SAFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 3 May | June 2020 H eld at Mt Borah since 1996, the SAFA C sanction competition is a great way for novice pilots (PG2/3) to get into competition and XC flying in a fun and safe way. Paragliding State of Origin Competition Director, Peter Beamish said the three-day competition was about the promotion of skills and safety with flying crews (five pilot teams, one PG5, two PG 2/3 plus two other pilots). “Within this team system, senior pilots coach the novices, and handicapping is used for scoring. The event is held over three days and the competi- tion is open distance and direction. Pilots score points based on the kilometres they fly in a straight line from take-off to landing,” he said. “Funster pilots have their distance covered in kilometres multiplied by three to give their points, Sportster pilots have their distance multiplied by two and Ace pilots are scored on one point per kilometre. This scoring system enables novice and intermediate pilots to have a realistic chance of winning the event (see pilot pack for full details). But the thing I like most about the Paragliding State of Origin is that it is a fun, social event with great, friendly state rivalry.” The competition sees QLD and NSW pilots go head-to-head, but also includes a Barbarians team, open to other states and international pilots. “I love the support pilots are given, and the ca- maraderie of the teams means that pilots have the chance to build valuable XC experience and novice pilots get to add to their often low XC hours,” said Peter. “This environment takes the pressure off novice pilots and lets them experience the thrills of a paragliding competition in a relaxed, fun setting. And did I mention that it is fun. Even though I was flying on the Blues team, it was great to see the Maroons take out the event by one point last year, and the Blues take out the event the year before.” Mt Borah, Manilla is a world-class inland flying destination, Manilla is internationally renowned for the sport of paragliding, a premier site with four large launches to suit all weather conditions, it combines the best of mountain and flatland flying and recent rain has greened up the landscape. Flights take place over farmer’s paddocks and land- ings are usually within walking distance to a road. “But there is something more about why the Paragliding State of Origin is so good: It seems to me that the impact on people is often greater than the sum of its parts,” said Peter. “Some pilots have flown only a few kilometres and are still on top of the world. It is obvious that the Paragliding State of Origin is not just a fun event but it makes you feel good. Martin Seligman is a world-famous researcher and psychologist. In his book ‘Flourish’ he writes about the various factors that combine to make your life great. In his PERMA theory he explains how Positive emotions, Engage- ment, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment combine to take your life to the next level. And there you have it. Involvement in the Paragliding State of Origin makes you feel so good because it ticks all of these boxes. Positive emotions are high as you experi- ence the joy of flight. Engagement is high as you develop and use skills in XC flying. Relationships are high as you revel in the team environment and mix with fellow pilots at briefings, on the hill, sharing a few coldies, and at presentation dinners. Meaning is high as senior pilots mentor junior pilots and retrieve drivers give their time for the teams that rely on them. Accomplishment is high as you extend your personal best or fly and add valuable points to your team and your state. All of these things contribute to your wellbeing and make you feel great.” So, it is no wonder that there are 200 pilots competing in this year’s competition and that interest in the event has been building every year. The competition is fully booked and there is now a waiting list. Why do so many pilots want to compete? Because it ticks all the boxes and makes you feel great. Paragliding State of Origin State rivalry at its finest, the Paragliding State of Origin competition is an internationally renowned event at a premier site at Mt Borah, Manilla, show- casing the fun and thrills of cross-country flying. Photos: Tex Bec