#237- Removing the Anxiety of Vol Biv with Tim Pentreath

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Four years ago almost to the day we released a podcast with veteran UK pilot/adventurer Tim Pentreath that explored his “Gumball Rally”- a vol biv adventure open to anyone in the Alps every summer. At that time Tim and his friends were just getting getting started. This show is a follow up with Tim to find out how it’s been going. The answer- quite well indeed! The Gumball continues to grow, continues to generate a ton of smiles, and they continue to cover a lot of very cool ground. But it isn’t about breaking records, it’s just about having a lot of safe fun. Heading off onto your first bivvy can be quite daunting, especially in the Alps if you don’t live there (and even if you do!). In this conversation we delve into the organization of the rally (free to anyone interested!), personal experiences, safety measures, and the importance of weather in planning. Tim shares insights on how to prepare for such adventures, the technology used for forecasting, and memorable flights that stand out. The conversation emphasizes the joy of flying in the Alps while also addressing the challenges and safety considerations involved. They discuss their recent flying adventures, including memorable flights over the Alps and the challenges faced during the Gumball event. They reflect on how their perspectives on flying have shifted with age, focusing more on the aesthetic experience rather than competition. The duo also shares insights on preparing for the winter season, their gear preferences, and the thrill of high-speed aviation experiences, highlighting the differences between paragliding and other forms of flight. Enjoy!

Tim has an AMAZING youtube channel that documents the rally and his own personal flights in the Alps and the UK. Check it out. The films are really well done and very inspiring.

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Takeaways

  • The Gumball Rally is about having fun and being safe.
  • Participants must be self-sufficient and experienced in flying.
  • Weather plays a crucial role in planning the rally.
  • Communication among pilots is essential for safety.
  • Personal preferences dictate whether to bivvy or stay in hotels.
  • The Alps offer a variety of flying experiences for all levels.
  • Injuries can occur, often due to windy landings or overconfidence.
  • Technology aids in forecasting and safety during flights.
  • Newcomers should seek advice and be aware of valley winds.
  • Memorable flights often involve unexpected encounters and stunning views. Tim shares a memorable flight over the Grimsle Pass and Furka Pass.
  • Landing on the south side of Mont Blanc led to an unexpected adventure.
  • The beauty of flying through the Alps is unparalleled.
  • Aging has shifted their focus from competition to enjoyment in flying.
  • Tim emphasizes the importance of flying within personal limits.
  • Winter preparation includes local activities and video editing.
  • July is considered the most reliable month for flying in the Alps.
  • Tim enjoys using budget-friendly gear for his adventures.
  • The thrill of high-speed aviation is a unique experience.
  • The conversation highlights the camaraderie among flying enthusiasts.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to the Gumball Rally

06:00Personal Experiences and Preferences

11:59Safety and Communication in the Alps

17:59Injury and Safety Lessons Learned

23:58Memorable Flights and Experiences

34:26Epic Flights and Memorable Adventures

41:11Shifting Perspectives on Flying Goals

47:35Winter Blues and Preparing for the Next Season

55:44Experiencing the Thrill of High-Speed Aviation

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:25 — 50.8MB)

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The Wanderbird Podcast with your host Gavin McClurg

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Gavin Mcclurg (USA1) signs the Kronplatz TP during the 2019 Red Bull X-Alps

In this bonus episode your host Gavin McClurg sits down with Red Bull X-Alps legend, Red Bull athlete and world adventurer Paul Gushlbauer. Paul and Gavin became friends during preparations for the 2015 Red Bull X-Alps (Gavin’s first of 4) and have had some pretty remarkable adventures together, including during the filming of North of Known, when Gavin and Dave Turner crossed the Alaska Range by foot and paraglider in 2016 (Paul was one of the film crew’s bush pilots). In this episode we discuss of course the Red Bull X-Alps, Paul’s decision to sit this one out after competing 7 times, hike and fly racing and his Wanderbird events, headspace and staying passionate about the sport, risk, coaching and a lot more. Paul is a terrific interviewer and we had a lot of fun switching the roles to discuss our favorite topic- flying! Hope you enjoy.

