined with a surprisingly efficient glide, means it’s a wing that can be your perfect companion for a long time. 6 Sizes | 55-135 kg | EN B

SUPER FLY www.superflyinc.com 801.255.9595 info@superflyinc.com

www.gingliders.com

6 U SH PA P I L O T

USHPA PILOT

E D I T O R > Liz Dengler

: As of late, I have been incredibly pleased with the stories our outstand-

ing contributors have submitted for publication. It’s been a delightful blend of paragliding, hang gliding, and speedflying, each tale crafted with unique perspectives. In this issue, the first three stories showcase the mastery of different wing types and chronicle the skillful adventures of pilots exploring new horizons while maintaining their safety margins. These pieces are the epitome of what I love to see in this sport! Further into the pages, three captivating articles take an in-depth look into various competitions and fly-ins, including two stories featuring women. The articles provide an insider's view of these spectacular events, stirring a longing to experience them firsthand, even for non-competitors like myself. Also nestled among these pages, you’ll find Lisa Verzella's vivid pilot profile of Kari Castle, a portrayal that not only details her many accomplishments but also makes her persona feel familiar, as if you’ve crossed paths with her before. Another story shares a pilot's self-compassion and

cover photo by

resilience to return to the skies after a hiatus. It’s a short tale that will likely

Max Kotchouro

resonate with anyone who’s navigated a similar comeback.

Pilot Max Kotchouro on a glide east over New Hampshire.

Finally, Jeff Shapiro offers invaluable insights about teaching new skills via tandem cross-country flights. Though told from the perspective of a paraglider, his wisdom transcends wing type, and it’s easy to imagine applying the same lessons and skills shared through tandem hang gliding flights. As we dive into 2024, I'm excited about the great contributions we have to share. We already have some outstanding stories lined up, and I have high hopes for more to come! See you in the skies!

Martin Palmaz > Publisher

executivedirector@ushpa.org Liz Dengler > Managing Editor

editor@ushpa.org

Kristen Arendt > Copy Editor Greg Gillam > Art Director WRITERS Dennis Pagen Lisa Verzella Jeff Shapiro P H OTO G R A P H E R S Ben White Audray Luck

You can now opt to receive the magazine

in digital format only!

Update your preferences in your member profile.

FLYTEC OUDIE N Airspace warnings are essential for safe flying, and the Oudie N has recently received an array of enhancements designed to make your flying experience safer and more intuitive than ever before.

Redesigned Clarity: Timely warnings when approach-

ing airspace, and bold red alert if airspace is mistakenly entered.

Simplified Navigation: Revamped warning panel dis-

plays airspace proximity and direction, seamlessly inte-

grated with normal flight data. It’s like having a dedicated co-pilot steering you away from potential trouble.

Visual Precision: Conflicting airspaces are now unmis-

takably marked with vibrant colors, ensuring you can spot potential hazards at a glance. From the cautionary yellow to the attention-demanding red.

Airspace at Your Command: Take control of airspace warnings when distractions cannot be afforded with a tap

on the warning panel to snooze warnings for 15 minutes or all-day notification mute of that airspace.

For more information, please visit www.flytec.com or email info@flytec.com

GIN GENIE RACE 5 The new Genie Race 5 is the highest performing harness in the category and weights 7.5 kg in the size medium. Designed in the GINLAB, the harness stays fully inflated with no flap or flutter at any speed and doesn’t require extensive adjustment. Instruments are easily visible and accessible in flight. There are two reserve containers, one on each side, along with plenty of storage (30L back and 9L ballast). Finally the harness is heat resistant breathable. Available in

sizes XS, S, M, L through Super Fly, Inc. www.superflyinc. com 801.255.9595 or your local dealer.

INSURANCE FOR H3/P3 PILOTS USHPA members rated H3/P3 and higher are eligible to increase their liability insurance limits to $1 million/$1 million. This increased coverage also includes extraterritorial coverage for international trips of up to 21 continuous days (for pilots rated 4/5 when increased limits are purchased).

Learn more at www.ushpa.org/member/insurance-members

8 U SH PA P I L O T

USHPA PILOT 9

ASSOCIATION

> Martin Palmaz, Executive Director

50 Years of Training / Then and Now : December 18 marked USHPA’s 50th

Do you have questions about USHPA policies, programs, or other areas? EM A IL U S AT:

info@ushpa.org Let us know what questions or topics you’d like to hear about!

Interested in a more active role supporting our national organization? USHPA needs you! Have a skill or interest and some time available?

VOLUNTEER! ushpa.org/volunteer

and support instructors with education and

year as the national association. The most

policy.

important accomplishment since our

In 2021, USHPA established an important

inception was the creation of a compre-

partnership with glidertraining.org, which

hensive training program that dramatically

provides an immediately available platform

improved pilot safety and eventually led

for delivering our existing and upcoming

to the creation of FAR 103. The education

training materials. USHPA will develop

program has always been at the core of

content for the entire training catalog in

USHPA’s mission and continues to be the

hang gliding, paragliding, and speedflying

foundation for access to free flight.

to be hosted on this site. Not only is glider-

At present, USHPA has 17 standing and

training.org easier for our instructors and

ad hoc committees. Throughout our history,

students to use, but it is provides the online

the Training and Certification (previously

functionality and digital user experience

Safety and Training) committee has consis-

that the next generation of students expect.

tently had the largest agenda, attendance,

This online catalog of courses has the added

and participation. That is even more true

benefit of helping instructors teach more

after we added the independent curriculum

efficiently and builds on a standard founda-

for speedflying to our catalog in 2022 and

tion of theory and principles.

created more collaborative work online.

USHPA is also expanding our internal

Over the years, the committee and its

digital assets (such as digital waivers

volunteer members have revised the train-

and online testing) so that more of what

ing materials to keep them current with

instructors, members, and students need

modern teaching methodologies. Since

to operate and learn is available in a mo-

volunteers have some inherent limitations

bile-centric environment.

with other commitments, we’ve decided

These and other tools will be coming on-

to dedicate more resources to support this

line throughout this evolution, so keep an

vital evolution of our training programs.

eye out for new offerings in our newsletters,

In 2024, USHPA will have a new part-time

social media, and other communication

training and certification manager to work

channels.

with the committee and program manager

Thanks for your support over the past 50

to create content for these digital resources

years. Here’s to another 50!

The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association Inc. (USHPA) is an air sports organization affiliated with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), which is the official representative of the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), of the world governing body for sport aviation. The NAA, which represents the United States at FAI meetings, has delegated to the USHPA supervision of FAI-related hang gliding and paragliding activities such as record attempts and competition sanctions. The United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, a division of the National Aeronautic Association, is a representative of the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale in the United States.

10 US HP A P I L O T

US HPA PILOT

NEW FROM OZONE IN 2024 The Ozone R&D Team has been as busy as ever, and the company plans to release several exciting new designs in late 2023 and the 2024 season. The Geo 7 has launched, with significantly improved performance over its predecessor and, believe it or not, lighter weight. The all new Alta will be a real evolution in the EN A class. It is purported to have performance close to the class above, with the highest levels of passive safety and the weight of a hike and fly wing. Ozone plans to release this wing for the 2024 season. The Magnum 4 continues the legacy of “pro performance”, with the addition of a larger size and a durability that Ozone says makes it the most economical wing (price per flight or hour of use) that a professional pilot can get. The Ultralite4, possibly the biggest selling mountain wing of all time, is a tough act to follow but the new Ultralite5 will retain all the qualities that made the series such a success with massively improved performance. The Delta 5 is slated for 2024 but no release date is set and Ozone say that it will likely not be available until later in the year. They provided no further details beyond “significant improvements compared to the D4.

Bill Hughes President

president@ushpa.org

Charles Allen Vice President

vicepresident@ushpa.org

Julia Knowles Secretary

secretary@ushpa.org Pam Kinnaird Treasurer

treasurer@ushpa.org

Martin Palmaz Executive Director

executivedirector@ushpa.org Galen Anderson Operations Manager

office@ushpa.org

Chris Webster Information Services Manager

tech@ushpa.org

Anna Mack Program Manager

programs@ushpa.org

Maddie Campbell Membership and Communications Coordinator

membership@ushpa.org B OA R D M E M B ERS (Terms End in 2024) Bill Hughes (region 1) Charles Allen (region 5) Nick Greece (region 2) Stephan Mentler (region 4) B OA R D M E M B ERS (Terms End in 2025) Julia Knowles (region 1) Nelissa Milfeld (region 3) Pamela Kinnaird (region 2) Takeo Eda (region 2)

What's your region? See page 63.

Joining the Beach Club Team flying for a paragliding site record by Max Kotchouro

: I fly many sites in New England, but Mount

perature differential is high. This dynamic creates

Ascutney has a special place in my heart. Man-

strong and high thermals, giving pilots the nec-

aged by the Vermont Hang Gliding and Paraglid-

essary lift to fly long distances. On April 9, 2023,

ing Association and located on the border with

ten pilots decided to give the challenge a shot.

New Hampshire, it has been a favorite site for

I carpooled to Mount Ascutney with Slava Pav-

hang glider pilots for decades. Paragliders started

lov, a new P3 pilot, and Andrey Kuznetsov, a P4

flying this site just a few years ago. Both groups

pilot with tons of experience. To reach launch, we

of pilots are captivated by a possible flight to the

hiked 1,200 feet on a groomed trail. Slava offered

Atlantic Ocean, with only a few hang glider pilots

to chase us, which was very kind of him. With

having ever accomplished it.

the wind forecasted to be north, we planned to fly

The best season to fly for distance in New En-

south along the Connecticut River, then south-

gland is spring. The ground heats up fast while

east toward our homes in Massachusetts.

the forest is still bare, and with cold air, the tem-

After arriving at the launch around noon, we

12 US HP A P I L O T

USHPA P ILOT 55

The author enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean.

patiently waited for the wind to pick up. The buzzards passed by without climbing, indicating that the lift was not strong enough for us to soar. By 2 p.m., conditions started to improve, and the first pilot launched and found lift, encouraging the rest of us to scramble off the mountain. Andrey launched and skied out immediately, followed by Tim Coleman, then me. We climbed to 5,000 feet, a solid 1,500 feet over the mountain, thanks to a strong thermal that Tim found. However, I struggled to stay in tune with my newly re-trimmed wing and soon got stuck as Andrey and Tim climbed higher and higher. The drift was different from what we expected, taking us more east than the forecast predicted. Andrey and Tim glided toward Lake Sunapee, going for that iconic and elusive ocean flight. Feeling left behind, I set off by myself in an easterly direction toward Claremont, New Hampshire. The wind was light, and progress was slow, but I reminded myself that I was already on a cross-country adventure with plenty of altitude to make a decent cross-country flight. As I soared through the sky, I couldn’t help but feel the exhilaration of the wind rushing past me. The sun

was shining, and the sky was a brilliant blue without a may be a valid point. I leaned forward I played. Touch and go on the picnic single cloud in sight. table? Yes, please. I top-landed over and and struggled to push into the wind. other pilots in the distance isisalways Launch impotence the worst. “Can over. Skimming along Chasing the sandafter dunes, I get a push? Can somebody I marveled at my surroundings. The a challenge. When they are so far ahead and much give me a Nobody responded. We bobbed sun was radiating onhigher, me. The roar like of you push?” it feels can never reach them. Even as off launch slowly and quickly sank crashing waves echoed off the dune, I climbed, they climbed too and would be on another to the beach below. That flight was overpowering all other sounds with a glide by the time I arrived. doomed from the start. The wind was deafening peacefulness. A world away AndreyI tried to contact on the radio several times, nome different than earlier, but I couldn’t from the forest of Vermont, lost track quite make the tricky conditions work of time. but I was too far behind to be of any help. As luck on the tandem. Drat!and manA passing tandem reminded me would have it,that I found some strong thermals With the glider over my shoulder, Sarah was due for a tandem flight. I aged a climb past 7,000 feet. My mood brightened as I had been waiting for better conditions, we trudged back up the sand dune to realized I might just make it east to Lake Sunapee. try again. This time I enlisted a friend, but it was approaching nine, meanand climbing, I checked my instruments Tom Lanning, for assistance. I pulled ing it might be now orWhile never.gliding So I top and noticed up the tandem, butAndrey insteadhad of running landed and switched(FLARM/FANET wings. I laid out was helpful) down the dune, we walked backwards the tandem with thepaused assistance of a in one area and was slowly climbing, allowing and sideways, gainingonheight few pilots, then hooked up my me to join precious him. Meanwhile, Tim had pushed with- and a longer runway. Accelerating the glider cargo and wasted no time launching. “Run, run, RUN!” I shouted. Nothing. We forward, I shouted, “Now!” and Tom came in behind with a nice strong had no power. Sarah shot back a lame push. We got airborne easily and stuck excuse, “I can’t run when my feet are

RECORDS

are made to be

BROKEN.

NAA encourages pilots of ALL LEVELS of experience to set records.

Dozens of records are established each year.

Know the rules before you fly! ➽Is your FAI Sporting license valid? Check here:

old.fai.org/about-fai/fai-sporting-licences

➽Your Official Observer must not only be a member of USHPA, they must be independent and not be perceived to have a conflict of interest.

➽ Initial notification of a record claim must be filed via the NAA web-site within 72 hours of the attempt.

Learn more at:

naa.aero/records

(General Info & FAQs)

naa.aero/applications-downloads/

(Records & Sporting Codes Downloads)

GOOD LUCK!

