Icaristics: Bruce Goldsmith on the key to staying safe

“If a pilot feels his wing is super-safe this becomes a danger in itself, as he is more likely to push the limit. “Accident statistics show that a safer wing does not lead automatically to fewer accidents.” Bruce Goldsmith reveals his invaluable tips on staying safe and why the key to avoiding accidents is … […] …read more

Source:: Cross Country – International Free Flying Magazine

Exploring Middle Earth: Vol-biv in New Zealand

“The sky was beautiful, with lovely cumuli. D-Day! Off we went, hopping from one valley to the next with Lord of the Rings scenery all around.” What’s it like to soar over a real-life Middle Earth? Antoine Girard and Benoit Outters flew the length of New Zealand’s Southern Alps – twice – to find out. […] …read more

Source:: Cross Country – International Free Flying Magazine

‘Analysis and self-reflection’ with Chrigel Maurer

Chrigel Maurer is paragliding’s ultimate all-rounder and his achievements are numerous. He dominated the Paragliding World Cup scene in the mid-2000s, and went on to do the same with the Red Bull X-Alps. In acro he set world records for infinite tumbling, and has competed at the highest level. He has even won the Swiss […] …read more

Source:: Cross Country – International Free Flying Magazine

Icaristics: Bruce Goldsmith’s Paragliding Proverbs

Bruce Goldsmith and clan in the Dolomites… We all say them, and we all hear them. Some might be thought clichés, but there is a lot of truth in paragliding proverbs. These are the ones I sign up to. Never be separated from your equipment Imagine there are two cars going to launch: always travel […] …read more

Source:: Cross Country – International Free Flying Magazine

Cross Country 176: December 2016 / January 2017

“It’s impossible, it can’t be done…” Whether it’s winning the Red Bull X-Alps, traversing a new mountain range, or just flying 10km from our home site, it’s a doubt that has haunted us all at some point. But this issue is all about pushing the limits of what’s possible – and saying “Yes, we can.” […] …read more

Source:: Cross Country – International Free Flying Magazine

Top 10 Christmas gifts for the pilot in your life

Looking for a present for a pilot? Here’s our top ten gift ideas list for paraglider, hang glider and paramotor pilots this Christmas 2016… Mastering Paragliding, £24.95 This top instructional book by paragliding guide Kelly Farina was published in 2016 and is receiving praise by pilots worldwide. In our opinion, it fills a big gap […] …read more

Source:: Cross Country – International Free Flying Magazine

NOTES FROM QUIXADA

Our long-time friend and Cross Country Contributing Editor James “Kiwi” Johnston has just left Quixada, Brazil, reporting on OZONE Team Pilot’s Nick Greece and Josh Cohn hunt for a Declared-Goal record on their new OZONE Zeno’s. Permanently affected by both the beauty of the Brazilian desert and the hospitality of its inhabitants, “Kiwi” offers us a quick taste of record-hunting season at the world’s most famous cross-country site.

“November is record-breaking month in the State of Ceara, Brazil, and so I jumped at the opportunity to tag along to Quixada for 10 days with two former U.S. National Champions, Josh Cohn and Nick Greece to join the small contingent of world-class XC pilots who were gathering there in hope of flights over 400km.

True to form, the 1st and the 3rd of November had produced exceptional conditions, with the Brazilian pilot Leandro Pauda setting a new site record of 483 km on an Enzo 2, and Jose Rebelo, part of a trio of talented Portuguese pilots who took full advantage of the conditions, logging a flight of 471 km on his Enzo 2.

…read more

Source:: Ozone Paragliders