#267 Bivvy and Adventure Flying by HANG GLIDER with Emi Carvalho

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Portuguese pilot Emi Carvalho got into hang gliding over a decade ago. Now living in Switzerland Emi is fully bi-wingual, and has instructed both hang gliding and paragliding. His passion these days is bivvy flying and depending on the weather will pick the kit that fits the mission, but more often than not the kit that fits the bill to have more fun is a short-pack hang glider. It’s a bit heavier (similar to a light-weight paragliding tandem set up) and a bit more bulky, but you get to fly prone! In this fun talk Emi shares his expertise with short pack hang gliders, their development, and their application in adventure flying and bivvy trips. Discover how this innovative gear (that isn’t really new, but is being newly utilized!) is potentially transforming the sport, making it more accessible and versatile for enthusiasts seeking new horizons and wicked adventures.

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key topics

Development of short pack hang gliders
Logistics and transport of hang gliders
Advantages for bivvy and adventure flying
Learning curve and safety considerations
Future potential of short pack hang gliding

sound bites

“Landing on slopes going up is an advanced technique”
“Top landing with a hang glider is more challenging”
“Short pack wings give more range and versatility”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hang Gliding and Bivvy Flying
06:27 The Evolution of Hang Gliders
09:28 Learning Curve: Hang Gliding vs. Paragliding
10:59 Safety and Risk in Hang Gliding
14:45 Landing Techniques and Challenges
21:46 Volbiv: The Art of Bivvy Flying with Hang Gliders
24:57 Planning and Logistics for Bivvy Adventures
27:44 Choosing the Right Gear for Conditions
29:51 Choosing Between Paragliding and Hang Gliding
33:56 The Advantages of Short Pack Hang Gliders
38:41 Learning to Fly Short Pack Gliders
42:06 Logistics and Gear for Hang Gliding
48:03 Reviving Interest in Hang Gliding
52:36 Reflections on the Journey and Future of Flying

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:57 — 54.0MB)

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#266 Serena Ronchi and the Comeback

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In this moving conversation, Swiss pilot Serena Ronchi shares her inspiring journey of recovery after a life-changing paragliding accident and her incredible ascension once again to the top of XContest in the Sport class this year. She discusses the challenges she faced during rehabilitation, her mental battles with fear, and the strategies she employed to regain her confidence in flying. Serena reflects on her experiences in Brazil’s Sertão, her participation in races, and her passion for teaching others about paragliding. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of addressing fear and finding joy in flying, while also contemplating the lessons learned from her accident.

This is Serena’s second visit to the podcast, we had her on the show back in March of 2022 just months after the accident.

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Takeaways

Serena experienced a severe paragliding accident in 2021 that led to significant physical injuries.
She underwent extensive rehabilitation, learning to walk and regain sensitivity in her legs.
Flying is a source of joy and freedom for Serena, motivating her to return to the sport.
Fear became a major challenge for Serena after her accident, particularly in turbulent conditions.
Ground handling and visualization techniques helped Serena regain confidence in the air.
Serena enjoys participating in hike and fly races, finding them less stressful than cross-country competitions. Her experiences in Brazil’s Sertão have been transformative, allowing her to fly long distances.
Serena emphasizes the importance of community and support in her flying journey.
She balances her passion for flying with her career as a part-time school teacher.
Serena encourages others facing fear in sports to seek professional help and take gradual steps towards recovery.