Flying over frozen New England east of Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire.

out us and was farther ahead. We had heard about the Brazilian method of team flying, which had led to world records for Team Brazil. It inspired us to try it out for ourselves, and this was a perfect opportunity to give it a go. We crossed the partially frozen Lake Sunapee and decided to push more north—crosswind—to go around the Concord airspace. We heard on the radio that Tim had gone too far south and had to come back to avoid getting blocked by the airspace. Unfortunately, he got too low and landed. Now, it was just Andrey and me flying as far as we could on this beautiful day. As I soared above the New England landscape, I focused on the task at hand. My teammate Andrey and I worked together seamlessly, constantly deciding who would lead and who would follow on each glide. It was all about finding the right thermals and making the right calls as to when it was time to move on. Even with the challenging conditions, the teamwork made it simpler and more enjoyable. As we climbed higher, the temperatures at the top of the climb dropped to around 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit, making it hard to concentrate. My water tube and camera battery froze, and when the batteries in my heated gloves ran out, I knew it would be a challenge to keep going. Then, we saw it: the ocean in the distance. Still far at 60 km away (37 miles), it was a glimmer of hope that we might make it. We also knew a sea breeze was on the horizon, threatening to stop our forward progress. We had a few glides where the future was uncertain due to dense forests and a lack of suitable landing spots. But despite the challenges, our altitude never dropped below 3,000 feet, and as we approached the shore, the ground clearance grew as well.

14 US HP A P I L O T

Perfect sunset in the LZ after a perfect flight.

Happy pilots. Left to right: Max Kotchouro, Megah Kate, Andrey Kuznetsov.

As part of our team flying strategy, we agreed we would land together. However, for that to work, we had to stay at the same relative level, with about 1,000 feet difference at most. I couldn’t bear the thought of asking Andrey to land if I bombed. At 6 p.m., I missed the start of a climb, but Andrey snagged it and climbed faster

complished hit me. We had joined the exclusive

and higher than I could make up. We decided he

club of a few pilots who had made that journey to

should push forward while I continued to climb.

the beach in a hang glider, and we were the first

We were only a few miles from the shore but still

to do it with a paraglider! To make the day even

had to clear the airspace around Portsmouth.

sweeter, another local pilot Meghan Kate showed

With daylight running out, I tried to make the

up to offer a ride before we even had a chance to

most of every bit of altitude.

start packing, and Slava was already on his way

When I was ready to go on a glide, I couldn’t

to pick us up. It was the perfect ending to a fan-

find Andrey. The FANET wasn’t working for

tastic day, and we owe them both our gratitude.

some reason, so we tried getting a visual on each

As we packed our gear and prepared for the

other by relaying our altitude and position (I was

drive home, I felt a sense of accomplishment

giving my altitude in feet and Andrey in meters,

and immense gratitude for the community that

and our tired brains had difficulty recalculating).

makes these kinds of flights possible. And as I

But we didn’t let that stop us—we persevered and

look ahead to future flights, I know that we will

eventually found each other, ready to complete

always have the support and camaraderie of our

our journey together.

fellow pilots to rely on. We are passionate about

When we were about a mile from the shoreline,

the same thing and willing to help each other,

the wind picked up at altitude, pushing us toward

whether with knowledge, equipment, logistics,

the ocean at 20 mph. The wind at the beach was

or just sharing in the excitement of each other’s

parallel to the shore and also strong. We had to

achievements.

decide whether to risk a landing on the beach

Overall, the distance we covered was my per-

or to find a safer option inland. Ultimately, we

sonal best: 91 miles, straight line, and 96 miles

chose the latter, a small farm field across the road

cross-country, a new site distance record for

from the beach. Before turning to the landing

paragliders. Other pilots will try and will beat

field, I made a pass over the shoreline, taking in

this record. And that’s how it should be.

the breathtaking view. As I descended toward the field, I faced a strong headwind and stayed on full speedbar to 150 feet over the ground. Once over the field, I maneuvered my paraglider with gentle

Pilots:

Andrey Kuznetsov - paragliding services busi-

S-turns to lose altitude and landed smoothly. It

ness owner - https://airquestparagliding.com/

was a moment of triumph—we had made it!

Max Kotchouro - author and visual storyteller -

On the ground, the weight of what we had ac-

https://www.youtube.com/SkyMaxOne

ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN A skin-ski-fly adventure in the Colorado mountains

by ERIC KLAMMER

16 US HP A P I L O T

US HPA PILOT

Isaac Lammers continuing the traverse in search of powder to ski. Photo by Eric Klammer.

: Sometimes the best plan in an adventure is

at the local ski resort, we estimated our return

to have no plan. Wait! Hear me out!

journey would run between 15 and 20 miles

It was early February 2023 in Colorado.

as we climbed over a few peaks and passes

Despite the typical conditions of face-melting

along the way. Our exact route was hazy, as the

winds and sideways snow, a small weather

method by which we covered ground would be

window appeared consisting of that wonderful

conditions-dependent. The wind and snow we

combination of big blue skies and just enough

found along the way would dictate whether we

breeze to keep you cool. Isaac Lammers and

were to fly, ski, or even hike. With the forecast

I, long overdue for some quality time with our

promising sunny skies, we were stoked to sim-

wings, headed for Vail Pass with skis and gliders

ply be outside and decided to keep our planning

in tow.

to a minimum. Namely, just head east-ish!

Our goal was simple: cover ground safely but

As we started to skin from the pass, the

in the most fun way possible. Despite being a

flag on the guard shack lay still under mostly

relatively short 6-mile drive to the top of the

sunny skies, and fresh snow appeared to have

pass from our meeting place near the bottom

fallen overnight. A few clouds above told us

Eric Klammer enjoying a free ride back up with a snowmobile tow. Photo by Isaac Lammers.

Isaac Lammers launching at 13,000 feet from near the summit of Jacque Peak. Photo by Eric Klammer.

the ridge top, dodging groups of tourists on snowmobiles before dropping in over the lip. Making giant, sweeping ski turns that are only possible while under a wing, we hooted and hollered as we figure-eighted our way down the broad and open face. At the bottom, the slope rolls over, and we launched into the sky, cruising over trees and gullies before swooping back to the soft, powdery earth and rolling to a stop along the cat track that would take us back to the top. Another? It’s a question that didn’t need to be asked. We packed up quickly and threw our skins back on, already psyched on a repeat. Skinning up, we looked back to see another group hopping on a sled, the obvious, bulging spheres of paraglider fast pack bags slung over their shoulders. Friends! They screamed past the uppers were considerably strong but were

us on the sled while we continued our leisurely

forecasted to mellow throughout the day. With

skin back to the top. Our second lap went off

our first stop potentially ridge soarable, we were

without a hitch. With slightly stronger winds,

stoked!

I was even able to climb above launch height

A few miles of gradual but consistent uphill

for a couple of turns before returning to the

brought us within sight of our first stop of the

powder and arcing my way back to the bottom

day, Ptarmigan Pass and Machine Gun Ridge.

once again. Yeehaw! Back at the cat track, we

This small, west-facing ridge offers mellow

faced a decision. Should we do another lap here

If we were lucky, Isaac and I knew there was a chance of speedsoaring down the ridge and landing within site of our car. speedriding practice and, when it blows hard

or continue toward the car, some 12 or so miles

enough, some pretty great speed-soaring! The

away? Once again skinning up the cat track, we

snow looked great, and we hurried to complete

decided to move on, this time continuing along

our climb to the top. The wind was blowing in,

the ridge instead of dropping off it with our

and though it was probably not strong enough

wings.

to soar, it was an easy spot to hang out, kite,

We heard the snowmobile of the other group

and take a lap while we waited.

behind us. This time, instead of screaming by, it

Wings overhead, we traversed the track along

stopped, and we were offered a ride. Yes, please!

18 US HP A P I L O T

US HPA PILOT

Eric Klammer coming in to land high on the hillslopes outside of Copper Mountain. Photo by Isaac Lammers.

We grabbed hold of the tow ropes, not even

dropped in first, hopping off a small cornice

taking the time to rip skins, and we were off!

onto the snow below. It’s good—really good—I

Our skins sang at a pitch never heard before as

shouted with joy as I arced fast turns down

Isaac and I were yanked back up to ridge height

the snowfield into a broad gully below. Isaac

in barely a minute (thanks, Chuck!). Another

followed, and if his volume had any correlation

speedriding lap tempted us, but we tore our-

with fun, it seemed like he was having a good

selves away and began heading east, aiming for

time as well. So far, this no-plan stuff seemed to

some untouched fields of snow that looked to

be working!

offer excellent skiing potential.

Skins on once again, we continued our journey

A stiff breeze kept us company as we skied

east, climbing first up to Searle Pass and then

toward our next stop, but it was a welcome

further upwards along the ridge towards our

complement to the intense sun that beat down

high point of the day, Jacque Peak. We paused

on us. Even in winter, the Colorado sun has a

briefly near the top of a prominent sub-summit

ton of power. After a few miles of rolling ridge

and considered unpacking the miniwings. The

traversing, we found ourselves perched, at last,

wind was strong, and the puffy clouds above

over the face we had seen earlier. North-facing

hinted at an abundance of thermals. If we were

and wind sheltered, with avalanche conditions

lucky, Isaac and I knew there was a chance

low, it looked like we were in for some fun. I

of speed-soaring down the ridge and landing

within site of our car. We also knew that if we

The wind began to mellow as we went, and 45

couldn’t make the glide out into the valley, we

minutes later, it reduced to a gentle breeze with

would have to land in a small, out-of-sight

slightly stronger thermal cycles coming through

clearing surrounded by tall trees, possibly in

here and there. We decided to try air travel

higher winds. Not ideal. Especially not ideal for

once again, provided we could find an area on

two guys whose total flying time over the past

the ridge with enough snow to ski launch! Bare-

few months could be measured in minutes. We

ly ten minutes later, our wish was granted, and

decided to keep skinning.

we found a small snowfield perched at 13,000

20 US HP A P I L O T

US HPA PILOT

Isaac Lammers enjoying some wide open turns under his miniwing at Machine Gun Ridge. Photo by Eric Klammer.

feet and just shy of the summit. This time a

before landing just downhill from Isaac.

large and open LZ beckoned from the distance.

A quick high-five and messy pack job later,

With the weather feeling absolutely per-

and we were back on skis. We crossed into the

fect, we hurried to unpack and set up. Isaac

ski area and onto our first groomed snow of the

launched first, disappearing off our little island

day. Having seen no other people since leaving

in the sky and into the air bordering the sheer

Ptarmigan Ridge earlier in the morning, it was

north face of the peak. Feeling suddenly very

quite a change to be surrounded by colorfully

alone, I waited a moment for a cycle to roll

clad skiers and boarders zipping by in every

through and then joined him in the air. Banking

direction. We joined the party and enjoyed

east, we reached the border of the nearby ski

another 2,000 feet of relaxed turns to the base

area and waved to the masses of Saturday skiers

area and our waiting car.

below as we enjoyed smooth air and jaw-drop-

Overall, our day clocked in at just shy of 22

ping views. Isaac landed in a large meadow out-

miles and 7,000 feet of gain. We had a safe and

side the ski area boundary just as I blundered

amazing time with excellent company, epic

into a thermal, popping off some west-facing

views, great conditions, and many ideas for

rocks below. I managed to feel my way around

future adventures!

in it and enjoyed a few extra minutes of views

Just as planned.

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New to the Owens Valley by Richard Sibley A first-timer’s experience flying the legendary air : For years, I’d heard about flying the Owens

introductory videos, studied Google Maps, read

Valley near Bishop, California, and how scary it

notes from presentations, and even had a group

can be. It’s also quite a long drive for me to get

Zoom call with Owen Morse who discussed his

there (about six hours). For these reasons, I’d

world record and answered all our questions. I

always decided to fly elsewhere on long week-

was feeling nervous but prepared! When the

ends. However, my interest in the valley grew

weekend came, I drove to the area with Soham

over the last few years, and in 2022, I felt ready to

Mehta and met up with some others. The fore-

embrace the challenge.

cast was looking promising!

