“Governador Valadares’ Rio Doce, which translates as ‘sweet river’ has been poisoned with toxic waste after a mine collapse last year. But nearly all Brazil’s rivers are suffering from pollution, deforestation and drought. I want to fly them all, highlighting the damage.” TV journalist Lu Marini describes the lesser-known parts of Brazil his new documentary […] …read more
Author: winguu
A Little Bit Square: The New Companion SQR
“You get the aerodynamic advantages of square reserves – opening, sink rate and pendulum resonance – due to the airjets, but it is very easy to pack, like a round canopy.” Peter Mack explains the concept behind the new ‘SQR’ reserve design. To read ‘A Little Bit Square’, check out issue 168 …read more
Who’s the Paragliding World Champion?
“Who’s the paragliding world champion? No idea – nada!” You’re twice as likely to be well known among the free flying community if you devote yourself to designing wings, rather than flying competitions, we discover, through our poll of nearly 2,000 pilots. Due to confusion between different competitions and a general lack of interest, only […] …read more
The Big Sled Ride: By Honza Rejmanek
“There’s something magical about hiking up a big mountain and flying off the summit,” writes Honza Rejmanek. “But first you have to work out your chances of getting off the top…” Honza details the logical steps in forecasting to guarantee success. To read ‘The Big Sled Ride’, check out issue 168 …read more
El Nino Peaks: A Record Year
“The 2015/2016 El Nino has been strong. Flying-wise, it’s no surprise records have been broken both in South America and Australia…” Ed Ewing explains the effects of El Nino 2015/16. To read ‘El Nino 20156/16′, check out issue 168 …read more
Spring in the Mountains: By Jon Chambers
“On good spring days the thermals can start surprisingly early. The air mass is cold and the trigger temperature is reached sooner. This is very different from summer flying. Make sure you launch from a south-east face to take full advantage,” writes Jon Chambers on his guide to mountain flying early in the season. To […] …read more
367km to Walgett: By Gordon Rigg
“The sky is big and hang gliders are hard to see – we separate so fast. Things are getting desolate. Then solid sink, really solid sink … the ground is coming up fast.” Gordon Rigg describes the experience of flying the longest hang competition task ever – 367km to goal. To read ‘367km to Walgett’, […] …read more
How to Talk to Non-Pilots: By Tom Payne and Steve Ham
“Don’t say… well, anything about flying!” Tom Payne gives us his guide on how to talk to a range of non-flyers, including your long-suffering family. Illustrations, as ever, are by the remarkable Steve Ham. To read ‘How to Talk to Non-Pilots’, check out issue 168 …read more
On review: Swing Nexus, EN C
“Looking up as you carve into a thermal, the comp-like tips add that little frisson of excitement”, writes Marcus King of the Swing Nexus – one of the fastest EN-C class wings we’ve yet tested, with unique rear-riser control technology to boot. To read the review of the Swing Nexus, check out issue 168 …read more
And Now For Tajikistan: Exploring the Pamirs
“Ragged cliffs eroded into wild shapes below us, while thick brown meltwater churned the river. There was no road to see, nor any sign of civilisation…” Ueli Neuenschwanfer and Thomas Ruesch describe their exploration deep into the Pamirs. “Maps were poor … the former KGB officers less than enthusiastic … the scenery impossible…” it’s an […] …read more