Sound Bites

“I knew I wanted to fly again.”
“I did a lot of ground handling.”
“I still struggle with fear.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
02:21 The Accident: A Life-Changing Experience
07:53 Rehabilitation and the Road to Recovery
09:52 Facing Fear: The Mental Battle
18:09 Building Confidence: Strategies and Techniques
21:57 Racing and Adventure: Embracing the Challenge
23:36 Flying in Brazil: The Sertão Experience
30:19 Reflections on Flight: Memorable Experiences
33:10 Goals and Community: The Future Ahead
36:25 Teaching and Sharing Passion
40:07 Advice for Overcoming Fear
44:28 Lessons Learned: Reflections on the Accident

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#265 – 8 years of Tandem bivvy’s with Dad across the entire Alps to Solo big air adventures at 16 with Martin Rejmanek

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Martin Rejmanek and his father Honza, a veteran 5-time Red Bull X-Alps competitor completed the full length of the 2003 Red Bull X-Alps course from the Dachstein to Monaco by tandem bivvy using only their wing and their feet this last year. Father and son completed the amazing journey in different segments over the course of eight summers, starting when Martin was just 8 years old. Martin is now seventeen and graduated to flying solo last year, taking on the full breadth of cross country flying, SIV training and becoming a completely independent pilot. He’s flown solo from Annecy to Chamonix over the Aravis chain. He’s flown at over 17,000 feet over Mt Whitney in the Sierras. And that’s just the beginning. Martin discusses his experiences in the Alps, the importance of patience and learning in flying, and how he balances his passion for adventure with his aspirations in nursing and launching into adult life. The conversation highlights the significance of family support, the thrill of cross-country flying, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the air. This is one of the most inspirational feel-good stories ever told on the Mayhem, you can’t help but come away with a smile and a desire to attack life with a little more…zest.

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Takeaways

Martin transitioned from tandem flying with his dad to solo flying.
He started kiting at a young age and progressed to solo flights.
The importance of patience and awareness in flying is emphasized.
Martin’s adventures in the Alps have shaped his flying skills.
He values the nature aspect of flying over competition.
Nursing offers a fulfilling career that allows for adventure.
Planning and preparation are crucial for successful flying trips.
Technology plays a role in navigation and safety during flights.
Mistakes in flying can lead to valuable lessons and stories.
Encouraging the next generation to embrace adventure is important.

Sound bites

“I want to keep flying for the nature side.”
“I was able to get up and stay high.”
“I want to develop the love for it.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adventure Flying
03:00 Transitioning to Solo Flying
04:31 Learning and Growth in Paragliding
06:55 Experiences in the Alps
09:23 Navigating Challenges in Cross-Country Flying
11:38 The Importance of Patience and Strategy
14:17 Future Aspirations in Flying and Nursing
15:37 Combining Passions: Flying and Skiing
17:34 Reflections on Past Adventures
20:25 The Role of Family in Adventure
22:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:07 — 55.1MB)

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#264 – A Monster record downwind wave flight across the US with Gordon Boettger

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In this conversation Gordon Boettger discusses an extraordinary gliding adventure that took he and his copilot Bruce Campbell across the Rockies in mountain wave in an Arcus glider from Minden, Nevada to Dodge City, Kansas- 1112 miles on December 19th, 2025. Gordon shares his lifelong dream of soaring high (max altitude was near 28,000 feet!) and downwind in mountain wave and the technical aspects of his wild flight, including the use of night vision goggles (they took off at 0300) and the importance of very specific weather conditions to pull it off. They delve into the planning and preparation required for such an epic journey, the use of skysight, the wicked cold, the experience of flying at night, and the role of technology in enhancing their gliding experience. The conversation also touches on the emotional highs and lows of the 11+ hour flight and the sense of community within the aviation world. This was a 40 year dream come true for Gordon, tuck in, you won’t believe it! Check out his flight track and data here.

Iced up cockpit
Capital Reef National Park
Not a lot of handout options!
LONG final glide!
Sunset in Dodge City, KS
Zonal Flow pattern

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Takeaways

Gordon has been pursuing his dream of soaring high for over 40 years.
The use of night vision goggles allows for flying at any time of the year.
Weather conditions play a crucial role in planning long-distance flights.
The flight from Minden to Garden City was a significant achievement.
Technology like SkySight aids in navigation and understanding weather patterns.
Flying at night presents unique challenges and requires careful preparation.
The emotional journey of flying includes both highs and lows.
support is vital in the gliding experience.
Gordon’s flight was the longest downwind wave flight in the Northern Hemisphere.
The adventure of gliding is both exhilarating and humbling.