I had some flying friends planning to go for

For context, when I made the journey to Owens

Memorial Day weekend, so I took the opportuni-

Valley for the first time, I had about 435 hours of

ty and joined them. To prepare, I watched some

flight time and about 1,030 launches/landings. I

22 US HP A P I L O T

US HPA PILOT

Buzzing past Mount Whitney.

flew the same High Energy Tracer pod harness that I had used since I started flying roughly 11 years earlier, and I was on a Wills Wing T2 that I had been using for just over five years and had about 165 hours of flight time on it—I felt incredibly comfortable on my gear. Additionally, I had completed a handful of relatively short cross-country flights over the four previous years. After arriving in the area on Friday evening, we grabbed a late dinner and went straight to sleep, anticipating a great flight the next day. After a hearty breakfast on Saturday morning, we loaded up our gear and headed to launch at Walt’s Point, arriving around 10 a.m. with plenty of time to set up while the morning turned on. As I finished setting up my glider, I watched Ryan Soares launch, and Soham followed shortly after. Nice cycles were coming up, and conditions seemed perfect for launching—both of them were able to climb at the house thermal over the saddle just to the right of the launch. Now that I had witnessed the flight plan, I was excited to join them. The temperature at launch

Vehicle is carefully loaded up and ready to go! Lots of electronics that need to be charged each night.

was around 80 degrees, and it was even hotter in the valley (it was forecast to be over 100 by

in front of Mount Whitney. Rick warned us on

the afternoon), but we knew it would be cold up

the radio to keep an eye on a gust front to the

high. I donned several layers and launched as

south in the distance. A bit distracted by the new

quickly as possible before overheating! Ready to

terrain, I hadn’t thought to look that far upwind.

go, I launched just after Su Sen at 12:25 p.m. and

Thankful for the information, I continued work-

climbed up in the saddle house thermal. I headed

ing my way north with that in mind.

north up the range, followed by Rick Warner and

In preparation for flying, I had programmed

Peter Lawrence. Despite knowing others were

many of the known LZs and peaks into my vari-

around, after leaving the general vicinity of the

ometer, and I had planned to use the required

launch area, I didn’t see another pilot my entire

glide ratios to ensure I would always have an LZ

flight; the area is incredibly vast, and it’s easy to

within reach. However, as I cruised north along

spread out.

the range, I could tell it would be an easy glide

The day had cloud cover that I kept an eye on at

to the road from my position, so when I acciden-

all times. I felt some light rain at one point that

tally snapped the vario bracket later in the flight

didn’t last long, and I got up into some wispies

and could no longer see it as it dangled from my

Gliders all setup at Walt’s Point.

downtube, I felt confident I’d be fine with finding an LZ. However, I couldn’t easily communicate my position with the others without my maps. I could see Highway 395 the entire way, so I knew I could land near the road at least, and with my Garmin inReach, I knew the others would be able to find me. I decided I would have to do some homework in the evening to learn the landmarks better for the next day in case my vario again became displaced. I kept an eye on the weather, and as the gust

The next day, conditions looked good, and I

front started to make its way up the valley, I

felt more comfortable now that I had one flight

found a beautiful-looking field to land in. I didn’t

under my belt.

want to risk being in the air or in the middle of

Soham was itching to fly and took off first. As

breaking down my glider when it caught up to

he climbed, I saw no reason to wait any longer

me. I broke down quickly, and Garett Hough-

and launched at 11:40 a.m. to join him. I didn’t

ton, our driver, arrived just as I finished packing.

find lift on the saddle, so I flew over to the

While we headed to fetch the others, I figured

switchbacks and managed a climb there. Once

out that I had flown for 2 hours and 37 minutes

I got over 13,000 feet at Wonoga Peak, I headed

and roughly 37 miles (a new distance record for

north along the ridge. Rick caught up with me,

me). After retrieving everyone, we got dinner

and we made our way over to Whitney Portal.

and returned to the hotel. I did some studying

On the radio, Rick told me if I got over 15,000

on Google Earth to become more familiar with

feet, I should go deeper and fly over Whitney

landmarks before heading to bed.

Peak. As if he were foretelling the future, I found

Author thermalling in the vicinity of Mt. Whitney (left) and near Tulainyo Lake (right). Photos by Rick Warner.

24 US HP A P I L O T

US HPA PILOT

a climb that got me just over 16,000 feet and

just for fun, let’s see what happens if I pull in all

headed that direction. I didn’t find any lift, but I

the way, and I managed to get my new ground

was able to fly directly over the peak and wave at

speed record of 93.4 mph!

some hikers below.

Being new to this size of terrain, I realized

As I began losing altitude, I headed toward the

something curious during this flight. I would get

valley again and found another thermal in the

up high, get cold, and then try to come down to

same location that got me back over 15,000 feet. I

warm up. However, as I started to sink below the

continued north on the ridge as I began hearing

tops of the peaks, my immediate thought was,

radio conversations about issues with the driver

“Oh no, I’m sinking out. I better find a thermal

not having the key to the vehicle. My radio wasn’t

to get up!” I would then look at my vario and

transmitting though, so I could only listen. I did

realize I was still over 14,000 feet, and despite

the rest of the flight alone.

my instinct to climb, I needed to glide for a while

At one point later in the flight, I was fairly high

longer before climbing again. It took a little men-

and wanted to get lower. I decided to make head-

tal adjustment!

way north by pulling in and going faster. I looked

As I got closer to Bishop, I remembered that

at my vario and noticed my ground speed was

people commonly cross the valley here. How-

around 70 mph, which surprised me. I thought,

ever, some clouds and virga in the middle of the

This cloud dropped some rain on me after landing, and it was wonderful.

Flying over the top of Mount Whitney.

spot as the previous day, making up to 15,500 feet and returning to buzz Whitney Peak.

valley dissuaded me. I flew to Bishop and sank

Soham contacted me on the radio and said that

out while trying to avoid the clouds and rain.

if I wanted to fly north, he could pick me up on

Ironically, as soon as I landed, the cloud caught

the way home. That sounded great to me, and I

up with me, and I was treated to a brief shower

headed north along the mountains. I analyzed

(a welcome respite from the blazing hot day). It ended up being a new distance record for me of about 61 miles, with a flight time of 3 hours and 58 minutes. On Monday, our final day, Soham and I debated heading back to avoid getting home late versus trying to launch early and have a short flight before making the drive. Ultimately, we opted for one more day of flying while still trying to head home at a decent hour. Conditions at launch were different from the last couple of days. Soham launched first but wasn’t having much luck getting up high. He managed to stay up for quite a while before landing at Lone Pine Airport. I waited a while for conditions to improve, and once I launched (at 1:16 p.m.) I managed to find a thermal over the saddle that took me from 8,000 to 16,000 feet. From there, I was able to make it straight to Whitney Portal. I caught a thermal in the same

26 US HP A P I L O T

My flight tracks for all three days. What a trip!

US HPA PILOT

Some virga up above as we left breakfast to head up to launch.

the terrain, thinking, “There could be a thermal there,” and I was delighted at being correct almost every time. Halfway through the flight, my harness zipper popped open and left me with a nice big air scoop at my feet; however, I was determined to keep going as far as I could anyway. I got up to Bishop again and decided to veer west to get more distance than the previous day. I used a

had three new cross-country records, and my

drop streamer, and for the first time, it worked. I

flight time for the three days was 9 hours and 21

had a fantastic landing at an RC Glider airport. I

minutes. Even though I knew beforehand that

flew about 66 miles for 2 hours and 47 minutes.

everything in the Owens was much larger than

Soham arrived about 30 minutes after I finished

I was used to, there is nothing like flying it for

packing up and brought some McDonalds with

oneself. It’s tough to comprehend how massive

him. We began our journey home.

everything is until you experience it firsthand. I

I was delighted with the three days of flying. I

can’t wait to go back for more!

JOIN US FOR THE

52nd

Te ac

ld to Fly Since 1974 � eW h t g hin

HELP US CELEBRATE OUR ANNIVERSARY! SUBMIT YOUR KITTY HAWK KITES STORIES FOR OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

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INSIDE THE RED ROCKS WIDE OPEN A volunteer's perspective on managing competition by Seth Itow

: It’s no secret that the competition scene in

change the location to Monroe, Utah.

the U.S. lags behind Europe. Since competi-

“There just isn’t enough infrastructure [at King

tions are weighted by the ranking of the pilots

Mountain], hotels and such, and getting good

competing, European competitions are typically

weather for a comp is a crapshoot,” Gavin said.

more prestigious (at least on paper) simply due

With his ambitious goal of one day hosting a

to the higher geographic density of pilots. So,

World Cup, the location needed reliable weather

after his retirement from competing in the Red

and the ability to support hundreds of pilots,

Bull X-Alps in 2021, Gavin McClurg decided

volunteers, and spectators, making Monroe the

to start a competition with the goal of bolster-

obvious choice.

ing the competition scene in the U.S. Having

After receiving sanction from USHPA for the

high-level competitions in the States raises the

event, Gavin began to realize the enormity of

level of the sport and provides a structure for

the task he had taken on. He started looking for

advanced pilots to improve their flying skills.

a co-organizer and eventually teamed up with

Gavin originally planned to host the compe-

fellow Red Bull X-Alps athlete Logan Walters.

tition at his local site, King Mountain, Idaho.

Together, they created the Red Rocks Wide

However, after input from veteran comp pilot

Open, which is a USHPA-Sanctioned National

and Utah legend, Bill Belcourt, he decided to

Championship Series event, an FAI Category

Pilots launch at Junction. Photo by Seth Itow.

28 US HP A P I L O T

US HPA PILOT

USHPA-Sanctioned National Championship Series Event USHPA verifies that the competition meets the standards for safety, scorekeeping, insurance, and advertising needed to sanction an event. USHPA sanctioning is required for a competition to count toward United States National Team Selection System (NTSS) rankings. FAI Category 2 Competition This status means that the competition has been sanctioned by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which the International Olympic Committee recognizes as the governing Competition gaggle begins to form ahead of the start time over Horse Heaven. Photo by Seth Itow.

body for air sports. This is required for the competition to count towards a pilot’s World Point Ranking System (WPRS) ranking. The “Category 2” classification designates that the event is not a

2 competition, and a pre-PWC competition.

world or continental championship.

Technicalities aside, this all means that the Red Rocks Wide Open is a major event in North America.

Pre-PWC competition The Paragliding World Cup is an entirely separate competition series organized by the Paragliding World Cup Association

Unity in the community

(PWCA). The PWCA has its own system that determines who

Local community support is pivotal in run-

can compete in a World Cup, but doing well in a pre-Paragliding

ning a successful competition. Paragliding is a

World Cup is one way a pilot can qualify. From an organizer’s

significant source of tourism for the Monroe

perspective, hosting a pre-PWC is the first step to hosting a

area, and the local municipalities are incredibly

World Cup. To host a World Cup, you must first host a pre-PWC,

supportive. With the support of Sevier County,

which a member of the PWCA audits to verify the event is run

Monroe City maintains the Canyon View land-

professionally and the location is suitable for a future World Cup.

ing zone, one of the few, if not the only, munici-

to get home at the end of the day. You don’t need

pal landing zones in the U.S.

retrieve,” Gavin noted. “I don’t even look at the

“Monroe City has opened its doors to paraglid-

weather when I’m in Valle or Colombia because

ing,” said organizer Logan Walters. “They already

it’s so reliable.” Such is not the case in Monroe.

have so much infrastructure in place as far as

The weather in Central Utah often has had a

being an amazing U.S. flying location.”

mind of its own, which requires flexibility in

The Central Utah Air Sports Association

launch location and timing. The task committee

(CUASA), which was founded in 2007 by Stacy

selected a launch near Horse Heaven for the

Whitmore and is now helmed by Lindsey Ri-

2023 event’s first task, which is about an hour’s

pa-Burns, is another critical component to the

drive north of the competition headquarters

competition’s success. CUASA has put Monroe’s

in Monroe. After loading the truck with all the

phenomenal autumn flying on the national stage

equipment needed to efficiently launch 113 pi-

through popular events such as the Red Rocks

lots, launch directors Miles MacArthur and Josh

Fall Fly-In. When it comes to running a para-

Alger hooked up the toilet trailer and drove up to

gliding event, there are many details that require

the launch early with the set-up crew.

on-the-ground coordination, and CUASA has

As the first to arrive on launch, this crew has

stepped in to help with the day-to-day efforts of

a lot to do: shade canopies and wind flags must

coordinating logistics for the event.

be set up, the task board and map must be hung,

“Gavin and I don’t live there,” Logan added. “But

and tarps must be staked down. And after the

if we need something, a podium, for example, or

pilots took to the skies, all this equipment had to

a venue for a safety briefing, we can ask CUASA,

be torn down since it was too soon to know what

and presto, we have what we need.”

the next day’s weather would bring. The task committee closely watched the weather every

Challenging logistics for epic flights

night and morning to determine which launch

The Utah high desert’s dispersed population, rug-

site would be most suitable for running a task,

ged terrain, and big sky create unique challenges

but the decision was never straightforward.

to running a competition. “[In Columbia], you

Amidst Utah’s remote expanse, retrieve coordi-

can use big buses to get everybody up the hill. When you land, you can just put your thumb out

30 US HP A P I L O T

Volunteers fluff a competitor’s wing as they get ready to launch. Photo by Seth Itow.

US HPA PILOT

On a day when the weather didn’t permit a task, volunteers spent their time at camp. Jagadish Nanjegowda (middle) schools Brian Waltman (left) and Danny Oxyuk (right) in chess. Photo by Seth Itow.

Task committee member Reavis Sutphin-Gray delivers the task briefing on Cove launch ahead of the afternoon’s task. Photo by Seth Itow.

nators Jack Peake and Drew Wadsworth relied

competition experience available nowhere else.

heavily on Garmin InReach satellite communi-

The insane scenery, high cloudbase, and long

cators to supplement the sparse cellular cover-

tasks set the Red Rocks Wide Open apart from

age. With the critical task of ensuring each pilot

other competitions.

is tracked and retrieved, the team deployed a

“Getting to fly two 100-mile triangles in a

retrieval fleet, including vans, off-road vehi-

competition was just insanely cool,” said Gavin,

cles, side-by-sides, and dirt bikes, to expedite

who also flew in the competition this year. “And

reaching pilots in isolated areas. Nevertheless,

the 73 km evening task was the best task I’ve

pilots who chose the most committing lines

ever flown in my life.” These tasks stand out for

understood that they might be in for a long hike

participants as not just competitive challenges

before reaching their ride. This possibility be-

but also as unique experiences, as the pilots

came a reality during the first task of the com-

enjoyed soaring through the serene spectacle of

petition when competitor Bill Belcourt landed

sunset-splashed skies.

deep. Gavin and one of the most enthusiastic

of overcoming these challenges and creating a

volunteers, Brian Waltman, hiked in to accom-

Looking forward to the World Cup

pany Belcourt on his five-hour hike out of the

In 2024, the stakes will be raised even higher. In

backcountry. The trio got back to the van just

addition to the Red Rocks Wide Open, Monroe

before 4 a.m. and arrived in Monroe at dawn.

will also host the Monroe World Cup, the first

However, nothing can compare to the reward

Paragliding World Cup in the U.S. since 2012.

32 US HP A P I L O T

US HPA PILOT

Meet director Logan Walters gets a quick flight in on the practice day the week ahead. Two local residents enjoy watching pilots fly overhead. Photo by Seth Itow.