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#236 Soaring through History with Butch Peachy

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In this continuing series on legends in the sport I sit down with Butch Peachy to discuss his over 40 years of flying hang gliders and his continued passion today. We begin with Butch’s early days in hang gliding, his unique adventures including being (likely) the first to vol-biv with a hang glider, and the evolution of the sport. Butch shares crazy stories from the 70’s, his experiences in competitions, and how music has played a role in his flying adventures. The conversation highlights the passion and challenges of hang gliding, along with valuable lessons learned throughout Butch’s journey. We discuss the exhilarating yet risky world of hang gliding, sharing personal anecdotes of near-misses and triumphs. Butch shares evolutions in the sport, the importance of mentorship, and the psychological impacts of flying. He reflects on his long-standing passion for flying, the adaptations he has made as he ages, and the significance of pursuing what you love in life. The conversation culminates in insights about relationships and finding common ground with partners who share similar passions.

Photo Anna Eppink

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Takeaways

  • Butch Peachy is a legendary hang glider pilot with over 40 years of experience.
  • He was likely the first person to vol-biv with a hang glider.
  • The early days of hang gliding were filled with challenges and learning experiences.
  • Competition flying is a great way to improve skills quickly.
  • Butch’s adventures often involved unexpected challenges and humorous situations.
  • Music has been a constant companion in Butch’s flying life.
  • The importance of community and support in the flying world.
  • Lessons learned from accidents can lead to better safety practices.
  • The evolution of hang gliding gear has made adventures more accessible.
  • Butch’s stories reflect the spirit of adventure and resilience in the sport. Flying can be thrilling but also comes with risks.
  • Experiencing near-misses can alter a pilot’s mindset.
  • The evolution of hang gliding equipment has improved safety.
  • Mentorship plays a crucial role in the flying community.
  • Flying provides a unique sense of freedom and presence.
  • Adapting flying techniques is essential as one ages.
  • Pursuing passion is vital for a fulfilling life.
  • Relationships thrive when partners share common interests.
  • Stress and fear can manifest in unexpected ways after traumatic experiences.
  • The joy of flying is a lifelong journey that connects people.

Sound Bites

  • “You’ve definitely got the best name on the show.”
  • “I had a roommate who went hang gliding.”
  • “I just kept rotating, laying on my harness, freezing my butt off.”
  • “I was the first guy to ever camp glide.”
  • “I was the first guy to ever camp glide.”
  • “I was a music major in college for a couple of years.”
  • “I was a hang gliding bum with a mortgage.”
  • “You learn more in one competition than a whole year of flying.”
  • “I was hanging by my fingertips, upside down.”
  • “I ended up getting a sponsorship for a new parachute.”
  • “I’ve been flipped upside down four times.”
  • “I always fly back to where I just got in big trouble.”
  • “Wings have gotten better too.”
  • “I was too busy having too much fun on my hang glider.”
  • “You internalize something like that, that, you know, you don’t think it affects you, but it does.”
  • “You can take the girl out of flying, but you can’t take the flying out of the girl.”
  • “If you could rewind the clock, what would you say?”
  • “Just do what you love and don’t let life get in your way.”
  • “Gravitate toward the people who love what you love.”
  • “You may not be right, but do it with enthusiasm.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Greetings

02:10 Butch Peachy: A Legend in Hang Gliding

03:56 The Early Days of Hang Gliding

10:09 The First Vol-Biv Adventure

15:48 The Evolution of Hang Gliding

22:05 Music and Flying: A Unique Combination

23:52 Crazy Stories from the 70s

29:47 Lessons Learned from Adventures

31:00 Navigating the Thrills and Risks of Hang Gliding

34:55 The Evolution of Hang Gliding and Personal Growth

37:59 Overcoming Fear and Stress in Extreme Sports

40:53 Mentorship and Learning in the Flying Community

44:15 The Joy of Flying and Its Lifelong Impact

48:00 Adapting to Age: Changes in Flying Style

54:43 Advice to My Younger Self: Pursuing Passion

57:55 Finding Common Ground in Relationships

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:26 — 44.4MB)

