Tag Archives: risk management

#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.

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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.

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#254 Simon Oberrauner and Cracking the Code

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Austrian athlete Simon Oberauner has competed in the Red Bull X-Alps five times and has always finished in 6th place or better. In this year’s race he placed third for the second time, a mere seconds behind Lars Meerstetter after over 1200 kilometers (course line!) and 8 days of ferocious racing across the Alps. Simon reflects on his amazing experiences in this years race and the importance of attitude, teamwork, and training evolution. He shares insights on navigating risks, the legacy of the 8-time champion Chrigel Maurer, and offers suggestions for improving the race experience. Simon emphasizes the balance between safety and adventure, highlighting the need for understanding one’s strengths and the role of a supportive team in achieving success.

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#251 Risk and the Red Bull X-Alps with 9 time competitor Tom De Dorlodot

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In this conversation, four-time competitor and 2-time color commentator Gavin McClurg and 9-time competitor and Red Bull athlete Tom De Dorlodot discuss Tom’s continued recovery journey after a serious injury over a year ago snow-kiting in Norway and his recent emotional return to flying. They reflect on both of their recent Red Bull X-Alps experiences this June, exploring the dynamics of risk management in paragliding, the influence of gear and technology on performance, and the impact of media on the public perception of risk. The conversation also touches on the camaraderie among pilots and the future of the Red Bull X-Alps, emphasizing the balance between competitiveness and safety in high-stakes flying. We discuss the complexities of paragliding competitions, particularly the Red Bull X-Alps. They explore the pressures faced by athletes, the role of the organization when it comes to safety, and the tricky balance between racing and responsibility.

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#244 Grit and Growth: The Mindset of a Successful Pilot w Top Gun Ace Serge Durrant

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Serge Durrant, a former Top Gun fighter pilot turned paraglider, discusses his journey from aviation to adventure sports. We explore themes of mentorship, risk management, and the importance of community in high-stakes environments. Serge shares insights on overcoming fear, the competitive nature of flying, and the mental techniques that have helped him succeed in hang gliding, flying F-18 fighter jets, and paragliding. The conversation highlights the parallels between aviation and paragliding, emphasizing the need for grit and the value of learning from mistakes.

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#242 Stoic, Solo Adventuring with Juraj Koreň

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Juraj Koreň is an expert alpine climber and pilot from Slovakia who has been chasing some very extreme (often solo) adventures around the world for the last decade, including his 7 “virgin summits” attempt to climb and fly off the world’s highest peaks. We begin this conversation discussing his experience in the 2019 Red Bull X-Alps and how mistakes in his first race have guided his last five years of preparations for his second race this June. They discuss the challenges of solo climbing and the importance of understanding mortality in adventure sports. Juraj reflects on his experiences, including a harrowing solo climb of the north face of the Eiger and the mental battles faced during the Red Bull X-Alps race. We discuss the addictive nature of extreme sports, the lessons learned from past experiences, and the importance and intrigue of solo missions for personal growth and reflection.

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#241- Tom De Dorlodot and Resilience

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A year ago almost to the day professional Red Bull adventure athlete, 9 time Red Bull-Alps competitor, brainchild of “The Search” projects, professional speaker, loving father and husband Tom De Dorlodot was learning how to kite-ski in Norway for a future planned expedition across the length of Greenland when things went horribly, horribly wrong. This wasn’t Tom’s first major injury, but this one has forced Tom into some scary places both mentally and physically. Tom’s year has been a blur of darkness and light: nine major surgeries, months of antibiotics, at times a real risk of losing his leg pulling against optimism, hope, love of family and beautiful lessons.

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#240 A lifetime of Skydiving with Jeff Ayliffe

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Jeff Ayliffe hails from South Africa and has been under some sort of canopy for a great deal of most of his action-packed years, beginning at the age of 5 when he became obsessed with skydiving. Jeff shares his journey from a young skydiving enthusiast to a veteran member of the national team. He recounts personal stories, including the thrill of formation flying and some terrifying, and sometimes tragic moments when things went wrong.

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#232 An Impossible Story of Survival with Ben Lewis

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Canadian pilot Ben Lewis shares his perilous and rather unbelievable cloudsuck experience paragliding in Bir, India, where extreme turbulence led eventually to a harrowing near-death “landing.” After losing control and suffering severe injuries, he emphasizes the importance of weather awareness, risk management, and community support in adventure sports, providing vital lessons for fellow adventurers.

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#227 The XPeaks Expedition with Chrigel Maurer and Peter Von Känel

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Peter Von Känel and Chrigel Maurer embarked on the Xpeaks 82 summits project, becoming the first to link all 82 of the 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps using only their feet and paragliders. Despite weather challenges, they completed the mission in a remarkable 51 days through teamwork, expert skills, and careful resource management, and “embracing uncertainty.”

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