Elevation!
I’ve lost all self-control
Been living like a mole
Now going down, excavation
I and I in the sky
You make me feel like I can fly
So high, elevation
The classic words of U2… have come true in the last two weeks. Rather than live in our flat like a mole while Rachel was away-without furniture, the flat did resemble a hole- I investigated and negotiated my way to getting paragliding lessons!
Me, running off a mountain in a jumpsuit? With my reputation?!
Not wishing to scare anyone, in particular, my mother or, perhaps more importantly, my mother-in-law, I’ve kept it quiet until now. But after an hour long solo flight today, i can’t help but spill the beans… I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my little adventures into the sky. My teacher, Juan has taught myself and another chilean to fly in just over 8 days, using a unique form of “spanglish”… or, as I like to call it, chilengish!
The benefit of learning here, is that it is cheaper and the chilean solo licence (awarded by the ministry of aviation) is exchangable with International standards and the UK licence. I’ve also had lot of flying practice- more than you would get at schools elsewhere- because the conditions are consistently perfect for learning. I’m learning at Vizcachas, south-east from Santiago. A south-westerly wind blows every afternoon from 2pm till 5pm, after which novice pilots can launch easily and have smooth flights.
Today I flew solo for over an hour, experiencing a range of conditions, from light to turbulent winds, catching and soaring on thermals and ridge soaring. The difficult bits- landing and take-off- are becoming easier. So far my landings have been very smooth- no more than a 4ft bounce! No broken legs yet.
The runway… dry and, errrr, very hard
Anyway… its been fascinating to learn about the wing, aerodynamics, controls and emergency procedures. Paragliding also challenges and improves your decision-making skills and spatial awareness. I feel it has boosted my levels of self-assurance, forcing me to better judge and accept risks. Every move in the sky requires a commitment to move the body and to focus the mind. Sounds like a form of meditation.. I suppose it is… alone, drifting on nothing but air!
If I can pursuade Rachel to part with a huge sum of her hard-earned money, I may consider buying some equipment in order to pursue this sport on a regular basis during the summer, or even during the summer in Europe. I’d really like to gain either a tandem licence or an instructor licence, so I can teach others to fly. I can see a new job on the horizon… although it would be seasonal!
Elevation! I recommend it to anyone! If you plan to visit Chile, come and have a go.
Play spot the paraglider