Sound Bites

“I had the opportunity to go after it.”
“I was very patient with the slow climbs.”
“It’s a long ways, it’s a long ways.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup for the Flight
02:46 The Dream of Long-Distance Gliding
05:49 Flight Planning and Preparation
08:47 Conditions for the Flight
11:40 The Unique Weather Patterns
14:58 Navigating the Rockies
17:46 The Experience of Night Flying
20:38 Challenges Faced During the Flight
23:44 Post-Flight Reflections and Insights
28:35 Navigating the Wave: Flight Dynamics and Strategies
31:52 Communication in the Skies: Interactions with ATC and Other Pilots
34:11 The Role of Technology: SkySight and Modern Gliding
37:42 Exploring Geographic Limitations: Ideal Locations for Wave Flying
41:39 Record-Breaking Flights: Achievements and Future Goals
46:38 Reflections on the Journey: Emotional and Physical Challenges

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:10 — 52.4MB)

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#263 Training, Wing testing, Hike and Fly Racing, Competitions, Acro, 2 Liners, Flow, Family and more with Michael Maurer

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In this wide-ranging conversation with Advance test pilot and former Swiss Champion Michael Maurer we discuss various aspects of paragliding, including the challenges and dangers of being a test pilot, the influence of family on flying careers, the importance of competition, and the pursuit of flow in flying. We also touch on advancements in paragliding technology, the future of the sport in Switzerland and across the world, and the significance of training and preparation for competitions. Michael shares personal anecdotes about his experiences and reflections on his career, emphasizing the balance between risk and learning in the sport. Michael also reflects on what he’s learned watching his brother compete nine times in the Red Bull XAlps and growing up with Chrigel’s tutelage and encouragement, and how his own journey in the sport could impact how he prepares his three sons for their own adventures in flying. There’s a lot here, enjoy and Happy New Year!

DCIM\100GOPRO\G0034608.JPG

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Takeaways

Paragliding is inherently dangerous, especially in testing.
Step-by-step learning is crucial for safety.
Family influence can shape a flying career significantly.
Brotherly dynamics can provide both support and competition.
Finding flow is essential for performance in flying.
Setting small goals can help maintain motivation.
Experience is key to navigating risks in paragliding.
Advancements in technology are shaping the future of the sport.
Training and preparation are vital for success in competitions.
The joy of flying often comes from shared experiences.

Sound Bites

“I learned to go step by step.”
“I was bored and watching TV a lot.”
“I have a living user manual.”

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Greetings and Weather Reflections
02:54 The Life of a Test Pilot
05:37 Understanding the Risks of Paragliding
08:38 Influence of Family in Flying Career
11:41 Brotherly Dynamics in Paragliding
14:20 Competition and Personal Growth
17:16 The Psychology of Risk in Extreme Sports
20:28 Reflections on Recent Competitions
23:20 Finding Flow in Paragliding
26:17 Navigating Challenges in Test Flying
28:52 The Evolution of Paragliding Equipment
36:17 The Evolution of Paragliding Technology
37:39 Family and Flying: A Personal Journey
41:22 Reflections on a Flying Career
43:26 Navigating Risks in Paragliding
46:13 Goals and Aspirations for the Future
49:02 Training and Competitions: The Path Ahead
50:02 SIV Training and Wing Management
56:09 The Impact of Competition Wings on Technology
59:41 Memorable Flights and Special Moments

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#262 Into the Deepness with Keith Forsyth

