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| Messages 1 - 8 of total 8 in this topic |
Mungeclimber
Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
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Topic Author's Original Post - Dec 15, 2008 - 01:45am PT
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So my buddy Chriz is out and about living the high life this year and bought a wing moved to the land of wind and air and mormon faith.
He shows me these pics of killer launches and sweet gliding and kool tricks on mellow ridges.
I know some of yous guys ride the friendly skies. Good as it looks? What's the probability I end up a quad? What got you into it?
Did you see videos of dudes collapsing before or after you learned?
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klinefelter
Boulder climber
Bishop, CA
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Dec 15, 2008 - 11:09am PT
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Is your friend flying Point of the Mountain? Went there once for an early installment of the US Nationals back in '89 or '90. In those days the sport was still sort of experimental, and accidents were more frequent. I've flown occasionally in recent years and it's amazing how much things have improved. If you use good judgment and take the time to learn properly, I think it's pretty safe.
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spyork
Social climber
A prison of my own creation
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Dec 15, 2008 - 11:22am PT
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Hey Munge,
I flew dirt-divers (err Hang Gliders) from 81 to 90, then I quit. Point of the Mountain was very cool. I camped up on the table for 3 or 4 weeks one summer. But I lost quite a few friends, and not from my abrasive personality. Its the best rush I have ever been addicted to, but its pretty damn serious.
When I flew, I was all about flying and I was 100% in. IMO you cant be half hearted about that stuff, it will get you hurt.
Be safe,
Steve
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pyro
Big Wall climber
Calabasas
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Dec 15, 2008 - 12:01pm PT
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Munge, I went because an old climber friend took me out for a tandom sail.
we almost grounded that day because the winds were just under 35knots.
what a cool sport to get into.
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Gilwad
climber
Frozen In Somewhere
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Dec 15, 2008 - 12:21pm PT
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I tell the people I teach that the danger per hour is about like riding a motorcycle. Might be a bit more, bit less, but it's a high-consequence sport. Climbers make very good pilots if they get through the initial year or two, but in my experience they aren't as natural at flying as skiers or paddlers. Some are of course, but climbing is a relatively static sport, flying is a flow sport. There is flow in climbing, but it's usually pretty easy to stop. Not so in flying, paddling, skiing, you're in motion and need to work with that. Climbers also tend to respond to fear by either ignoring it or pushing harder, which does not work well in flying.
If you won't ride a motorcycle because it's too dangerous then flying likely isn't for you. Almost every long-time rider has crashed, same with PG pilots. HG isn't any different statistically.
It's a damn fine way to see the world, but it will likely end your climbing career for a while if you get sucked into flying. It is wildly addictive.
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rmsusa
Trad climber
Boulder
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Dec 15, 2008 - 02:04pm PT
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The Wasatch front is awesome but, all things considered, I like SoCal better for flying. I've got a lot of time in the air in both places. San Diego is close to perfect with Torrey for coastal flying, the Lagunas for the mountains and easy access to a few killer adventure sites in the Baja and the Owens Valley.
Flying is way more committing than climbing and maybe even more thrilling, but not nearly so physically demanding. Man's oldest dream is to fly like the birds!
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martygarrison
Trad climber
The Great North these days......
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Dec 15, 2008 - 02:14pm PT
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DMT, it also ended Stu's professional career. He almost died and still uses a cane. I have known three folks who have broken their backs either HG or PG.
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Jim E
climber
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Dec 17, 2008 - 10:50am PT
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Hey Gilwad, I just bought a motorcycle last year so maybe I'm ready to take up flying again. Whattaya think?
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| Messages 1 - 8 of total 8 in this topic |
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