And Gavin plans on making the event memorable. “In a World Cup setting, you almost never have even a two-hour task. It’s very rare. We’re going to do six, seven, maybe even an eight-hour task in a World Cup. That’s going to blow some minds!” said Gavin. Events like the Red Rocks Wide Open and the Monroe World Cup absolutely cannot happen without the passionate volunteers that make up the staff. “We recognize our volunteers as the most important part of having a successful competition,” said Logan. “The competition should be a bit like summer camp, and as a volunteer, you’re like that fun camp counselor. You get to hang

Volunteers and competitors hang out at the Monroe hot springs on a weather day. Photo by Justin Fisher. Gavin McClurg delivers the safety briefing. Photo by Seth Itow.

: Beyond the thrill of watching world-class

out with some of the best paragliders in the na-

pilots take on the skies, volunteering offers a

tion or the world. I think there’s a lot of positives

front-row seat to the camaraderie and behind-

all around, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that

the-scenes magic that make these events so

it’s always easy.”

memorable. Everybody gets free camping, hot

Big tasks can mean long retrieves and some-

food, cold beer, and a private XC clinic at the

times late nights for volunteers. But it’s not all

end of the week guided by some of the best

work. Weather days provide opportunities to

pilots in the country. If you’re passionate about

enjoy all that the area has to offer, including

paragliding and want to contribute to the sport

mountain biking, hot springs, and national

at the highest level of competition, consider

parks. Volunteers also have opportunities to fly

volunteering!

throughout the week.

KARI KASTLE

Pilot profile by Lisa Verzella

US HPA PILOT

World champion, Red Bull athlete, mentor, and guide

: There are two types of soaring pilots: those

evident when she moved to Bishop, California,

who have met Kari Castle and those who will. A

in the late ‘80s, to the heart of the Owens Val-

hang glider and paraglider pilot for the past four

ley, where the flying sites offer some of the most

decades, she is one of the most winning U.S. ath-

intense cross-country conditions in the world. It

letes in the sport’s history. She’s been a Red Bull

was there that she became the first woman to fly

athlete, won multiple World Championships and

more than 200 miles straight-line distance in a

dozens of National Championships, and contin-

hang glider. Kari also began coaching and guiding

ues to influence countless pilots around the globe

there nearly three decades ago and continues to

as both a hang glider and paraglider guide and

offer courses each flying season.

mentor.

Her competition accolades piled on as titles and

Born in Michigan, the nearly 6-foot-tall, blond

records fell like dominoes through the ‘90s and

phenom originally learned to hang glide in Cal-

into the 2000s. Kari became a three-time Wom-

gary, Canada, in 1981 and continues her soaring

en’s World Hang Gliding Champion, amassing

obsession to this day. She threw herself into com-

nearly two dozen hang gliding and paragliding

petition right away and two years later took first

National Championships. Her hang gliding world

place overall (for women and men) in the Silent

and national records included both open distance

Air Show in Milpitas, California. She moved up

and declared goal, with several of these records

to regional meets, finishing near the top, and by

still holding to this day. She also topped the podi-

1988, won her first U.S. Women’s National Hang

um in several overall comps, including the Sandia

Gliding Championship.

Classic and Canadian Nationals.

Kari’s dedication to the sport became even more

Kari is the first female hang glider pilot ever to

Kari likes being handcuffed; Baja California. Kari launching during 1995 Women’s Hang Gliding Pre-World Championship. Photo by the Lisa Verzella.

make the U.S. National Team, a feat she ac-

paragliding Super Clinic in Applegate, Oregon.

complished twice. Adding paragliding titles to

Kari’s innumerable contributions to the flying

this impressive list, Kari was one of the first two

world include volunteer and organizational work

women to compete in the Red Bull X-Alps in 2005

at home and abroad. Kari participated in a hike-

and broke the Australian open-distance tandem

and-fly expedition on Kilimanjaro and a tandem

paragliding record in 2008. She was a Red Bull

project in Ghana to raise funds for charities. She

pilot for many years with several other sponsors,

was the organizer and meet director of the 2015

including Oakley and Outdoor Research.

Paragliding Nationals and the Owens Valley XC

You might expect such a champion to be stern,

Classic. Kari also volunteered for the Interna-

quiet, and serious. Kari is none of those. Though

tional Hang Gliding and Paragliding Commission

highly focused and driven when she needs to be,

CIVL as an official in Europe and South America.

her modus operandi revolves around fun. Lively,

Her own flying adventures also span the world.

gregarious, and generous, Kari exudes the quality

She was invited on hang gliding filming expe-

and character of a winner both on and off the

ditions to Peru and Costa Rica and was a stunt

field. She even invented and readily shares her

double for the Netflix show The Fosters. Another

World Champion shoelace knot—just ask her!

highlight of her television career was her appear-

Kari’s influence extends across the globe, as she

ance on the international television show New-

has competed, guided, and mentored on every

ton’s Apple. Kari also had the unique opportunity

continent except Antarctica. As an instructor,

of flying the Castleton Tower in Utah with a

Kari began offering hang gliding and paraglid-

Japanese movie star on New Year’s Day.

ing cross-country thermal clinics in the Owens

Kari’s fame extends outside of the flying commu-

Valley in the early ‘90s. Her current paragliding

nity as well. Several international magazines have

courses cover site guiding, building thermal and

featured her athletic endeavors, including Nation-

cross-country skills, route planning, instrument

al Geographic, Climbing, Rock & Ice, and Outside.

setup and maximization, and post-flight analysis.

And her interview on Gavin McClurg’s Cloudbase

A decade ago, Kari also began running an annual

Mayhem has unquestionably solidified her rock

Left: 1995 Women’s HG Pre-World Championship Team of Misfits (L to R): Tish McClellan (New Zealand), Kari Castle (United States), Eva – (Hungary), Corinna Schwiegershausen (Germany), Kathleen Rigg (Great Britain), Lisa Verzella (United States). Right: Kari and Lisa discuss strategy at the 1994 East Coast Championship, Henson’s Gap, Tennessee.

36 US HP A P I L O T

Left: 2006 U.S. Women’s World Hang Gliding Team (L to R): RayAnn , Linda Salamone, Lauren Tjaden, Judy Hildebran, Kari Castle. Right: Kari foils it again, La Ventana, Baja. Kari mountain biking with her local crew during the 2023 super bloom, June Lake, California.

star status among the newer generation of pilots.

driven by results, preferring to share her expertise

When not paragliding or coaching, she fills her

with new pilots looking to learn and favoring less

days with wing foiling, mountain biking, hiking,

rowdy conditions for clients and herself. Friends

and scores of other adventures. She had planned

have coined the phrase, “Put your derrière in Kari

to ride bicycles across the country with her sister

air.”

to celebrate their 60th birthdays, but her sister’s

As one of thousands influenced by this epic,

unexpected knee replacement and the emerging

gracious athlete, I’d like to extend my gratitude for

COVID pandemic conveniently trapped Kari in

Kari’s decades of inspiration and encouragement

Baja—her wing foil playground. Her flexibility

from earth to sky! If you’d like to connect with

and skill allow this sky queen to easily pivot for

Kari or further explore her extensive adventures,

maximum fun. These days, Kari still competes but is no longer

visit her website at karicastle.com.

Smiles and enthusiasm were contagious at the 1st annual Woodrat Ladies Fly-In!

38 US HP A P I L O T

US HPA PILOT

Woodrat Ladies Fly-in by Julia Knowles : One hot weekend in early July 2023, roughly

(and a four-time Utah Cup winner). A woman

40 pilots converged on the small town of Ruch,

of many talents, she works as a meteorologist

Oregon, for the first annual Woodrat Ladies Fly-

for the National Weather Service and pioneered

In. Organized by Sarah Lockwood, this event

the Soaring Forecast used extensively by free

brought women eager to continue their para-

flight and ultralight enthusiasts in the Salt Lake

gliding progression together with a handful of

area. When not breaking distance records and

mentors and volunteers for three days of flying

educating the public about the weather, Lisa is

at Woodrat Mountain. Sarah planned the event

a highly accomplished trumpeter with the Utah

to emphasize fun, safe learning and community

Symphony and Utah Chamber Orchestra to

building in a fashion similar to women’s fly-ins

boot!

she has held in Santa Barbara, California. It is

The panel of mentors was rounded out by a

safe to say she succeeded.

younger group of pilots making a wave on the

Check-in was at the Cantrell-Buckley Camp-

national competition scene, including Alexia

ground, where most participants posted up at

Fischer, fresh off the women’s podium at the U.S.

the group campsite for the duration of the event.

Open of Paragliding at Chelan, Washington, the

License plates from throughout the American

week prior. In 2021, Alexia was the National

West reflected a great showing of pilots from

Women’s B-Class Champion and hasn’t looked

a range of coastal and mountain home bases.

back since, consistently rising to the top of the

Tents peppered the shady hillside, with vans and trucks crammed into every conceivable inch of parking space. After checking in, pilots gathered bright and early on the first morning for introductions and a safety meeting. The group of mentors assembled by Sarah represented decades of experience within free flight, including two long-time biwingual legends, Kari Castle and Lisa Verzella. Kari began flying hang gliders in the early 1980s, migrating to paragliders only after thoroughly dominating the field with three world championship wins and numerous world-record distance flights. Her para-guiding experience worldwide and at her home in Owens Valley, California, clearly reflect her joy and passion for sharing the sport with others. Lisa, who is based out of Salt Lake, also started on hang gliders and was a member of the U.S. Women’s World Hang Gliding Team

A lady bird thoroughly inspects her lines during a reverse inflation. Photo courtesy of Josiah Brubaker.

Women prepare to launch from the top of Woodrat. Photo courtesy of Josiah Brubaker.

stack and leaving competitors in the dust at nu-

Flight Club for five years and apprenticing with

merous comps. Summer Barham, who similarly

a few schools at Point of the Mountain as a basic

quickly rose through the comp ranks, served

instructor.

as the local liaison. As president of the Rogue

This three-day event was dominated by blue

Valley Hang Gliding and Paragliding Associa-

skies, high pressure, and hot temps: classic mid-

tion, the club responsible for sites throughout

summer conditions for the Rogue Valley. Mount

southwest Oregon and far northern California,

Woodrat is situated above the town of Ruch,

Summer was a superb point of contact to link

where three valleys converge to form a fishbowl

event participants with the greater local com-

ideal for a burgeoning cross-country pilot. The

munity, working closely with Sarah to ensure

rich soil supports a range of agricultural activity

a seamless event from start to finish. Sarah,

down on the valley floor, including a handful of

a competent comp pilot herself, has already

vineyards; landing options are plentiful. With

enriched our community through her women’s

most valley crossings being short, this site can

fly-ins and also volunteers on a new USHPA

be great for those just learning to cut the cord

women’s committee alongside Lisa Verzella and

from launch.

myself. I contributed my experience with men-

Day one began with a site intro at the Hunter

torship, site intros, and flight debriefings after

LZ, where mentors pointed out potential haz-

serving as president of the Jackson Hole Free

ards, including one unique pitfall: fresh cow pat-

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ties. Hunter is owned by a local cattle ranching

truck beds and cramped cabs to prepare for the

family and generously allows members of the

first flights of the event.

local flying club to land there. At launch, morn-

The atmosphere at launch was friendly, sup-

ing conditions were calm, with a light anabatic

portive, and receptive as pilots queued up and

breeze providing great opportunities to practice

morning sledders gave way to light thermals.

forward inflations. Gear and girls burst out of

Most of us had never been at a flying site with nearly all women before, and I sincerely enjoyed the vibe. Rather than jockeying for position in the queue, it felt like we were one big team eager to see each other succeed. I noticed more humility and curiosity than I typically find when out flying, and we mentors were impressed with the level of finesse we observed with each launch. Such large gatherings often inevitably lead to some harrowing hucks off the hill, but that simply did not seem to be the case here. The lady birds styled it, and I believe it had much to do with the tone of positivity at this event. In an all-women’s setting, many of us feel more empowered to ask questions rather than having to prove or second-guess whether we belong. Such a boost in confidence translates directly into better judgment, more decisive inputs to gliders, and a stronger learning progression. It became clear to me that all-women’s spaces can provide opportunities to develop both skills and fortitude that pilots may struggle to find at their home sites, where it might be hard to find like-minded women to fly with. Each day, pilots with more experience worked thermals together throughout the hot midday hours, some climbing out over launch before branching out from Woodrat to explore other zones across the valley. Other women chose to beat the heat in the nearby Applegate River, a welcome reprieve from the scorching temps that crept up toward triple digits. Mentors offered

A lady bird glides out over the Applegate Valley from Woodrat’s top launch. Photo courtesy of Ismael Kose.

tutorials on instruments and debriefed with pilots about their morning flights and landings.

The group campsite became a hub for sharing

found, the rides down can be just as chock-full

knowledge and insights, both formally and in

of laughter, too.

casual conversation among peers.

This fly-in was intentionally designed with

As evening approached each day, our wonder-

minimal structure, providing pilots with plenty

ful volunteers would stuff trucks to the gills to

of time to mingle and connect. Jade Wolff, a new

head up for glass-off flights, pilots packed in

P2 pilot from Washington, valued the camara-

like sardines, waves of giggles erupting sporad-

derie she found at the event.

ically during the drive up to launch. Although

“The mentorship and camaraderie were exactly

conditions were blown out one night, we all still

what I was looking for. I felt supported by my

enjoyed the camaraderie of para-waiting and

peers and mentors,” she said. “Everyone was

swapping stories in lieu of flight. Practicing the

there for the same reasons and to make friends.

choice to call it and ride down might not be as

It was incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by

thrilling as soaring off into the sunset, but as we

these ladies, and it was great that they had a va-

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riety of experiences and history with the sport.”

progression in ways I hadn’t yet as a novice pilot.