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Keith Forsyth began his flying journey with skydiving, then speed flying and wing suit base jumping but the lack of margin in speed flying and base lead him to XC Paragliding, where he’s been drawing lines across the Pacific Northwest with what can only be described as a magical and inspired paintbrush. If you haven’t been to the Pacific Northwest think alpine rain forest and big, jagged glaciated mountains. Rain, lots and lots of rain. DENSE impenetrable forest, deep gorges, few roads, lots of bugs, and very few places to land. Keith has been laying down bivvy lines across the Cascade and Olympic ranges of Washington and Oregon and Coast Ranges of British Colombia the last few years that are ambitious, bold, and absolutely breathtaking. Keith waits for a good forecast, packs up to 7 days of food, sometimes adds a packraft and takes to the skies. Sometimes the mission involves some pretty memorable bushwacking, other times a glorious paddle out and some fishing along the way, other times he’ll find himself top landing an alpine meadow and sharing some space with a black bear. But each mission just inspires the next. What’s possible is only hemmed in by a lack of imagination. Need a little jolt for ideas this flying season? Tuck in.

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Takeaways

Keith transitioned from speed flying to paragliding for safety and exploration.
Thermal flying opened up new possibilities in the mountains.
Planning for XC flights involves understanding landing zones and safety margins.
Scouting landing areas on foot is crucial for safe flying.
The Olympics offer unique flying challenges and opportunities.
Packing for multi-day trips requires careful consideration of food and gear.
Weather patterns significantly influence flying plans in the Cascades.
Community interactions enhance the outdoor experience.
Pack rafting adds versatility to mountain adventures.
Close calls in flying highlight the importance of planning and awareness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:04 Transitioning from Speed Flying to Paragliding
05:49 Exploring the Cascades: XC Progression
08:37 Planning and Safety in Paragliding
11:34 Flying the Olympics: Challenges and Strategies
14:27 Approach to Long-Distance Flying
17:23 Packing and Preparing for Bivvy Trips
20:05 Gear and Nutrition for Extended Flights
22:33 Exploring the Cascades and Coast Mountains
27:41 The Art of Pack Rafting
29:47 Future Adventures and Aspirations
31:13 Learning from SIV Clinics
33:30 Memorable Outdoor Experiences
37:25 Close Calls and Lessons Learned
40:14 Finding Purity in Adventure

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:18 — 45.1MB)

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#261 Soaring for smiles with Bonnie Hobson

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Bonnie Hobson grew up in the midwest in the midst of endless cornfields, watching her neighbor fly his little bush plane. But soaring in any form without an engine wasn’t on her radar. Then in 2009 after a break-up and feeling like her life needed a shift she bought a one-way ticket to Hawaii. She saw some paragliders in the air, took a tandem and made a new life, and a new home. From the moment her feet left the ground Bonnie knew her future would be filled with chasing being airborne. Skydiving, paragliding, hang gliding, speed flying, paramotoring, parakites- if it’s flyable, Bonnie is in the air. In the beginning it was all gas and no brakes which lead to some harrowing moments, but Bonnie threaded the needle and her initial thrill and passion for airtime hasn’t eased up. In this episode Bonnie shares her infectious love of soaring and how using all kinds of varying canopies keeps things interesting and how mentoring and giving tandems keeps her in endless smiles. Bonnie and her partner Jarred are the importers for Little Cloud USA, and Bonnie has an awesome YouTube channel with all kinds of fun videos. Enjoy!

Takeaways:

  • Bonnie’s journey from paragliding to hang gliding.
  • The importance of mentorship in the flying community.
  • Bonnie’s role as a US importer for Little Cloud.
  • Safety practices in paragliding and hang gliding.
  • The challenges and rewards of flying in different locations.
  • Bonnie’s passion for sharing her love of flight with others.
  • The evolution of Bonnie’s flying skills over 16 years.
  • Insights into the Little Cloud brand and its unique gliders.
  • The significance of ground handling in flying safety.
  • Bonnie’s memorable flights and experiences.

Sound Bites:

  • “Flying is like a drug, I gotta have a hit.”
  • “I wanted to fly something somehow.”
  • “Every day is completely different at Muscle Rock.”
  • “I love sharing my passion for flight with others.”
  • “Safety is my top priority in flying.”

