Cross Country February - March 2022

“The forecast was calling for an atypically dry and cool morning for the windward side of the island -- perfect conditions for dawn patrol. The sun was just climbing above the horizon as we reached take-off. We waited for the first puffy clouds to form before we launched into the lightly turbulent air, then climbed slowly as the cycles improved. The first cycle powerful enough to bring us to cloudbase brought us closer to the center of the island. Enroute, we called Kaneohe Tower for permission to transition their airspace and cross over the famous H3 highway. This image was taken a moment after our request was granted.”…

Happy new year! Did you make any flying-related resolutions? Like fly more often or further, achieve an XC goal, do an early-season SIV, fly comps, finally plan that flying trip you have in mind? Whatever it is, now is a good time to look back at how your last year’s flying went and also forwards to what you want to achieve this year. We have explored goal-setting a lot in the past, and we all know it really helps if you write them down; then think about how you will achieve those goals by breaking them down. If your goal is to fly 100km XC, then you need to think about your equipment, research your possible routes from different sites, and then work towards flying that route – get out there and…

Jérôme Maupoint has been keeping a secret. The famous paragliding photographer likes nothing better than hiking and flying at sunrise – the exact moment the sun breaks above the horizon. He’s been at it for years, and in this issue presents some of his favourite moments – see p54 Nico Aubert is a world championship silver medallist who has been flying paramotors since he was a kid. A self-described “adrenaline addict and world traveller” his latest trip took him to Jordan where he flew the famous sights with Ramón Morillas and Emiko Morota. His report is on p66 Adi Geisegger knew that something special could happen in Dubai so he packed his bags and headed for the UAE Hike-and-Fly Championships in November. He wasn’t wrong and his shots and footage of night…

Colombia is going to be the place to be for paraglider pilots who are fed up with the long, cold winter in the north. The season is packed with events that will allow back-to-back competition flying for those quick enough to register. First up, the first Ozone Open Colombia is being held in Pie de Chinche from 15-21 January. This is based on the famous Ozone Chabre Open and is a fun comp designed to introduce XC pilots into the world of competition flying. Like the Chabre Open it will be run by Jocky Sanderson in his own inimitable style and will be limited to EN C wings and below. Also limited are places: they have capped it at 100 pilots. Straight after that the Roldanillo Paragliding Open follows from 22-29 January.…

There is a busy season Down Under too. The New Zealand HG Championships heads back to Murchison on the South Island (“10 tasks last year”) for 20-29 January. The Bright Paragliding Open then runs 5-11 February in Victoria, followed by The Flow Corryong Paragliding Open, 13-19 February, also in Victoria. Straight after that New Zealand’s Paragliding Open runs 20-26 February – also in Corryong, Australia. 16-20 March sees the third Wings Out West, a popular tow comp in the flatlands based out of Trundle, near the famous Forbes. The Canungra Hang Gliding Classic closes the season from 26 March to 1 April. airtribune.com…

The Cross Country Adventure Guide is our annual supplement that is distributed free to all subscribers with this issue. Print subscribers get a print copy while digital subscribers get a digital version through Zinio. It follows on from the many annual Travel Guides we have produced over the years, and last year’s Gear Guide. We’ve packed it full of learning, insight and adventure. From an in-depth look at how to go vol-biv to the latest in lightweight gear, it’s 100 pages of advice, help and inspiration.…