First day in Governador Valadares. The main reason why most pilots come to Brazil is to fly here and to fly far (the second location is Quixada to the distant northeast, though only select few can and do fly there). The launch is on the lone mountain in the region, Ibituruna. At 1100 meters and …
Continue reading Governador Valadares bound, Paraglider in tow.
Conditions today are expected to be more unstable with a risk of overdevelopment, maybe even rain. The main group is to depart in the van @ 10AM and meetup with the flatbed at the Church located at the far end of the valley. The remainder of us (4 in total) are to join Steve in …
Day 1 with Steve Barton's XCBrazil, Castelo bound. The room at the Hotel Ibis is spartan but functional. As it is a transfer accommodation, I am not expecting much aside from it being comfortable and secure. The room includes the buffet breakfast that starts at 0630 hrs. 0900 hrs the group gathers in the parking …
Continue reading Twilight Paragliding in Castelo with Steve Barton and XCBrazil.
North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Oceania. I've travelled far and wide in search of the gurus of our sport. Some of which are 'household names' such as Jocky and Kelly, others more akin to the sage hidden in the mountains. Regardless the individual I chance upon, my overarching plan has been little more than locate and sponge …
Day 3. Another task has been set, the intention to synergize upon that which has been taught thus far. But before any flying can occur, laundry awaits. With everything washed and hung to dry, I grab my flying kit and head out. Just shy of 0900 hrs I spot Marko's truck and hop in. The …
Continue reading Cross Country training with Paragliding Mexico.
The maiden flight of the Gin Explorer complete, day two brings with it further training in the building blocks needed to successfully paraglide cross country (XC) here in Valle de Bravo. Sunrise. Recovered from a gruelling first day of flying and classroom, I finally get a chance to grab a few snaps of where I am …
Continue reading Building Blocks of Cross Country Paragliding in Valle de Bravo.
Finally the opportunity to do what I came here for - to fly my new Gin Explorer paraglider. Marko, having given our respective kits a once over, provides a run down of the day: Wait for a respectable mass of pilots to launch and watch to see if many are able to climb out. If not, …
Continue reading Maiden Paragliding Voyage with the Gin Explorer.
