#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!

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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

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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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:38 — 54.6MB)

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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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#257- Chrigel Maurer and the Safety Debate

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Two weeks ago at the World Championships in Costelo, Brazil a competition pilot was killed. This tragedy sparked an immediate and fiery response on social media calling for a top-down change at CIVL, the governing body of Category 1 competitions. Interestingly, two years ago during the World’s in France there were over a dozen incidents, many which lead to serious injuries…but the blame was more sequestered to the pilots ability and decision-making, not the organization. Last week Chrigel sent me an 8 minute voicemail during a training session laying out his own personal thoughts on this charged debate. So we made an effort to sit down immediately and discuss it all without all of the online emotion. Who’s ultimately in charge of safety at competitions? We explore the historical context of safety measures and the comparisons with what’s going on now to what’s happened in the past, the stress levels experienced by pilots during competitions, and the importance of training and experience. The conversation also touches on accident statistics, the responsibilities of pilots versus organizers, and the development of gear and its impact on safety. We conclude with thoughts on future directions for safety and training in the sport.

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Takeaways

The paragliding community experiences waves of safety concerns and performance debates.
Stress levels during competition can significantly affect pilot performance and enjoyment.
Training and experience are crucial for handling advanced gliders safely.
Accident statistics reveal a need for better safety awareness in paragliding.
Pilots must take personal responsibility for their safety during competitions.
Organizers face challenges in balancing safety and competition excitement.
Gear development should prioritize safety alongside performance.
A culture of safety needs to be fostered from the beginning of training.
More communication between pilots and organizers can improve safety measures.
Future improvements in paragliding safety require collaboration between athletes and manufacturers.

Sound Bites

“It’s a wicked dangerous sport, just period.”
“We have to develop new stuff.”
“We need to find solutions together.”

Chapters

00:00 The Safety Debate in Paragliding
04:51 Understanding Stress Levels in Competition
09:41 The Role of Training and Experience
14:15 Accident Statistics and Safety Perception
19:12 The Responsibility of Pilots vs. Organizers
24:08 Gear Development and Safety Concerns
29:01 Future Directions for Safety and Training

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#256 From Newbie to the Red Bull X-Alps with Sebrand Warren

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Sebrand Warren got his start paragliding just a few short years ago in the US but got hooked immediately and set his sights on the ultimate challenge- the Red Bull X-Alps. Last year he dedicated himself 110% to the race by moving his life, job, and girlfriend to France to learn the intricacies of the Alps and the relentless physical training that is required to compete. In this episode we discuss the challenges and experiences surrounding the Red Bull X-Alps, including Sebrand’s recovery from a serious injury that happened just days after the race ended, the mental challenges faced during the race, and the importance of team dynamics. We explore the balance between expectations and performance, the significance of finding joy in the pursuit, and the impact of relationships on risk-taking in adventure sports. The conversation highlights the journey of personal growth and the lessons learned through competition and camaraderie. Sebrand was the last athlete who made goal in this year’s edition of the Red Bull X-Alps and became the race darling during the event for his endless enthusiasm in the face of struggle as well as his openness with the mental hardships he experienced.

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Takeaways

Recovery from injury is a long and challenging process.
Mental health plays a significant role in performance.
Team dynamics can greatly influence race outcomes.
Expectations can be both motivating and detrimental.
Finding joy in the sport is crucial for success.
Communication with team members enhances performance.
Risk management is essential in high-stakes sports.
Relationships can be impacted by the risks involved in adventure sports.
Learning from experiences is key to growth.
Having fun can improve performance in challenging conditions.

Sound Bites

“I should land right next to him.”
“It was a gift from God.”
“We were all rookies in this race.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recovery Journey
05:57 Post-Race Hangover and Mental Challenges
11:45 The Decision to Pursue Paragliding Full-Time
17:46 Navigating Sponsorship and Financial Realities
21:29 The Prologue Experience and Mental Struggles
29:34 Finding Peace and Enjoyment in the Race
35:11 The Burden of Expectations
39:21 Finding Flow in the Race
44:31 Memorable Moments in the Race
48:24 The Importance of Fun in Flying
53:16 Navigating Risk in Relationships
58:53 The Impact of Parenthood on Risk-Taking
01:03:42 Team Dynamics and Growth

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#255 XC Concepts in depth with Calef Letorney

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In this episode I dive in once again with Calef Letorney to explore advanced cross-country techniques, focusing on thermal flying, the impact of wind, the concept of shark flying and a lot more. We discuss the importance of understanding day conditions, recognizing when to shift gears in flight, and the strategies that can lead to more efficient navigation in the air. The conversation is rich with insights and personal experiences, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced paragliders. We further explore the intricacies of cross-country (XC) flying, focusing on racing strategies, thermal management, gliding tips and the importance of teamwork. We discuss the nuances of timing in racing, understanding when to move on from climbs, and the significance of risk-taking in achieving success. The dialogue also covers practical landing techniques, managing stress during landings, and the dynamics of team flying, emphasizing the need for communication and collaboration among pilots. The conversation concludes with anecdotes that highlight the unpredictable nature of flying and the camaraderie that develops among pilots. Enjoy!

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If you like what you hear, please consider becoming a subscriber to ensure our high-quality content continues. You can also help contribute to a healthier, greener planet through our partnership with Our Forest. See our donation and subscription options here.

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Takeaways

The fundamentals of cross-country flying include good climbing and gliding techniques.
Understanding the day’s pressure and thermal conditions is crucial for effective flying.
Patience is key on sticky days; waiting can lead to better climbs.
Wind direction significantly affects flying strategies and climb efficiency.
Shark flying allows for more efficient navigation through the air without unnecessary turns.
Recognizing when to shift gears in flight can make a significant difference in performance.
High pressure days can present unique challenges and opportunities for pilots.
Visual mapping of conditions helps in finding the best thermals and glides.
Team flying techniques can enhance performance in competitive settings.
Experience and observation are essential for making quick decisions in flight. Flying fast requires discipline and understanding of the day’s conditions.
Knowing when to move on from a climb is crucial for XC success.
Risk-taking can lead to better positions in competitive flying.
Optimism is key in XC flying; planning for success is essential.
Practicing tight landings is important for all pilots.
Managing stress during landings can prevent accidents.
Leaside flying can be beneficial but requires caution and skill.
Team dynamics in flying can significantly enhance performance.
Sampling different air is vital for finding better climbs.
The unpredictability of flying often leads to memorable experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paragliding 301
02:55 Understanding Weather Conditions and Their Impact
05:55 Navigating High Pressure Days
08:56 The Role of Wind in Paragliding
11:54 Shark Flying Techniques
14:43 Strategies for Efficient Cross-Country Flying
30:48 Mastering the Art of Gliding
37:45 Recognizing Opportunities in Flight
51:16 Shifting Gears: Speed vs. Safety
58:28 Planning for Success in XC Flying
01:01:00 Tight Landing Zone Strategies
01:07:27 Mastering Tight Landings
01:16:46 Understanding Lee Side Thermal Strategies
01:24:37 Effective Team Flying Strategies
01:36:41 The Art of Two-Liner Technique

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Bonus Episode- Thermalling with Mitch Riley

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Veteran PWC pilot, long-time paragliding instructor, Red Bull X-Alps competitor and 2025 US National Champion Mitch Riley explains how to climb more efficiently during a weather day of the Red Rocks Wide Open this September 2025. He covers ground from the basics to the expert and everything in between. Looking to fly faster or farther? Tune in.

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