Paragliding:
a visual journey
Follow along with us as adventurers take to the skies for the first time on a tandem, learn valuable paragliding skills or even catch a glimpse of pilots just goofing around!
On a day that was far too windy to fly, I called my flying buddy Martin and asked if he'd like to join me on a small local hike. The strong outflow winds ensured a clear view all the way to Vancouver Island, and the sun glinting off Cultus Lake was an added bonus.
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2015 is really stepping up and shaping up to be one of my favourite years ever. While picking up extra HAGAR study guides at the Chilliwack Airport I ran into an old friend and by (lucky, lucky) chance got to climb into this 1943 Piper Cub! Too bad the winds were so strong outside or I would've been able to go for a flight right then. No worries though, the owner (the new Chilliwack Airport Manager) will be trading me a flight on his aircraft for a flight on mine. He's as excited about his upcoming tandem as I am to go up in this classic beauty. Another benefit from our meeting is open dialogue with this small but growing airport that is definitely within our XC flying area, and he has invited me to come talk about us sharing this ever-changing airspace. All of us flying addicts need to work together to ensure we can all keep enjoying our time in the sky!
Thanks to Bart for this panorama shot during one of our many Q&A times. The modified one-day course went smoothly (and I think Jeannette even got all of her erasable highlighters back, ha ha). Wonderful to see that each year another group of pilots take to the skies with more awareness and higher levels of safety. Getting to meet fellow air junkies from around the province is a great bonus!
We're on the air! This summer I met with local radio station 89.5 The Drive to discuss advertising. Last week they delivered the preview to my email inbox…and I have to say it is fantastic! I'm excited to share it here with you now. It will be playing Monday-Friday until Christmas - if you happen to be in Chilliwack then tune in to 89.5 FM to listen for it (and groove to some retro tunes). Thanks Natalie and the crew at 89.5FM! Click the link above to hear our commercial!
Yesterday morning I was pleased to have been invited by Tourism Chilliwack to a presentation and workshop hosted by Destination BC, where we reviewed the marketing and branding direction for travel and tourism in BC for 2015 and beyond.
The tag line "Competing to win. Together." resonated with me, as I believe that by working together we can elevate (ha ha) this sport and create amazing things. After a brainstorming session with a number of tourism boards and businesses at the end of this meeting I'm all fired up and full of ideas. Can't wait to see you all out here next season! Last night we jetted off to Harrison Mills for a silent auction/fundraising dinner for the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival at Pretty Estates Resort. Jet Set Paragliding donated a tandem flight to the cause, and I was pleased to be asked to give a speech about our sport before the bidding began. Everyone was excited to hear about the possibility of soaring with eagles and the tandem went home with a very happy bidder who will be coming flying next season. George from Thermal Addict paragliding came along too and we both went home with some goodies from the auction, all to support efforts to keep our eagle friends (aka thermal markers) around for a long, long time.
The first snow hit the ground in the valley last night. While we only have a few flakes left sticking to the grass this morning, it was enough to make me look forward to snowy hike and fly adventures, like this one at Mount Woodside about 5 years ago...
Kevin made this great little video of our impromptu hike and fly off Elk Mountain earlier this fall. The hike up is now covered in snow in the higher elevations…time to get your winter climbing gear out! The Elkrun from Kevin Ault on Vimeo. Living at the foot of the mountains means you never have to look far for stunning views or something to do outside. Tourism Chilliwack has launched a campaign to share this beauty and here's the first video. Share your own experiences when you come exploring out this way using #ShareChilliwack on whichever social media sites you like, and just maybe you'll see some paragliding on a future video ;) |
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