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#235 A Record is Crushed in Norway with Arne Kristian Boiesen

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On June 10, 2023 Arne Kristian Boiesen, a veteran paraglider from Norway stepped off one of his local sites outside of Oslo hoping to go pretty big. 9.5 hours later he’d flown his Niviuk Peak 6 343 km from launch, a remarkable 90 km farther than anyone ever had in Norway, flying nearly due north across epic terrain, landing just south of Trondheim. The record stands today. Kristian discusses the details of his flight, including the conditions, challenges, and the beautiful landscapes of Norway. He shares insights about the paragliding community in Norway, the seasonal patterns affecting flying conditions, and his aspirations for future record flights. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of flying in Norway, including navigating airspace, terrain challenges, future possible lines, and the camaraderie among pilots. We delve into the world of paragliding in Norway, discuss the rise of hike and fly adventures, the impact of weather patterns on flying conditions, and the best locations for flying. They also touch on competitive flying, record chasing, and the differences between flying communities in Norway and Sweden. The conversation highlights the challenges and excitement of long-distance flying and the importance of seizing good weather days for optimal flying experiences.

Check out his tracklog on XContest here

Read an article about the flight (it’s in Norwegian, but google translate does a pretty good job)

Short film below from the record day.

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Takeaways

  • Arne Kristian holds a record for a long-distance flight in Norway.
  • The flight took place on June 10, 2023, and still stands.
  • Local hills near Oslo provide good soaring opportunities.
  • Flying conditions in Norway can vary greatly by season.
  • The community of paragliders in Norway is around 2,500 registered pilots.
  • Record flights often require careful planning and favorable weather.
  • Towing techniques are used for training and record attempts.
  • The terrain in Norway offers both challenges and beautiful landscapes.
  • Flying in Norway can involve navigating complex airspace.
  • Future projects may include exploring northern Norway for new flying opportunities. Hike and fly is becoming increasingly popular in Norway.
  • Weather patterns significantly affect flying conditions, especially between fronts.
  • Voss and Voggo are among the best locations for paragliding in Norway.
  • Competitive flying events can be thrilling and rewarding.
  • Chasing records in paragliding requires patience and readiness for good weather days.
  • Airspace regulations can pose challenges, particularly around Oslo.
  • The flying community in Norway is vibrant and supportive.
  • Long-distance flying requires strategic planning and understanding of weather.
  • Comparing flying experiences in Norway and Sweden reveals unique challenges and opportunities.
  • Future aspirations include exploring new flying locations and improving competitive events.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Arne Kristian and His Record Flight

05:37 Navigating Airspace and Terrain Challenges

11:58 Record-Breaking Flight Details

18:04 Future Aspirations and Potential Record Flights

24:05 Towing and Flying Techniques in Norway

30:23 Exploring Hike and Fly Adventures

36:20 The Thrill of Competitive Flying

42:14 Comparing Flying Communities: Norway vs. Sweden

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:43 — 47.9MB)

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#234 A lifetime in the clouds with Chuck Smith

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Free flight tends to attract some rather big personalities to its crutches. And among its most interesting and passionate devotees is American pilot and pioneer Chuck Smith. Chuck learned back east on the dunes in the US with his brother in the late 80’s under the tutelage of climbing legend John Bouchard. From there the search for airtime and the love of the flying community brought him all over the world. The people he’s impacted or been impacted by is an impressive rolodex of the history of flying- the Yates brothers, Greg Smith, Richard Gallon, Dixon White, Granger Banks, the Dominico Brothers, Bob Schick, Todd Bibler, Michael Gaudoo, Phillipe Renudua, Peter Zimmerli, Bob England, Jimmy Grossman, Lee Kiaser, Joe Gluzinski, Greg Kelly, Ken Bair, the Amy brothers, Scott Gressit, Chris Blachley, the Furgeson brothers, Josh Cohn, Zach Housington, Mark Shipman, Pierre Bouilloux, Xavier Remond, Bruce Goldsmith, John Pendry, Uli Weismeier, Chris Santacroce, John Heiney, Larry Tudor, Bill Belcourt, Dick Jackson and many, many more. Chuck was the first US National Champion; represented the US in the Worlds in Kossen; remembers watching Mitch McAleer loop into the clouds in Japan at the world cup where goal was in the center of a BIG city; has used his feet and wing to access plenty of wild terrain across South America, Africa, Europe, and the Himalayas and has the stories you would imagine that go along with it all. Tuck in, you’re in for a treat. Happy Holidays everyone!

