In this episode I sit down for a super fun chat with longtime instructor and one of the coolest cats around, Chandler Papas, the owner of Desert Wind Paragliding. Chandler shares his life-long journey into paragliding, the importance of good instruction, risk management, and cultivating gratitude for a safer and more fulfilling flying experience. We had a blast and I didn’t want it to end. Enjoy!

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Key Topics

Journey into paragliding and early influences
Importance of qualified instruction and continuous learning
Risk management and judgment in flying
The role of gratitude and mindset in safety and enjoyment
Community, mentorship, and sharing knowledge in the sport

Sound Bites

“I want to live life to the fullest”
“Judgment is the key to safe flying”
“Celebrate the little stuff, it’s all part of the journey”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paragliding Passion
03:00 The Journey Begins: Early Influences and Discoveries
06:01 Training and Mentorship: Learning from the Best
08:52 The Importance of Qualified Instruction
12:01 Navigating the Challenges of Paragliding Training
15:08 Finding the Right Instructor and School
17:59 Commitment to the Sport: Understanding Costs and Risks
22:18 Learning the Art of Surfing Etiquette
24:34 Finding the Right Instructor for You
27:07 Understanding the Risks of Paragliding
30:08 The Importance of Judgment in Paragliding
35:27 Navigating the Challenges of Paragliding Training
42:10 The Role of Gratitude in Paragliding
47:56 Living Life to the Fullest Through Paragliding
50:16 The Power of Gratitude in Aviation
53:07 Mindset and Decision Making in Paragliding
56:27 Embracing the Challenge of Early Thermals
01:01:39 Navigating Fear and Intuition in Flight
01:06:28 Reflections on Growth and Learning in Paragliding

Resources:
Cuervo (David Prentice) – Paragliding Instructor – https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-prentice
Salt Lake City Paragliding School – https://www.saltlakeparagliding.com
U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) – https://www.ushpa.org

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