HGFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 29 May | June 2019 equipment in weather and mountains similar to those I would encounter on my journey. Switzerland is a semi-regular journey for me to visit family, and this year we decided to go in winter. The first thing I learned about Hike & Fly at this time of year is that it is often more about the ‘Hike’. The ‘Fly’ is, however, a pleasant way to descend and adds on awesome views of the area you have just hiked, views most people would otherwise never see or enjoy in a way that we as pilots can. One of the major choices of Hike & Fly is which wing to choose for your journey. When hiking in your local (or familiar) area and with local knowledge, you can choose a wing for the day and location. When visiting multiple locations around the world and flying in various types of terrain and conditions, you obviously choose a wing you are comfortable with, at your skill level under all of those variables. I would highly recommend speaking to someone familiar with your undertaking, who has many years of flying experience, who you know and trust, and who knows your flying abilities. For me this was Godfrey Wenness at Manilla Paragliding in NSW. I have been flying Advance wings for a while now and decided the new Advance XI would suit my abilities in all the conditions and terrain I would most likely encounter. My choice was based on these criteria: ➲ ➲ Currently, I was comfortably flying a ‘C’ wing in most conditions, but wanted a ‘B’ to give me more confidence and safety at unfamiliar sites. ➲ ➲ I wanted a lighter wing for hiking, but with similar feel, set-up and behaviour to my Advance Sigma 10 ‘XC’ wing. A familiar wing brings comfort and safety if difficult conditions arise. ➲ ➲ I wanted a wing big enough to fly XC, should the conditions permit, but small enough to launch at my skill level if the wind was a little stronger. My final choice was the Advance XI 23. I was at the upper end of the weight range, which gave me the better feedback and sportier feel I am used to, along with the ability to launch in slightly stronger conditions. Being a ‘B’ wing though I had the higher Below: Stunning winter playground scenery All photos: Dan Usshar Pointed out by the locals, I caught this great example of valley firn during one high hike. Thankfully there were landings well above the valley The full, single day, hike & fly set-up, including snow shoes and poles, weighing in under 8kg Opposite page: Some days it’s best to just enjoy the view