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#233 A Monster day in the Owens with Gordon Boettger

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A little over a year ago I interviewed Gordon Boettger after his record-breaking 3000+ km wave flight in the Sierras flying an Arcus jet-equipped glider with night vision goggles (NVG’s), a flight that lasted 17 hours and started at 0230 in the morning. Four months later Gordon and his co-pilot Bruce Campbell beat their own record again, this time flying 18.5 hours and getting beyond 3100 km. And he says they are just getting started. What he’s doing is way, way, way out there and is blowing minds in the sailplane community. And it has been blowing mine.

A week ago I got the call I’d been hoping for. Gordon rang up and wanted to know what I was doing in 6 days. My response was “don’t worry about it, I’ll be there!” He watches the forecasts and upper level models like a hawk and was seeing a solid window for strong wave setting up. It wouldn’t be a record-breaking day as heavy moisture would be on the back side of the storm and shut us down, but Gordon thought we’d be able to get at least 1,000 km of wave flying in, and we’d be able to launch at night with the NVG’s. “Tell me when to be there and what to bring!”

Gordon picked me up in Reno on Sunday afternoon, we had a lovely dinner with his wife Melissa and were at the hanger in Minden just after midnight. He fired up the jet engine just after 0300 and in the black of night we launched into one of the craziest adventures I’ve ever had. I brought all my audio gear to try to capture how it all went down, from the rock and roll rotor getting up into the wave, to flying with NVG’s, a ridiculous sunrise, getting the beat-down in a waterfall at one point, and then flying in the home stretch where we hit 256 knot ground speed (nearly 300 miles per hour) and were still climbing at nearly 10m/s. In the end we flew almost 1200km in 7.5 hours, reached just under 24,500′ (holy cold!), the winds at the peaks were over 85 mph…it was ridiculous. It was Jaws triple overhead wave surfing in the sky. Come along for the ride, it was pretty wild.

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Audio Show note segments:

  1. Description of the weather
  2. Arriving at the Hangar
  3. Talking to the Oakland Tower (pre-flight clearance)
  4. Suiting up/ Night vision goggles
  5. Getting on parachute, buckle in, jet engine
  6. Headsets, spoilers, checklists
  7. Jet engine start, begin taxi
  8. Liftoff!
  9. Hitting the Wave
  10. Engine off, into the wave…
  11. Mountain Wave, winds aloft
  12. Passing 13K, 60 knot headwinds
  13. Boosting! Passing 19K
  14. 24K and heading downwind, 130 knot ground speed
  15. 0500 80 miles N of Minden
  16. Susanville, 24K, Sunrise
  17. Learning Lake Tahoe, down to 16K, ROUGH
  18. Ripping, Pretty loud in the cockpit, 150 KTS Ground speed
  19. 24K, very loud
  20. Seriously rough, waterfall, rotor, hold on!
  21. 210 knots ground speed
  22. 255 knots ground speed!
  23. Final descent, big fire, landing
  24. Sporty landing

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:42 — 35.1MB)

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#232 An Impossible Story of Survival with Ben Lewis