Chapters:

  • [00:35:58]Introduction to Bonnie’s Flying Journey
  • [00:36:46]Mentorship and Safety in Flying
  • [00:43:40]Little Cloud and Unique Gliders
  • [00:58:12]Flying Experiences in Hawaii and California
  • [01:00:00]Bonnie’s Passion for Flight and Mentorship

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#260 On top of the World with Fabian Buhl

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German alpinist Fabian Buhl comes from a background of climbing and mountaineering and is credited with ascending some of the hardest routes on Earth. A few years ago while climbing in the Karakoram of Pakistan Fabian saw the potential of using a paraglider to access difficult objectives and removing the often long and dangerous approaches by foot. So he became a pilot. But his early attempts were scary and learning was slow and often frustrating. Fabi stuck with it and returned to the Karakoram with enough skill to pull off some solid objectives but he knew to truly take advantage of these “combos” of climbing and flying, and also to be safer he needed to hone his thermalling and XC skills. Fabian’s journey from climbing to paragliding highlights the importance of mentorship, the challenges of overcoming fear, and the thrill of mastering a new sport. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sky, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring pilots and climbers alike. We delve into the importance of understanding the mechanics of thermal flying, using valley winds to your advantage, the influence of climbing on flying skills, and the mental fortitude required to navigate risks in extreme sports. Fabian shares insights on his experiences in the Karakoram, his achievements in paragliding competitions, and his approach to social media as an athlete. The discussion highlights the balance between passion, risk management, and the pursuit of excellence in both climbing and flying. And finally, we conclude with his epic achievement of winning XContest this year by flying 6 300+ FAI triangles in a single season, something that has never been done. The world of paragliding offers limitless potential for adventure, and with dedication and the right guidance, anyone can learn to go big. And in Fabi’s case- REALLY big. Our editor said “this is a VERY good episode! When I come back in my next life I want to come back as Fabi Buhl!”

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Takeaways

Fabian’s journey into paragliding began after a climbing expedition in Pakistan.
Understanding valley winds is crucial for effective flying.
The transition from climbing to flying presents unique challenges.
Mental fortitude is essential in both climbing and flying.
Risk management strategies differ between climbing and flying.
Fabian emphasizes the importance of learning from failures in flying.
Social media can be a double-edged sword for athletes.
Preparation for long flights involves understanding weather patterns.
The combination of climbing and flying opens new possibilities in the mountains.
Fabian’s achievements in paragliding competitions reflect his dedication and skill.

Sound Bites

“What an epic summer you had.”
“I have never had real fear.”
“I want to focus on the combos.”

Chapters

00:00 A Reunion and Reflection
02:11 From Climbing to Flying: A New Journey
08:34 Learning the Ropes: Building Flying Skills
12:19 The Valley Winds: Understanding Air Dynamics
17:15 The Transition: Climbing to Flying
25:05 Exploring Pakistan: The Perfect Playground
30:23 Achieving Greatness: The X-Contest Journey
34:53 Friendship and Loss in Adventure Sports
36:01 Navigating Risk and Safety in Climbing and Flying
38:29 Comparing Dangers: Climbing vs. Paragliding
42:36 The Balance of Fear and Control in Extreme Sports
45:51 Future Aspirations in Climbing and Paragliding
50:38 The Role of Sponsorship in an Athlete’s Career
52:08 Social Media: Navigating the New Landscape
57:46 Preparing for Long Flights: Strategies and Insights

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#259 Pete Thompson cracks the 300 FAI in Colorado’s Deepness

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Pete Thompson had a hell of a summer in Colorado. After years of planning and trying to fly big, epic FAI triangles across the highest terrain in the lower 48 he finally beat a record set only last year by Galen Kirkpatrick when he put down a 275 km FAI in early August. A week later he went even bigger with a 292. Then just two days later he did it again, this time cracking the vaunted 300 for the first time in North America with a 305 km perfectly drawn FAI across some serious Colorado deepness. Pete shares his journey in the sport which began in the early 2000’s, including his recent vol-biv across the state and flying competitions and tandems. We discuss the challenges of flying in Colorado’s unique terrain, the preparation and gear needed for long flights, and the mental and physical endurance required to stay in the air for 10+ hours. Pete also reflects on his past experiences, safety measures, and future aspirations in paragliding, emphasizing the importance of belief and community in achieving great feats.