Barb Henderson not only enjoyed the ca-

Many thanks to all the planners, mentors, and

maraderie but actively amplified it! During

volunteers!”

one shuttle ride, Barb shared her musings on

The final evening of the fly-in came far too

“Winglish”—that language that your wing speaks

quickly. While waiting for some strong cycles

to you through the lines and toggles, a language

to mellow out, we held a Q&A session with all

of feel rather than words. Barb organized an

mentors present at launch. Martin Palmaz, the

impromptu ground-handling mission during

executive director of USHPA, also made a celeb-

one midday window. She shared, “As a newer P2

rity appearance! The lady birds had some great

[August 2022], the Ladies Fly-in was a honeymoon of a paragliding trip after my travels from Colorado to Utah and California for instruction. I was encouraged and felt supported in my

Women celebrate the 1st annual Woodrat Women’s Fly-In at the Cantrell-Buckley campground in Ruch, Oregon. Photo courtesy of Josiah Brubaker.

questions, ranging from technical inquiries about comp flying strategy to beginner use of speed bar and descent techniques to landing in

Gliders pepper the sky for a sunset glass-off flight above the Applegate Valley. Photo courtesy of Josiah Brubaker.

a new LZ. Once again, the open-minded tone of

birds enjoyed the opportunity to pick up tips in

the event unlocked a deeper level of discourse

all three areas from mentors with such an ex-

where vulnerability was not merely tolerated

tensive collective experience in the sport before

but actively embraced. It was a pleasure to dig

one final glass-off flight.

into issues, such as recovering from fear injuries,

Overall, the Woodrat Women’s Fly-In was a

that affect all of us pilots but may often be con-

wonderful opportunity to learn and connect

sidered taboo in a public forum. Wherever each

with like-minded free flight femmes from vari-

of us may be in our progression as a pilot, we

ous parts of the West. Jade’s words of gratitude

will quickly plateau without paying heed to our

sum it up nicely for me, too. “I’m beyond grate-

psychological game. Like our gear or piloting

ful to be tapped into this amazing community,”

skills, our mental game requires maintenance

she said. “In life, it’s not just what you do; it’s

so we can continue enjoying free flight. The lady

who you do it with.”

Funding was set aside from registration fees and a raffle at Raven’s Landing to offer scholarships to nine pilots to support their free flight education after the event. Congratulations, lady birds!

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Time to Re-engage by Jesse Hughes : Maybe you quit free flight because you were

never admit to it.

scared. Perhaps you got hurt, had a bad day,

Whatever your story, you’ve decided to re-en-

suffered an equipment failure, or broke up with

gage. But how? It’s actually super simple. Tune

the pilot you were dating and the pilot-friend

your gear and refresh your skills; both require

group you shared kept your ex. And, maybe,

certified help. I’m not talking therapy (though

you just drove past your old favorite launch site

it’s never a bad option). First, send your gear to

and saw a wing that looked like your ex’s, and

a certified tuner or shop to ensure your kit is

perhaps you’re frustrated that they still get to

up to the task of taking flight. A wing inspec-

enjoy free flight while you’re grounded with

tion and a reserve repack will give you confi-

your new friend-flock of flightless chickens.

dence in your equipment again.

Maybe. Maybe that’s your story; it definitely

Next up is refreshing your skills—also best

isn’t mine. And if it were, I would obviously

done with a qualified coach. A good coach (who may be a certified instructor or dedicat-

The author re-engaging in flight.

ed mentor) will start from the beginning and assume that all of your skills should be tuned. After all, it’s possible that the only muscle memory

46 US HP A P I L O T

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START FROM THE BEGINNING, as if you were a true beginner. It's Okay. It's the mature, responsible way to proceed.

you’ve retained is bad habits. So, start from the

put your coffee on them. They’re also better

beginning, as if you were a true beginner. It’s

for you than electronic devices when trying to

okay. It’s the mature, responsible way to pro-

get to sleep. And if you pick up one about free

ceed; your body will thank you, even if your ego

flight or weather, you might even find a helpful

takes a hit.

tip or two on your journey back to the skies. I

Also, remember that pre-flight checklist you

found Paragliding: The Beginner’s Guide by

thought you had memorized? You’ll be sur-

Bastienne Wentzel and Ed Ewing to be nice-

prised that you can’t just rattle it off. But you’ll

ly organized and well-written. I wish it were

relearn it quickly, giving you confidence that

available when I first learned to fly; I highly

the other things you learned are still lurking

recommend it for new pilots, advanced pilots,

somewhere in that skull-bound grey matter.

and those looking to reenter the sport.

Dusting these lessons off will also help sharp-

If this isn’t your story, but you have the itch

en them. Your coach will help guide you with

to get back flying, now is a great time to start.

patience and excitement as you refresh what’s

Ship your gear to a tuner, find a coach with

been lost.

kind eyes and wild hair, and set your mind to

Books. Not only do these look good lying

“beginner.” That first flight back is almost as

around, but they also prevent rings when you

sweet as your first flight ever.

Pick up these hot titles by

www.DENNISPAGEN.com

DENNIS PAGEN

Sport Aviation Publications PO Box 43, Spring Mills, PA 16875 pagenbks@lazerlink.com | 814-404-9446

The Women of North American Acrobatic Paragliding by Max Marien

: On June 16-17, 2023, one of the most beauti-

champion, she is ranked as the number one fe-

ful weekends of the summer, ten of the best ac-

male acrobatic paraglider in North America. You

robatic/aerobatic paragliding pilots from across

can find Jenn at almost every SIV event held by

North America gathered in Napa, California

Max Acro Paragliding throughout the spring and

to showcase their abilities. The event saw them

summer months, offering tips to newer pilots

executing, with maximum precision and skill,

on maneuvers or towing, double-checking pilot

some of the 60+ existing acrobatic paragliding

bridles and lines for safety, and finding any other

maneuvers, in which pilots can reach incredible

number of helpful, kind tasks to lend a hand on.

speeds and forces of up to 6 Gs. Canadian and

For her own flying, she is working on perfect-

U.S. pilots, nominated by their local SIV instruc-

ing the infinite tumble and has a concrete run

tors and members of their flight community,

of incredible tricks under her wing that she is

were invited to attend this unique event, the Max

constantly adding to. Keep your eye out for this

Acro Invitational Competition (maxacro.com).

impressive pilot in upcoming years as she steps

Among the men on the shore that day were

onto the international competition scene.

three women holding their own: Jennifer Lau-

Mariam Ahmed is originally from Somalia and

ritzen, Mariam Ahmed, and Cheyanne Abolt

came to San Diego, California, as a refugee at age

Marien.

19 during the Syrian War. She started paragliding

Jennifer Lauritzen hails from San Jose, Califor-

in 2022 after getting addicted to flight through

nia. She got into paragliding five years ago and

skydiving. Mariam signed up and attended her

has rapidly excelled at acrobatic and cross-coun-

first SIV immediately before the competition and

try flying. As the reigning 2-year women’s acro

has just learned some of her first acrobatic ma-

Pilot Jennifer Lauritzen performing acrobatics over Lake Berryessa.

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Podium for female division of the competition: 1st place Jennifer Lauritzen; 2nd place Mariam Ahmed.

neuvers. That isn’t to say her runs were anything

that involves paragliding with birds of prey. In

short of amazing as she linked stalls to tailslides,

2021, she co-founded Max Acro Paragliding with

executed beautiful wingovers, and performed an

her husband, Max Marien. The company has

incredible whirling SAT that wowed the judges.

spearheaded the creation of the first acrobatic

She was the first amateur competitor to join the

paragliding competition in North America since

invitational. Her future acrobatic goals involve

2011 in an effort to promote the acro competi-

attending as many SIVs as possible to safely

tions in this part of the world. Ensuring a female

progress in the sport. She plans to head to Tur-

division is part of the competition is just one of

key to practice in Oludeniz with Max Acro this

the projects Cheyanne has undertaken this year

fall. Her goal is to inspire young female pilots

to further support women in paragliding. She is

worldwide, showing that if you put your mind to

also cohosting a women’s fly-in for paragliding

something, anything is possible.

and speedwing pilots in Soboba, California, in

Cheyanne Abolt Marien, hailing from San

early 2024 to create an opportunity for the fe-

Diego, California, via Colorado, began her para-

male pilots in the community to gather, learn and

gliding career in 2020 as a parahawking appren-

network with others. Her future goals include ex-

tice at Total Raptor Experience in San Diego.

panding the Max Acro’s scholarship program to

Parahawking is a unique form of paragliding

include a female pilot award and creating other

Jennifer Lauritzen nailing the landing.

Pilots Jennifer Lauritzen, Cheyanne Abolt Marien, and Mariam Ahmed smile for the camera during the competition.

unique adventures for female pilots in the sport.

provided amazing prizes to the top finishers

The sport of acrobatic paragliding is growing

including $2,500 to the first place pilot, $1,000 to

in North America, and at the forefront, we have

the second, and $500 to the top female pilot and

powerful, smart, and talented women standing

top synchro run.

tall alongside some equally great men. I am excited to see them flying, flipping, twisting, and tumbling, but most of all, I am excited to see them representing the future of acrobatic female paraglider pilots in the U.S.

A big thanks to AirG Products (airg.com), Baja

Jerky (bajavida.com), Big Pete’s Treats (big-

petestreats.com), DTFloat (DTFloat.com), and

Max Acro Paragliding, LLC (maxacro.com),

who generously sponsored the competition and

50 US HP A P I L O T

WOMEN 1st: Jennifer Lauritzen 2nd: Mariam Ahmed

MEN 1st: Kris Holub 2nd: Adam Chappell 3rd: Jason Lauritzen

US HPA PILOT

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Tandem Cross Country Teaching in flight by Jeff Shapiro

: Learning a sport that combines physical

glider cross-country one of the most engaging

multitasking with a chess-like game of complex

games we’re lucky enough to play. It’s one thing

decision-making, all in the incredibly dynamic

to physically learn how to fly our wings, where

environment of the sky, makes flying a para-

“look, lean, and pull” seems simple enough, but

Instructional XC tandem flight over Valle del Cauca. Photo by Marty DeVietti.

52 US HP A P I L O T

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XC pilot, Nathan Pohl, gains an increased perspective during a long flight in Colombia.

add wind, thermals, clouds, mountains, other

we, as individuals, find the most efficient ways

pilots, and the necessity for a place to land, and

to grasp complex concepts and tasks.

our bandwidth quickly gets saturated.

Specific to paragliding, bandwidth is one

I find it fascinating that people learn in a mul-

of the most essential elements to expand in

titude of ways. Kinesthetic learning involves

my own pursuit of longer flights. Bandwidth

physical activity—students learn to process

describes the ability to have the mental capacity

new information from movement. Visual

to see the whole picture. For newer pilots, it is

learning utilizes graphs, charts, maps, dia-

understandably difficult to see all the informa-

grams, or other forms of visual stimulation to

tion when their focus is limited to flying their

help a student interpret information effectively.

glider. In other words, we can’t expect newer

There’s also constructivism, where teachers

pilots to look ahead at the ground and sky

act as a guide to help students create their

and simultaneously make informed decisions,

own learning and understanding. There’s also

remain in the air, or simply stay safe, when

cooperative learning, auditory learning, and

they are focusing all their mental capacity on

distance learning. There are so many ways that

mechanically flying the glider.

For me, deciding to earn the rating and privilege to share flying with others by training to be a tandem pilot has been one of the most fulfilling and experience-rich paths I’ve taken in my flying-related life. In both the paraglider, and the hang glider before that, sharing the magic of free flight with students and people who’d normally not be exposed to flight, has delivered some incredible memories. Learning to fly has been one of the greatest gifts given to me, and simply put, being able to reciprocate has been a fulfilling way to repay that debt. However, in recent years, I’ve found that tandem flying has much more to offer an intermediate or even advanced pilot than most perhaps consider. I’ve discovered that it’s one of the best ways to pass on experience-based lessons (most of which I learned the hard way) about the many facets of cross-country flying in the mountains and over the flats. Clearly, making mistakes and paying consequences, provided the flight remains safe, is the best way for pilots to improve their technique and knowledge. It’s called experience for a reason. But I’d argue that flying with a more experienced pilot during a cross-country tandem will help increase bandwidth by allowing comfort and assurance from vetted decisions. The

Brandon, a student and tour client, found personal best flights after flying tandem afforded accelerated learning opportunities.

extra pair of experienced eyes and ears allow a

tion to cause and effect. With the reassurance

student to feel increased confidence and to be

of a seasoned cross-country pilot in the back

relaxed in decision-making that would typi-

seat, many of the common self-doubt, fear-

cally feel overwhelming and intimidating. We

based blockades diminish, creating more room

perform best when we’re relaxed and believe in

for information retention and an undeniable

our decisions and when our fears and doubts

opening of perspective.

are lessened.

The benefits can also be purely mechanical.

In practice, the experienced pilot can make

When a newer pilot is having trouble staying

suggestions and question decisions based

centered in dynamic and shifty cores, it’s been

on their more extensive repertoire of al-

fun for me to talk through what I’m feeling into

ready-made mistakes. The result is experience

real-time; for example, where we drift, shift,

gained by the student with a real-time connec-

turn, and lengthen our flight path to stay in the

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Todd Quigley co-pilots from the front seat.

best part of a climb. I’ve found that even if it’s a lot of information for my student, the physical connection with feeling the thermal’s tell-tale character while hearing why I’m tightening a turn or widening a leg ends up, even if only subconsciously, becoming a reference that they will use as they continue to develop as a pilot. Those direct feedback loops can happen faster and with less mystery during a tandem flight with a qualified instructor because reasoning, feeling, and execution are all verbalized.

time he’d been to cloudbase a few times, he was

I’ll give you an example from a recent trip

already exhausted and unsure of what to do

to Colombia’s Valley de Cauca. I have a friend

next; sensory overload is a very real thing. This

and client who was less experienced and still

would leave him mentally fatigued, searching

very focused on the game of simply finding a

for landing areas without achieving his goal of

thermal, centering (especially with other pilots),

going cross-country. Any remotely seasoned

and getting to cloudbase. Those initial tasks

cross-country pilot knows that the second a

took so much of his mental focus that by the

pilot starts thinking about landing, they’re

Jeff Shapiro launching with a passenger from Mt Jumbo, overlooking Missoula, Montana. Photo by Christopher Gibisch.