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This is one of the craziest flying and remarkable survival stories you’ll ever hear. In this conversation, Canadian pilot and doctor Ben Lewis recounts his harrowing experience during a major cloudsuck incident while paragliding in Bir, India. He shares his background as a pilot, the intimidating nature of mountain flying, and the factors that are contributing to the carnage occurring this season in the Himalayas. Ben details the day of his incident while attempting to beat his personal best, describing the weather conditions; his decision-making process; and then the total loss of control as his flight instrument recorded a vertical ascent of 23 M/S in a hail storm that took him to over 7300 meters (over 24,000′)! Shortly before passing out from the negative G forces and exhausted from trying to control his wing Ben resigned himself to death. But fate had other plans for Ben. Eventually the cloud spit him out and Ben plummeted unconscious to the ground at 15-18 meters per second. He didn’t regain consciousness until he found himself hanging from a tree only a meter from the ground, alive but mostly blind and severely injured. After the dramatic cascade Ben details the challenges of self-rescue, the many mistakes of the day, and the emotional toll of the experience. Ben reflects on the lessons learned about risk management in adventure sports and the importance of community support during a crisis. His story serves as a cautionary tale for fellow adventurers, emphasizing the need for preparedness and awareness in the face of nature’s unpredictability. Buckle up, this one will blow your mind.

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Takeaways

Ben Lewis has been flying since 2009 and is a family doctor in the Yukon, Canada.
The CloudSuck incident was part of a larger pattern of accidents in the area.
Many pilots, including experienced ones, were caught off guard by sudden weather changes.
Ben felt a false sense of security flying under seemingly benign clouds.
The day of the incident, Ben aimed to break his personal distance record.
Communication with fellow pilots was limited during the flight.
Ben experienced extreme turbulence and loss of control in the clouds.
He passed out at high altitude due to negative G-forces.
The injuries sustained were a result of both the flight and the landing.
Ben’s experience highlights the importance of weather awareness and decision-making in paragliding. Ben was incredibly lucky to survive the fall.
His injuries included a broken neck and eye damage.
Self-rescue in the Himalayas is challenging and risky.
Community support played a crucial role in his recovery.
He plans to continue flying despite the incident.
The experience taught him valuable lessons about risk management.
He felt a deep sense of responsibility towards his family.
Ben’s vision issues were a significant concern post-accident.
He acknowledges the importance of proper equipment for safety.
Social media response was largely supportive and positive.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the CloudSuck Incident
06:04 The Intimidation of Mountain Flying
11:46 The Day of the Incident: Setting the Scene
18:01 The Moment of Panic and Loss of Control
23:54 Reflections on the Experience
29:38 Surviving the Fall: A Paraglider’s Tale
36:54 Self-Rescue in the Himalayas
46:00 Lessons Learned: A Cautionary Experience

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:39 — 54.2MB)

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#231 Chasing Excellence with Evan Bouchier

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In this conversation, American pilot and Adventurer Evan Bouchier shares his journey from extreme kayaking to paragliding, detailing his experiences and breakthroughs in the sport. He discusses the transition from intense paddling to flying, the importance of tandem flying in skill development, and the ups and downs of competition flying. Evan emphasizes the significance of flow, intuition, and visualization in enhancing performance, while also reflecting on the parallels between kayaking and paragliding. Evan shares his experiences and insights on paragliding, focusing on the mental aspects of flying, the importance of acro training for safety and mastery, and his future aspirations in cross-country flying. He discusses the challenges of performance lulls, the thrill of skiing compared to paragliding, and reflects on close calls in his flying career, emphasizing the need for resilience and mental fortitude in the sport.

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Takeaways

  • Evan started paragliding in 2008 after a background in kayaking.
  • His experiences in Nepal were pivotal for his flying skills.
  • Tandem flying helped him become a more well-rounded pilot.
  • He emphasizes the importance of flow and intuition in flying.
  • Evan’s journey includes both breakthroughs and setbacks in competition.
  • He learned to trust his instincts over overanalyzing his performance.
  • Visualization techniques have been beneficial for his confidence.
  • Cross-country paragliding resembles expedition kayaking in many ways.
  • The camaraderie and learning from other pilots at competitions are invaluable.
  • Evan’s approach to flying has evolved through various experiences and challenges. Focusing on sensations rather than analysis can enhance performance.
  • Breathing techniques are crucial for maintaining calm in flight.
  • Acro training is valuable for mastering non-standard configurations.
  • Team flying offers unique experiences and camaraderie.
  • Performance lulls are common; resilience is key to overcoming them.
  • Skiing brings joy, while paragliding feels more intense and serious.
  • Building mental armor helps pilots cope with risks.
  • Experiencing close calls can shatter confidence, requiring rebuilding.
  • Maintaining a positive attitude is essential during tough times.
  • The thrill of flying is deeply innate and fulfilling.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Evan’s Journey