Pete’s track logs from this summer can be viewed here.

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Takeaways

Pete Thompson has been flying in Colorado for 16 years and has a total of 21 years of experience in paragliding.
He completed a Cross Colorado Bivvy Flight trip that took about eight days, combining flying and hiking.
Colorado’s weather poses significant challenges for long-distance flights, making it a unique environment for paragliding.
Pete achieved a new North American record with a flight of 275 kilometers, showcasing his dedication and skill.
He emphasizes the importance of mental endurance and preparation for long flights, often feeling exhausted yet accomplished after each flight.
Safety is a priority for Pete, who uses oxygen tanks and carefully assesses risks during flights.
He believes that the potential for longer flights in Colorado is still growing, with opportunities for further records.
Pete’s journey reflects the importance of community and support in the paragliding world, inspiring others to push their limits.

Sound Bites

“I had a dream”
“There’s a fine balance”
“It’s just the belief”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Pete Thompson
02:47 The Bivvy Flight Across Colorado
06:06 Challenges of Flying in Colorado
08:59 The Big Triangle Flights and Records
11:47 Gear and Preparation for Long Flights
14:53 Mental and Physical Endurance in Paragliding
17:47 Safety and Risk Management in Paragliding
20:40 Future Aspirations and Goals in Paragliding

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#258- Ariel Zlatkovski and Project 100: the Ultimate XC Challenge

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This past XContest season (2025) Ariel Zlatkovski decided to take on a fantastically bold and totally mind-bending mission: Fly 100, 100km flights in a single season. To pull it off he’d have to spend a full 10% of his hours on Earth flying (nearly 20% of daylight hours), he’d cover 12,000 kilometers of open distance, and rack up 893 hours in the sky. He’d live the entire year away from home in India, Colombia and the Alps and while one imagines this would be most pilot’s dream year, it was often lonely, and often very intense. Much of it was a real grind and subjected Ariel to too much risk. Ariel shares his rather obsessive journey into paragliding, how Project 100 took hold, and the challenges and emotional highs and lows he faced along the way. The discussion delves into the balance between the joy of flying and the pressures of competition, as well as the lessons learned from a year of very intense flying. Ariel reflects on the endurance required for such a project and the darker side of chasing numbers in the sport. Tune in, this is a remarkable feat of endurance and dedication.

Check out Ariel’s zero turning 100 he discusses in the show in Bir, it’s pretty remarkable.

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Takeaways

Ariel started flying in 2019 and quickly became passionate about paragliding.
He logged 893 hours of flying in the last XC contest season.
Project 100 aimed for 100 unique 100-kilometer flights in a year.
The project turned out to be more about endurance than enjoyment.
Ariel faced many challenges and scary moments during his flights.
He experienced a mix of amazing and mediocre flights throughout the year.
The competition with fellow pilots added pressure to his flying.
Ariel’s lifestyle revolves entirely around paragliding and travel.
He learned that chasing numbers can lead to risky decisions.
Despite the challenges, Ariel remains passionate about flying and future projects.

Sound Bites

“I was just really into that.”
“I made tons of stupid decisions.”
“It was a wild year.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 The Journey into Paragliding
05:53 Project 100: The Ambitious Goal
08:59 The Challenges of Chasing Numbers
11:48 The Experience of Flying
14:51 Reflections on the Project
17:43 The Dark Side of Competition
20:01 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

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