Jeff Shapiro and a student climb above Missoula, Montana. Photo by Christopher Gibisch.

going to land. And the result was that he was

communicates in an airmass, all within a safe

not getting the exposure to decisions that could

environment with an experienced tandem pilot,

increase his airtime and distance, both goals for

removes stumbling blocks in understanding

his trip.

and retention. What was once a mystery be-

Some might say this is very normal, and

comes a valuable experience that equals, “I can

comfort comes with an individual progres-

totally do this!”

sion uniquely suited to someone’s ability to

Watching a pilot struggle to make progress,

learn, their risk tolerance, and perhaps their

stuck in habit, fear, or a general lack of belief in

desires of what they want to accomplish within

their ability to connect the dots makes me wish

the sport. But I’ve also found that perspec-

I could help. With tandem flights we do a three-

tive greatly influences what a pilot can safely

to five-hour cross-country flight in which they

accomplish. Sometimes, simply knowing and

get to share thermals with other pilots using

believing what’s possible can make all the

proper etiquette, cut the cord from launch, and

difference.

make many glides to a variety of thermals over

When newer pilots internalize clues from

changing terrain in a developing sky. After a

the sky, ground, birds, and other pilots, their

safe landing in some random field, their minds

perspective increases exponentially. Choices

are open and usually buzzing from what they

about timing and where to go, while physical-

just experienced. They are inundated with the

ly being shown techniques to use related to

belief that this is indeed something they can

the feel in the harness and the way the wing

and will do again! Within a one-week tour, they

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US HPA PILOT

go from barely being able to stay in the air on

and podcasts

their own to going for complex cross-country

As part of this progression, also consider

flights, often exceeding personal bests over

tandems for more than just sightseeing or

consecutive days.

learning simple mechanical skills. If you aim to

Developing as a pilot takes a village. My

fly longer and further, one long flight spent in

advice is always to learn from as many pilots as

the front seat, even if you’re an advanced pilot,

you can. I’m fond of remembering that every-

will undeniably make you better. And sharing

one has something to learn from me and has

what I think most pilots would describe as a

something to teach me. Having a beginner’s

peak experience in paragliding (a super long

mind is the only way to stay sharp and fresh

cross-country flight) is just about the most fun

and continue progressing in a dynamic sport

I’ve had in the sky. To all the tandem pilots out

like paragliding, along with good training from

there, give it a try! Passing on the gift becomes

qualified instructors, good mentorship, and

the gift. Trust me.

individual pursuits like reading, observation,

New Online training! USHPA P2 course available now! USHPA is excited to announce a new partnership with Skygear Hub to deliver USHPA training material at glidertraining.org

This online course fulfills the 8-hour in-person ground school requirement. Spend your valuable time on the hill practicing, not studying! Also includes P2 checklist and flight log tools for tracking your progress, and a student management portal for instructors.

USHPA will announce new online courses for all wing types, ratings, and skills as they become available.

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

58 US HP A P I L O T

HPA PILOT 59 Jeff Shapiro and XC student flying acrossUSthe Valle del Cauca, on their way to Andalucia and back. Photo by Marty DeVietti.

INTRODUCING

Accident Assistance Fund (AAF) Members Helping Members in Times of Need

The AAF is the first initiative launched by the recently created Development Committee. The AAF will help cover medical and other expenses resulting from free flying accidents*. If you’re interested in helping your fellow pilots in times of need, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to the AAF. To kickstart the AAF, two generous members have agreed to donate $5,000 each, for a total of $10,000 in matching funds. This is an incredible opportunity to double the impact of your contribution to the AAF.

Scan QR code for more details on the AAF and how to make a tax-deductible donation. * The AAF will only have access to funds donated by members and earmarked for the AAF. The AAF is not insurance and is not intended to be a replacement for insurance, but rather to help with insurance deductibles and unforeseen medical and other expenses in times of need. USHPA encourages all pilots to practice safe flying and stay current and maintain proper medical insurance coverage. Details of the AAF are available on USHPA’s website including eligibility requirements, application process, and fund management.

60 US HP A P I L O T

CALENDAR

The event calendar shows all USHPA-sponsored events including sanctioned competitions, ACE events, board meetings and instructor, admin, or towing cliniccs. For student cliinics, tours, fly-ins, and more check the Classified listings.

* Sanctioned events pending official BOD approval.

JAN 3 > USHPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING > Virtual. This meeting is for the designated director and officer elections. Registion for online attendance closes at 5 pm MT on Monday January 1. The meeting will begin at 6 pm MT on Tuesday January 3. Please use your email and zip code associated with your USHPA memberhsip to register. Register at ushpa.org/page/online-board-meeting. JAN 23 > USHPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING > Virtual. This meeting date is TENTATIVE. Please check the website for final date and registration infomration. ushpa.org/page/

online-board-meeting

JUN 16-21 > OZONE CHELAN OPEN 2024 > The Ozone Chelan *Open 2024 will be an EN-C and lower event where XC pilots new to competitions get to race along side and learn from some of the best pilots in the World. The competition will follow the same format as other FAI Cat 2 events and include daily briefings lead by U.S. National Champion and Ozone team pilot Nick Greece. These briefings will include analysis of previous days tasks, XC flying techniques, racing strategies, understanding the local weather and micro-meteorology and how to have fun, fly safe and make goal. Nick Greece will be assisted by other top U.S. paragliding pilots. www.airtribune.com 23-29 > U.S. OPEN OF PARAGLIDING 2024 > The U.S. Open *ofJUNParagliding will be a Cat 2 Race-to-Goal USHPA sanctioned XC competition held in Chelan this coming June. Registration opens February 1st at 7p.m. (PT). www.airtribune.com JUL 3-8 > APPLEGATE OPEN 2024 > The Applegate Open con*sists of two races. A sanctioned race-to-goal "Open" race for EN-C gliders and above and a non-sanctioned "Sprint" race-to-goal for EN-B and EN-C gliders. Registration will be limited to 140 gliders total for the two events. www.WingsoverApplegate.org

CLASSIFIED

Rates start at $10.00 for up to 200 characters. ALL CLASSIFIEDS ARE PREPAID. No refunds given for cancellations. More info: ushpa.org/page/

magazine-classified-advertising

HAWAII > PARAGLIDE MAUI > Call Paul Gurrieri for information about flying on Maui. Our school offers beginner to advanced instruction, year round. It takes 10-14 days to get your P2 license. +1 808-874-5433

paraglidemaui.com

NORTH CAROLINA > KITTY HAWK KITES > The largest hang gliding school in the world, teaching since 1974. Learn to hang glide on the east coast's largest sand dune. Yearround instruction, foot launch, and tandem aerotow. 1902 Wright Glider Experience available. Dealer for Moyes, Wills Wing, and North Wing. Learn to fly where the Wright Brothers flew, located at the beach on NC's historic Outer Banks. Also visit our NH location, Morningside Flight Park. +1 252-4412426, +1 877-FLY-THIS, kittyhawk.com/

hang-gliding

NEW HAMPSHIRE > MORNINGSIDE > A Kitty Hawk Kites flight park. The northeast's premier hang gliding and paragliding training center, teaching since 1974. Hang gliding foot launch and tandem aerotow training. Paragliding foot launch and tandem training. Powered paragliding instruction. Dealer for Moyes, Wills Wing, and North Wing. Located in Charlestown, NH. Also visit our North Carolina location, Kitty Hawk Kites Flight School. +1 603-542-4416, www.flymorn-

ingside.com

VIRGINIA > BLUE SKY > Full-time, year-

SEP 1-6 > RED ROCKS WIDE OPEN > Reliable weather. Big Air. *Bigger vistas. Five launches that take different wind directions. round hang gliding instruction, scooter towHUGE XC potential through some of Utah’s most incredible natural wonders. Welcome to the Red Rocks Wide Open! This is a USHPA National Championship series Cat 2 event that promises strong conditions and long tasks that take advantage of deep, tall mountain ranges and high-desert flatlands. Participants should be very comfortable with flying in strong thermals at high altitudes. Oxygen is highly recommended (tank refills will be available for $10 each during the comp and practice day). Systems are available to buy and rent. Garmin InReach or other satellite tracker with messaging capability is mandatory. https://

www.usparaglidingcompetitions.com/red-rockswide-open-event-information/

ing, platform towing, powered harnesses, part-time aero towing, part-time paragliding, custom sewing. Wills Wing, Moyes, Icaro, Swedish Aerosport, Woody Valley, +1 804241-4324, www.blueskyhg.com NEED TO IMPROVE YOUR WING CONTROL? Kiting is the key! Join Andre Bandarra - in person or online - for expert tips to improve your safety and confidence. Reserve your place for Spring 2024, or sign up today for free at andrebandarra.com/retreats

BUYERS SHOULD SELECT EQUIPMENT THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR SKILL LEVEL OR RATING. NEW PILOTS SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION FROM A USHPA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR. USED HANG GLIDERS should always be disassembled before flying for the first time and inspected carefully for fatigued, bent or dented downtubes, ruined bushings, bent bolts (especially the heart bolt), re-used Nyloc nuts, loose thimbles, frayed or rusted cables, tangs with non-circular holes, and on flex wings, sails badly torn or torn loose from their anchor points front and back on the keel and leading edges. USED PARAGLIDERS should always be thoroughly inspected before flying for the first time. Annual inspections on paragliders should include sailcloth strength tests. A porosity check isn't sufficient. Some gliders pass porosity yet have very weak sailcloth. If in doubt, many hang gliding and paragliding businesses will be happy to give an objective opinion on the condition of equipment you bring them to inspect. BUYER BEWARE.

PARACRANE TOURS 2024 > Paracranetours 2024. Veteran guide Nick Crane leads paragliding tours and spectacular flying in the tropics of Costa Rica in February and the Alps of Europe in September! Small groups allow maximum flexibility to fly the best sites in the best conditions. Pilots and non-flyers love our tours! www.paracranetours.

com nick@paracrane.com

Ratings Issued July, August & September 2023 RTG RGN NAME

Take your ratings and expiration date everywhere you fly. View from the Members Area section of the USHPA website. Print, trim, and store in your wallet. Great for areas without cell coverage. Always available at

www.USHPA.org Save the PDF on your mobile device for easy reference.

62 US HP A P I L O T

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

H1 1 Ethan Kunz OR James W. Tibbs H1 3 John Buettgen CA Bob Steven Bendetson H1 4 Steve Barron NC William G. Vaughn H1 4 Skylar grindstaff VA William G. Vaughn H1 4 Lynn Jayroe TX James Race H1 4 Scott Scallion AR James Race H1 5 Greggory Smushkin NH Robert J. Hastings H2 1 David Cottle SD Scott Schneider H2 1 Jack Dant MN Dalton Burkhalter H2 1 Logan Miller OR Gordon Cayce H2 2 Stephen Neuendorffer CA Takeo Eda H2 3 Jesus Patricio Velez CO Gordon Cayce H2 4 Nihad Ajdinovic GA Dalton Burkhalter H2 4 Chuck dyer GA Gordon Cayce H2 4 Blake Lawhorne AR Scott Schneider H2 4 Cara Ruhnke FL James E. Tindle H2 4 Dean Preston Smith TN Malcolm A. Jones H2 5 Robert Guzzi PA Gordon Cayce H2 5 Will Laub MA Robert J. Hastings H2 5 Kevin Lim NY Rick Brown H2 5 Gerald Marschke NY Daniel C. Guido H2 5 Jeremy Piccott GA Gordon Cayce H2 5 Colin Romberger PA Gordon Cayce H3 1 Ronan Krutzikowsky OR John Calvin Matylonek H3 2 Pouya Ghalei CA Anthony Tagliaferro H3 2 Charles Motley CA William C. Dydo H3 2 Kirk Vartan CA Malcolm A. Jones H3 3 Matthew Barlow CA Andrew T. Beem H3 3 Travis Brown CA Andrew T. Beem H3 3 Tim Tester CA Adam Smith H3 4 John Chapa TX Tiki Mashy H3 4 Chih-Wei Chuang NC Scott Schneider H3 4 Max Ortiz Jr FL Malcolm A. Jones H3 4 Adam Rettberg TN Gordon Cayce H3 5 Oliver Denton PA William G. Vaughn H3 5 Cooper Toth CT Andy Thompson H4 3 Kia Ravanfar CA Andrew T. Beem H4 4 Eric Kriner NC Robert Skinner H4 5 Pedro Enrique MA Zac Majors H4 5 Randy L. Grove PA Paul Voight P0 3 Anthony Alcobia CA Jay Whiteaker P0 3 John Clarkson CA Jay Whiteaker P0 3 Ashley Herrin CA Jay Whiteaker P0 3 Terry Hohm CA Jay Whiteaker P0 3 Alexander Munro CA Jay Whiteaker P0 3 Manabu Odaka CA Jay Whiteaker P0 5 Xiang Wang PA Jay Whiteaker P1 1 Daniel Allen AK Patrick Johnson P1 1 Marty Beale MT Ernesto Vernabe Martinez P1 1 Rebecca Cheng WA Jeffrey J. Greenbaum P1 1 Lindsay Heimer WA Maren Ludwig P1 1 Douglas Heimer WA Brad Hill P1 1 Stephen Mintie OR Kelly A. Kellar P1 1 Kim Schettgen OR Samuel Crocker P1 1 Daniel Service OR Maren Ludwig P1 1 Bradley Wyss MT Joshua Phillips P1 2 Jack Ellingson CA Mike Fifield P1 2 Andy Garner NV Mitchell B. Neary P1 2 Muhammad Asim Ishfaq CA Jeffrey J. Greenbaum P1 2 Nathan Vince CA William H. Gottling P1 3 Athena Bradburn CA Jordan Neidinger P1 3 Luna Burd NM Charles (Chuck) Woods P1 3 Eric Flowers CA Jordan Neidinger P1 3 Emily Fogarty CA Emily Wallace P1 3 Sarah Kaneria CA Jay Whiteaker P1 3 Randolph Kessler AZ Jay Whiteaker P1 3 Chen Li CA Jay Whiteaker P1 3 Safa Salman CA Jay Whiteaker P1 3 Terry Smith CO Dustin Miller P1 3 Joey Terzes CA William Purden-Jr