02:53 The Transition from Kayaking to Paragliding

05:55 Experiences in Nepal and Breakthroughs in Flying

08:50 The Evolution of Competitive Flying

12:03 The Role of Tandem Flying in Skill Development

15:12 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Progress

17:57 The Importance of Flow and Intuition in Flying

23:05 Finding Flow in Flight

26:10 The Role of Acro in Safety and Mastery

28:24 Future Aspirations in Cross-Country Flying

32:06 Navigating Lulls in Performance

37:07 Comparing the Thrills of Skiing and Paragliding

41:13 Close Calls and Building Resilience

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:34 — 69.6MB)

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#230 Hugh Miller and making the Glide to Sailplanes

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In this conversation I speak with Cross Country magazine co-owner and long time editor Hugh Miller about his extensive experience in paragliding and his recent foray into sailplane flying. We discuss the differences between the two sports, the training and costs involved in becoming a sailplane pilot, and the unique experiences that come with cross-country flying. Hugh shares insights on the community and culture within gliding, the innovations in the industry, and reflects on the importance of aerodynamics and the thrill of flying. The conversation highlights the excitement and challenges of both paragliding and gliding, as well as the camaraderie among pilots.

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Takeaways

  • Hugh has been obsessed with paragliding for 32 years.
  • Sailplane training is more involved than paragliding.
  • The cost of training to fly a sailplane can be significant.
  • Gliding offers a different experience compared to paragliding.
  • Cross-country flying in gliders can be exhilarating.
  • Learning to glide involves understanding complex aerodynamics.
  • Community in gliding is supportive but more serious than in paragliding.
  • Innovations in gliding equipment are making the sport safer.
  • The culture in gliding is influenced by a more disciplined background.
  • Hugh enjoys the thrill of gliding but appreciates the freedom of paragliding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sailplane Adventures

03:14 Hugh’s Journey in Paragliding and Gliding

05:57 The Cost and Training of Sailplane Flying

09:04 Differences Between Paragliding and Gliding

12:03 Cross Country Flying Experiences

15:04 Learning Curve and Insights from Gliding

18:03 The Role of Instruments and Visual Cues in Gliding

21:06 Community and Culture in Gliding

23:48 The Future of Sailplanes and Innovations

26:50 Reflections on the Gliding Experience

30:03 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:47 — 116.3MB)

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#229, The Exit Point Podcast interviews your Host

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Day 35 crossing the Alaska Range approaching the Susitna Glacier

We flip the roles in this episode of the Cloudbase Mayhem. Laurent and Matt, the hosts of the Exit Point Podcast, which is dedicated to Base and Wingsuit Base invited your host Gavin McClurg on their show to discuss the commonalities of risk across extreme sports, flow, navigating intermediate syndrome, how important having mentors are, and a lot more. We rewind the clock back to my ski racing days and how early injuries affected the trajectory of my life; some too-close calls kayaking; and how sailing around the world two times built confidence in my approach to sports that have a lot less margin. Gavin is a four time Red Bull X-Alps athlete, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, author of “Advanced Paragliding“, Patagonia ambassador, founder of “Offshore Odysseys”, and Dad.

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Gavin McClurg (USA1) seen during the Red Bull X-Alps on Gaisberg, Austria on June 16, 2019
Gavin Mcclurg (USA2) and his support team perform during the Red Bull X-Alps in Peille, France (turn point 10) on 15th July 2015
Gavin Mcclurg (USA1) signs the Kronplatz TP during the 2019 Red Bull X-Alps
Window? Assessing our rather bleak options above Chur with Tobias (Team Italy 2). Photo Vitek Ludvik
Patagonia ambassador Gavin McClurg flying past Denali during the Alaska paragliding traverse. Alaska Range, Alaska.
Gavin McClurg (USA1) prepares for flight during Red Bull X-Alps on Mangart, Slovenia (TP 2) on July 5, 2017. Photo Vitek Ludvig

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:51:33 — 76.6MB)

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