SAFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 11 September | October 2019 Some tips for new players: ➲ ➲ If you arrive at a flying site and you see other pilots flying, do not automatically assume that it is flyable for everyone. Get your phone out, look at the local observations (or ask a local), observe the conditions on launch, in the sky, and then make a decision for yourself – in the end, you’re the one who has to deal with this decision – it needs to be made by you and for you! Alternatively, if you’re on the hill and every other pilot there or in the area (especially during the busy times) has decided not to fly, chances are it’s not going to be worth flying at this time. You must ask yourself, ‘What’s to be gained from flying at this time’ – if the answer is not obvious (and 10 minutes airtime isn’t enough of a gain) then it can be stated that there is probably more to lose by flying at this time. ➲ ➲ Listen to that little voice in your head (or gut)! There will be some days when you arrive on launch and the feeling in your gut feeling is telling you something isn’t quite right here… Learn to be in touch with these feeling or thoughts. Ignoring and suppressing this little voice in your subconscious will one day cause you a lot of stress or pain. The newer you are to the sport, the more critical it is to listen to your safety intuition. Just remember if there is doubt about whether it’s safe to fly or not, then you should have no doubt about your decision not to fly! 3. Ground handling We were all told by our instructors when we learnt that the best thing we can do for our flying is to ground handle our wing. However, how often do you actually make the time to simply play with your wing? It is always evident on launches all over the world who has spent time ground handling their wing in different conditions, both strong and light winds. After all, being close to the ground is the most dangerous time of any flight, so getting it right is a necessity, and having a solid skill base on the ground is by far the best way to keep yourself safe. So, if you don’t have the time to ground handle, then make the time to ground handle! Do not ignore this aspect of flight. If you don’t have the time to ground handle, then make the time to ground handle! As a starting point, master the reverse inflation using the technique you were taught, being in control of your wing at all times. Ground handling sessions do not end here though! There is a whole world of ideas to improve your skills on the ground (e.g. As and rears, As and brakes, flying with one wing tip on the ground, Cobra launches, no As launch, flying upside down, etc.). The more you simply play with your wing on the ground, the more comfortable you will be on launch, and the more you are in control, the safer you are! 4. Setting goals In the sport of paragliding, it is important to set personal goals as a way to measure your pro- gression. In the early stages of the sport, be gentle with yourself in terms of goal setting. It may be as simple as, ‘I aim to stay in the air for an hour.’ I’d recommend using the acronym ‘SMART’ goals Photo: Jo Hjortshoj