RTG RGN NAME

P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2

3 Frank Warren 4 John Prizer 5 Jack BeVier 5 Kirk Bond 5 Irfan Cinel 5 Joshua Clark 5 Alexander hill 5 Lacey James 5 Sumin Kim 5 Brittney Marshall 5 Jacob Sourdiff 5 Vera Verbel 5 Jiawen Zhang 1 Douglas Addicott 1 Hakan Akkan 1 James Baker 1 Cody Bauer 1 Adam Becker 1 David Bixby 1 Jeanne Boland 1 Thomas Bradley 1 Justin Brauner 1 Bryce Buckman 1 Twain Cacek 1 William Carson 1 Colten Cook 1 John Dally 1 Mike DeSisto 1 Rodger Duncan 1 Aaron Eller 1 Billy Ellis 1 Daniel Flatau 1 Chris Fuchs 1 Soren Gessner 1 Man Gong 1 Landon Grover 1 Gareth Hardwick 1 Elliot Hardwick 1 Ian Horner 1 Jonathan Hutton 1 Kaellen Johnson 1 Andrew Kirk 1 Jacob Kirk 1 Adam Kleinsasser 1 Justin Kozlowski 1 Benjamin Kudryn 1 Ethan Kunz 1 Katie London 1 Lee London 1 Robin Lopez 1 Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein 1 Ian Mastenbrook 1 Thomas Mazzetti 1 Erin McClellan 1 Michael Meholic 1 Jonathan Messing 1 Sean Murray 1 Cole Nash 1 Richard Nestor 1 Kristian Nilsson 1 Rion O'Grady 1 Jordan Owen 1 Eric Prewitt 1 Nicolas Renold 1 Michael Rogers 1 Artie Roggeband 1 Christophe Servieres 1 Dylan Siebers 1 Kenny Sokolowski 1 Charles Stankie

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

CA Jordan Neidinger FL Chris W. Santacroce MD William Purden-Jr MD Patrick Johnson MA Salvatore Scaringe WI Mariyan Radev Ivanov NH Salvatore Scaringe MA Salvatore Scaringe CT Emily Wallace MA Salvatore Scaringe VT William H. Gottling IL Jay Whiteaker CT Salvatore Scaringe MT Andy Macrae WA Austin Cox WA Chad Uchino WA Matt Senior HI Marcello M. DeBarros MT Chelsea McKenzie WA Chelsea McKenzie MT Jennifer Bedell OR Kelly A. Kellar OR Samuel Crocker AK Chris Reynolds HI David Dexter Binder WY Jonathan Jefferies WA Nathan Alex Taylor WA Denise Reed MT Jennifer Bedell AK Chris Reynolds HI Robert Black WA Manuel Seubert MT Jennifer Bedell AK Kelly A. Kellar WA Emily Wallace AK Chris Reynolds WA Austin Cox WA Luc Lachapelle OR Kelly A. Kellar WA Austin Cox OR Kelly A. Kellar AK Chad Uchino AK Chad Uchino MT Andy Macrae WA Denise Reed AK Chris Reynolds OR Nate Scott WA Denise Reed WA Chad Uchino WA Marc Chirico WA Chelsea McKenzie WA Matt Henzi WY Mauricio Fleitas MN Harry Sandoval WA Chad Uchino HI Paul Gurrieri MT Jennifer Bedell AK Chris Reynolds ID Harry Sandoval AK Christopher J. Pyse OR Randolph Ruffin MT Andy Macrae WA Austin Cox MT Andy Macrae AK Evan Mathers SD Jordan Neidinger WA Marc Chirico OR Kimberly Phinney WY Ranyon D Arge AK Nathan Alex Taylor

U SHPA PILOT 63

RTG RGN NAME

P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

1 Samuel Stapleton OR Randolph Ruffin 1 Joseph Stapleton OR Randolph Ruffin 1 Devin Steiner ND Kelly A. Kellar 1 Cameron Strecker WA Denise Reed 1 Sanjeev Thallikar WA Austin Cox 1 Mike THOMAS WA Christopher J. Pyse 1 Carter Watsabaugh WY Jonathan Jefferies 1 David Westrick ID Harry Sandoval 1 Dan White OR Kelly A. Kellar 1 Patrick Wing WA Marc Chirico 1 James Wolff WA Chelsea McKenzie 1 Dan Xu NE Jonathan Jefferies 1 Robert Yale WA Marc Chirico 2 John Abercrombie CA Nate Scott 2 Ali Agee NV Chad Uchino 2 Daniel Anderson CA Samuel Crocker 2 Jason Baker CA Robert Black 2 Mark Berrett UT Jonathan Jefferies 2 Olivia Bettaglio CA Robert Black 2 Jeff Caves CA Jesse L. Meyer 2 Lionel Corbet CA Jesse L. Meyer 2 Justin Cox UT Patrick Kelly 2 Brennan Crellin UT Patrick Kelly 2 Julia Curtis UT Kevin R. Hintze 2 Jaime Day CA Christopher Gulden 2 Haoxing Du CA Robert Black 2 Keith Elkin CA Jeffrey J. Greenbaum 2 Nathaniel Escribano CA Mike Fifield 2 Ata Fatahi CA Wallace K. Anderson 2 Ryan Fish UT Jonathan Jefferies 2 Cody Grace UT Jonathan Jefferies 2 Yangyi Hao CA Emily Wallace 2 Shane Hardisty UT Patrick Kelly 2 Melanie Harris UT Jonathan Jefferies 2 Noah herbert CA Mitchell B. Neary 2 Matthew Jamison CA Robert Black 2 Meghan Johnson UT Stacy Whitmore 2 Zachary Johnson UT Nathan Alex Taylor 2 Michael Jones UT Nathan Alex Taylor 2 Matthew Kastner UT Patrick Johnson 2 Samantha Kocsis UT Patrick Kelly 2 Travis kool UT Dale Covington 2 Colby Lapidus UT Ben White 2 Gareth Leah UT Harry Sandoval 2 Adam Lewis UT Nathan Alex Taylor 2 Yong Li CA Jesse L. Meyer 2 Andrew Lutz UT Chris W. Santacroce 2 Mario Martinez UT Nathan Alex Taylor 2 Jackson Marvell UT Ben White 2 James Masinelli UT Chris W. Santacroce 2 Michael Mathai-Jackson CA Robert Black 2 Sean McAllister CA Mitchell B. Neary 2 Kelly McRae UT Stephen J. Mayer 2 Jean Mercat CA Jesse L. Meyer 2 Shaun Moyes UT Jonathan Jefferies 2 Robin Nelson CA Brian Kerr 2 Rajeev Nongpiur CA Jesse L. Meyer 2 Alisha Pegan CA Jesse L. Meyer 2 Guillaume Plassan CA Jesse L. Meyer 2 William Potkulski UT Patrick Johnson 2 Rachel Rock UT Nathan Alex Taylor 2 Ryan Sanders UT Stacy Whitmore 2 Aaron Schwartz CA Robert Black 2 Keiler Jhoendri Serrato rodriguez UT Chris W. Santacroce 2 Jess Shade UT Jonathan Jefferies 2 Chitta Shirolkar CA Jesse L. Meyer 2 Brandon Smith UT Chris W. Santacroce 2 Hannah Spong UT Nathan Alex Taylor 2 Mason Spong UT Nathan Alex Taylor 2 Matthew Stone CA Rob Sporrer

RTG RGN NAME

2 James Tabery 2 Andrew Tompkins 2 Adriano Triches M Silva 2 Shan Valleru 2 Lauren Vallez 2 Benjamin Werbner 2 Andrew Wissel 2 Ezra Wylie 2 Yusuf Yunis 2 Yiwen Zhang 3 Josh Achtemeier 3 Sandra Acres 3 Kyle Andrews 3 Karl Arambulo 3 Jayanth Arawa 3 Daniel Aronson 3 Andrea Ashbaugh 3 Joe Ballent 3 Mike Bannister 3 Edward Barabaner 3 Stefano Ben 3 Okan Birinci 3 Stewart Birmingham 3 Jeffrey Blizzard 3 John Bosco 3 Sven Brecht 3 Emily Burley 3 Carl Cadenasso 3 Alexander Canadi 3 Geovanny Cardenas 3 Maximilian Carr 3 Chunze River Chen 3 John Clemens 3 Jack Collins 3 Patricia Connor 3 Mike Corcoran 3 David Cotten 3 Brandon Darling 3 Adam Der 3 Tony Derwinski 3 Michael DeSmith 3 Carly Dorminy 3 Christopher Downs 3 Jeff Dykstra 3 Eric eisen 3 Gregory Enzweiler 3 Colin Farrell 3 Quinn Farrell 3 Sean flanagan 3 Nathan Foorman 3 Chase Frantz 3 Yash Suneel Gilda 3 Hector Gonzalez 3 Stephanie Harvison 3 Kayla Hoxie 3 Kyle Huang 3 Baptiste Humeau 3 Mike Ivey 3 Peter Jacobs 3 Nicholas Jacobson 3 Alejandro Jinich 3 Miles Jones 3 Gunnar Juergens 3 Adam Karch 3 Matthew Kendall 3 Gideon Killion 3 Amanda Kujawa 3 August Lefferts 3 Lauren Leland 3 John Lilly

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

UT Nathan Alex Taylor CA Wallace K. Anderson CA Robert Black CA Robert Black CA Jesse L. Meyer UT Jonathan Jefferies NV Chad Uchino UT Patrick Kelly UT Patrick Kelly CA Emily Wallace CO Johannes Rath CA Austin Cantrell CO Reilly Cooper CA Jordan Neidinger CO Reilly Cooper CO Misha Banks CA Emily Wallace CO Misha Banks CO Reilly Cooper CA Jay Whiteaker CA Christopher Grantham CA Emily Wallace CO Douglas Brown CA Hadi Golian CA Jordan Neidinger CO Austin Fisher CO Austin Fisher CA Christopher Grantham CO Chris W. Santacroce CO Mauricio Fleitas CO Reilly Cooper CA Stephen Nowak CO Mauricio Fleitas CO Misha Banks CA Christopher Garcia CO Reilly Cooper CO Mauricio Fleitas CA William Purden-Jr CO Rio Mackey CO Mauricio Fleitas CO Austin Fisher CA Jordan Neidinger CO Misha Banks CO Mauricio Fleitas CO Mauricio Fleitas CA William Purden-Jr CO Nathan Alex Taylor CO Nathan Alex Taylor CO Chris W. Santacroce CO Misha Banks CO Misha Banks CA William Purden-Jr CA Marcello M. DeBarros CO Dustin Miller CA Stephen Nowak CO Misha Banks CO Dustin Miller CA Austin Cantrell CO Misha Banks CO Austin Fisher CA Emily Wallace CO Misha Banks CA Austin Cantrell CO Misha Banks CO Rio Mackey CO Misha Banks CO Misha Banks CO Johannes Rath CO Austin Fisher CO Austin Fisher

REGION 1 NORTHWEST Alaska Hawaii Iowa Idaho Minnesota Montana North Dakota Nebraska Oregon South Dakota Washington Wyoming REGION 2 CENTRAL WEST Northern California Nevada Utah REGION 3 SOUTHWEST Southern California Arizona Colorado New Mexico REGION 4 SOUTHEAST Alabama Arkansas District of Columbia Florida Georgia Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Missouri Mississippi North Carolina Oklahoma South Carolina Tennessee Texas West Virginia Virginia REGION 5 NORTHEAST and INTERNATIONAL Connecticut Delaware Illinois Indiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan New Hampshire New York New Jersey Ohio Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont Wisconsin

Ratings Issued July, August & September 2023 (continued) RTG RGN NAME

P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2

64 US HP A P I L O T

3 Erik Mahal 3 Andrew Marshall 3 Fernando Martinez 3 Robert Neal 3 Erich Nell 3 Michael Nussbaum 3 Ethan Nyeste 3 Justin Panzarella 3 Noah Pene 3 Alejandro Perez 3 Andrew Petrash 3 Ray Pili 3 James Roberts 3 Charles Rodosky 3 Sebastian Sandner 3 Kari Santos 3 Martha Schniepp 3 Joshua Scott 3 Jessi Scrivner 3 Cameron Seider 3 Ashish singh 3 Keegan Skokos 3 Adam Smith 3 ALBERT SOUVOROV 3 Ian Stenbit 3 Justin Swanson 3 Vanessa Tiburcio 3 Wyatt Tyler 3 Ryan Vivion 3 Jordan West 3 Mark Williams 3 Peter Williams 3 Seneca Wolman 3 Yuwei Xi 3 Haotian Zhang 4 Wes Aycock 4 Viktor Bogutskii 4 Michael Bonham 4 John Carter 4 Nick Carusi 4 Brett Chisholm 4 Max Ciccarelli 4 Avery Colburn 4 John Coukos 4 Riaan De Beer 4 Ben Dillon 4 Rob Eskew 4 Aaron Eye 4 Winston Ford 4 Devin Freitas 4 Mariah Funcannon 4 Shane Jacobeen 4 Matthew King 4 Randall Mayberry 4 Anna MIETTINEN 4 JEROME MIGLIORI 4 Trent Okeson 4 Gregor Pfeifer 4 Robert Plunkett 4 Alysa Rackovan 4 Samir Streatfield 4 Lyric Sturges 4 Matthew Underwood 4 Christian Valdez 4 William Vann 4 Johnny Walker 4 Bihan Wang 5 Pablo Arias

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

CO Mauricio Fleitas CA Austin Cantrell CO Misha Banks CA Christopher Gulden CO Johannes Rath CA Hadi Golian CO Misha Banks CO Johannes Rath CO Brian Doub CO Mauricio Fleitas CO Dustin Miller CA William Purden-Jr CO Dustin Miller CO Christopher Garcia CO Johannes Rath CO Austin Fisher CA Austin Cantrell CO Misha Banks CO Rio Mackey CA William Purden-Jr CO Mauricio Fleitas CO Douglas Brown CA Steven Taylor Couch CA Stephen Nowak CO Dustin Miller CO Mauricio Fleitas CA William Purden-Jr CA Emily Wallace AZ Cynthia Currie CO Misha Banks AZ Chandler Papas CO Johannes Rath CO Johannes Rath CA Christopher Gulden CA Emily Wallace TX Jonathan Jefferies GA Alejandro Albornoz TN Joe D. Hutton TN Ben White VA Gregory Kelley FL Jonathan Jefferies TX Rob Sporrer NC Shane Parreco GA Alejandro Albornoz GA Alejandro Albornoz NC Joe D. Hutton GA Paul Gurrieri MO Chris W. Santacroce GA Joe D. Hutton GA Alejandro Albornoz MO Jonathan Jefferies GA Alejandro Albornoz FL Isabella Messenger FL Samuel Crocker GA Alejandro Albornoz FL David W. Prentice TX Chris W. Santacroce DC Nathan Alex Taylor TN Joe D. Hutton OK Patrick Kelly MO Marc Chirico AL Joe D. Hutton VA Nathan Alex Taylor FL Misha Banks FL Kylan Browning VA Patrick Kelly TX Nathan Alex Taylor NY Johannes Rath

RTG RGN NAME

P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3

5 Shara Batson 5 Fernando Caballero 5 David Dias 5 Tony Diehl 5 Ivan Duma 5 Christian Eaton 5 Roger Espinal 5 William J. Foley III 5 Lu Gan 5 Jamie Hobson 5 Derek Jetzke 5 Jack Lane 5 Alyssa Macleod 5 Chris Marianetti 5 Gary Miller 5 Zankhan Mirani 5 Alba Nelly 5 Nate Osikowicz 5 Nicholas Papp 5 Darwin Perez 5 Hector Reyes 5 Nick Richmond 5 Sippu Rout 5 Patrick Royer 5 Leo Tunkle 5 Troy Veth 5 Gregory Wallowitch 5 Daniel Weisberg 5 Tianyi Zhao 5 Albert Zickmann 1 Maggie Anthony 1 Erik Antink 1 Alexander Berry 1 Daniel Cardenas 1 Vojta cervenka 1 Melanie Corey-Ferrini 1 Alex Cortelyou 1 John dennis 1 Jacques Dupret 1 Joshua Eilts 1 Brett Finneran 1 Whitney Freya 1 Brian Gass 1 Erik Greger 1 KAISHA HAMILTON 1 Anjin Herndon 1 Maddy Huggins 1 Michal Jastrzebski 1 Theodore Jouflas 1 Logan Kato 1 Hillary Kingsley 1 James Kirven 1 Nigel Krumdieck 1 Eileen Kutscha 1 Katie Loshbough 1 Connor Lyons 1 Darrell Malick 1 Patricia Mermel 1 Isaac Miller 1 Ryan Milling 1 Alex Osborne 1 Spencer Robertson 1 Paul Rymarz 1 John Sandberg 1 Hiram thornton 1 Thomas Whipple 1 Aaron Windels 2 Sana Amin

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

MA Luc Lachapelle MA Christopher Grantham MA Alek Jadkowski NH Isabella Messenger NY Marcus V. Santos NH Salvatore Scaringe NY Thomas McCormick NH Salvatore Scaringe NJ Thomas McCormick AE Paul Gurrieri NY Chelsea McKenzie NJ Nathan Alex Taylor NH William H. Gottling NY Christopher Gulden NJ Thomas McCormick MD Nathan Alex Taylor NJ Juan Fernando Molano Madrid PA Christopher Grantham NJ Thomas McCormick NJ Miguel Rodas CT Thomas McCormick ME Isabella Messenger NY Rob Sporrer QC Isabella Messenger MI Jaro Krupa MA Salvatore Scaringe NH Isabella Messenger NY Salvatore Scaringe NJ Thomas McCormick IL Jaro Krupa WA Matt Henzi ID Charles (Chuck) Smith WA Matt Senior WY Andy Macrae MN Alex Peterson WA Denise Reed WA William Pardis MN Alex Peterson SD Andy Macrae WA Matt Senior MT Jennifer Bedell OR Todd Joseph Weigand WA Marc Chirico WY Scott C. Harris WA Denise Reed WA Owen Shoemaker WA Matt Senior OR Maren Ludwig HI Christopher Grantham MT Joshua Phillips MN Alex Peterson WA Matt Senior AK Gerry Donohoe WA Denise Reed WA Matt Senior WA Matt Senior OR Randolph Ruffin WA Marc Chirico OR Brian Kerr MT Denise Reed SD Dustin Miller OR Matt Senior WA Matt Henzi MN Dustin Miller WA Christopher J. Pyse MT Andy Macrae MT Joshua Winstead UT Harry Sandoval

RTG RGN NAME

P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3 P3

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

2 Phillip Bond UT Stephen J. Mayer 2 Pete Campbell CA Christopher Garcia 2 Layne Galloway UT Chris W. Santacroce 2 Michael Glass CA Robert Black 2 Priti Hansia UT Harry Sandoval 2 James Holland UT Jonathan Jefferies 2 Lauren Martino CA Robert Posey 2 Conor Reiland CA Jesse L. Meyer 2 Dylan Ring UT Ben White 2 Matthew C. Shoemaker UT Jonathan Jefferies 2 Trevor Steele UT Chris W. Santacroce 2 Anthony Tagliaferro CA David Soltz 2 Muuo Wambua CA Jesse L. Meyer 3 Charles Auran CO Douglas Brown 3 Forrest Aylsworth CA William Purden-Jr 3 John Bartholomew CA William Purden-Jr 3 Luis Beers CA Stephen Nowak 3 Nathan Bruehl AZ Chandler Papas 3 William Mark Caughell CA William Purden-Jr 3 Thomas Celaya AZ Cynthia Currie 3 Allen John Chung CA William Purden-Jr 3 Karol Czaradzki CA Emily Wallace 3 Ramiro del Corro CA Jordan Neidinger 3 David Eppler CO Alejandro Palmaz 3 Joshua Flenniken CO Gregory Kelley 3 Natalie Rae Flores CA William Purden-Jr 3 Felipe Frantz Ferreira CA Emily Wallace 3 Tom Gengler CA Emily Wallace 3 Kenneth John Paul Gonzalez CO Misha Banks 3 Kate Hardaker CO Etienne Pienaar 3 Julian Hardaker CO Etienne Pienaar 3 William Herringer CO Stacy Whitmore 3 Liann Kline CA William Purden-Jr 3 Mary Grace Lewis CO Johannes Rath 3 Cade Nelson CA Hadi Golian 3 Joe Nesbitt CA Marcello M. DeBarros 3 Yossi Noudel CA Marcello M. DeBarros 3 Gregory S. Powell CA Jordan Neidinger 3 Iaroslav Rastrigin CA Jordan Neidinger 3 Mutiara Schechinger CA William Purden-Jr 3 Logan Stagg CO Misha Banks 3 Kevin Sweeney CA Emily Wallace 3 Larissa Traxler CA Juan E. Silva 3 Paul Yates CO Brian Doub 4 William Byrum NC Alejandro Palmaz 4 Michael Echols AR Hadley Robinson 4 Joe Horner TX Stephen J. Mayer 4 Patric Jameson TX Chandler Papas 4 Leanne Kinney TN Austin Kasserman 4 Chris McDaniel AR Steven Taylor Couch 4 Shelli McDaniel AR Steven Taylor Couch 4 Todd Peele OK Hadley Robinson 4 David Perez FL Alejandro Albornoz 4 David Rondon FL Alejandro Albornoz 4 Matthew Sims NC Stephen J. Mayer 4 Christopher C. Smith SC Austin Kasserman 4 Daniel Wahl MO Hadley Robinson 4 Justus Wise TN Steven Taylor Couch 5 Eric Said Acelas Celis NY Esau Diaz Guerrero 5 Ricardo Da Silva Lopes MA Davidson Da-Silva 5 Javier Dominguez Fernand BC Christopher J. Pyse 5 Michael Grennan AE Steven Taylor Couch 5 Toshana James MA Davidson Da-Silva 5 Ian Jones NY Alek Jadkowski 5 Dennis Latyshev WI Brian Clark 5 Gabriel Paraizo CT Esau Diaz Guerrero 5 Yingsi Qin PA Emily Wallace 5 Ronald H. Rohde OH Chris W. Santacroce

RTG RGN NAME

P3 P3 P3 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 P4 S1 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S4 S4 S4

STATE RATING OFFICIAL

5 Marcilio Souza Da Silva NJ Davidson Da-Silva 5 Joe Tester2021_230831 NY Doug Test - Instructor 5 Austin Waclo PA Stephen J. Mayer 1 Brian Bevens WA Kelly A. Kellar 1 Kristin Bindi MT Andy Macrae 1 Danny Filice WY Fred Morris 1 Alan Flemming OR Mark D. Sanzone 1 William Ford WA Matt Senior 1 David Garry WY Fred Morris 1 Jonah Greenberger WY Scott C. Harris 1 Chylo Laszloffy MT Andy Macrae 1 Alicia Leggett WA Andy Macrae 1 Steven Nichols WA Matt Senior 1 David Preston WA William Pardis 1 Michael Remillard AK Jake Schlapfer 2 Maxim Alekseyuk CA David Oddy 2 Sean M. Beinert UT Chris W. Santacroce 2 Margarita Bob CA David Oddy 2 Shane Healy UT Stephen J. Mayer 2 Chris Nystuen NV Don Hillmuth 2 Chris Turnbull UT Marc Noel Radloff 2 Daniel Warner UT Steven Marangi 3 Saeed Barati CA Hadi Golian 3 Kirill V. Belyayev CO Johannes Rath 3 Aaron Brown AZ Rob Sporrer 3 Sarah Crosier CO Misha Banks 3 Petar Dopchev CO Stephen J. Mayer 3 James DuPlain NM Charles (Chuck) Woods 3 Wesley Fowler CO Dustin Miller 3 Carson Grose CO Calef Letorney 3 David Harrington NM David W. Prentice 3 Shervin Khorsand CA Marcello M. DeBarros 3 Ryan Kramer CO Johannes Rath 3 Cesar Lopez De Castro CA Jc Perren 3 Devin Joseph Nasby CA Jordan Neidinger 3 Naasha pithawalla CA Rob Sporrer 3 Christian E. Riley CA Marcello M. DeBarros 3 Kevin Scott Ryan CO Etienne Pienaar 3 Michael Schell AZ Chandler Papas 3 Patrick Shepherd CO Johannes Rath 3 Cherise Tuttle CA Kari L. Castle 4 Richard Elder VA Calef Letorney 4 Jeremiah Gentry AR Steven Taylor Couch 4 Aronis Ramon Nicudemus Sanchez VA Esau Diaz Guerrero 4 Igor rocinski FL David Hanning 4 Joshua Schacter TX Steven Taylor Couch 4 John Alexander Young NC Johannes Rath 5 Martin Anhalzer PA Lisa Davis 5 Leandro Beringer Marcin AK Jc Perren 5 David Castillo NY Esau Diaz Guerrero 5 Eder De Souza MA Uziel De Souza 5 Andrew Fontana MI Chris W. Santacroce 5 Evan Larson NH John Atwood 5 Julio Rocha NJ Davidson Da-Silva 5 Benjamin Tabone NH Calef Letorney 5 Daniel Wilhelm MT Jennifer Bedell 3 Connor Gramhill AZ Duane Hall 2 Samuel Balyeat UT Gary Begley 3 Alexander Canadi CO Chris W. Santacroce 3 Joseph Giglio CO Douglas Brown 3 Lee Suring CA John E. Cady III 3 Kirk Spencer Thompson CA Jeremy Bishop 4 Ruslan Overchuk TX Douglas Brown 1 Paul Roys MT Chris W. Santacroce 3 David John Hebert CA Carl Weiseth 3 Charles Savall CO Carl Weiseth

FINAL > Mike Bomstad

: I started out scratching below launch for 20 minutes. I was one turn away from heading to the LZ. Finally, I caught a light thermal and hung on. Once at cloudbase, I stayed there for most of the flight. Around 80 miles into the flight, I found myself over the mountains near Schweitzer ski resort. I wanted to fly over it, but the clouds were filling the Idaho sky and getting tall quickly. I opted to keep moving and run for it. About 103 miles in, I found myself over Bonners Ferry Valley and landed at the airport. It was a great flight that lasted 110 miles! https://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/3238956

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USHPA Pilot Vol54-Iss1 Winter/Jan-Mar 2024

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Executive Director Article: Winter 2024