Serious mountain flying, the kind that requires jedi-level connection to micrometeorology and orographic flow, the ultimate in minimalist ultralight camping gear, shrewd navigational strategy, and excellent physical conditioning. Flying a wing that’s like an extension of the body and mind, but can also pack into a bag.

“Vol biv.” Essentially flying bivouac, the most spartan variety of backcountry flying known to man, hiking and flying in terrain that would make a turbo 206 pilot think twice.

Until you run out of Mountain House, anyway.



Paragliding. Paraglider. Himalaya.

Very cool. I gave up Paragliding when the gear just started getting good. There is a real level of commitment here, you do not want to hurt yourself in some these places. Simply landing in the wrong valley can be a multi day walk out.

Wow. What an adventure. High stakes, for sure.

Back in the 1980s, I never saw paragliders on the mountains, now even places as remote as Bir, India are crowded on good days. I was flying a rigid wing hang glider back in the day, but never tried paragliding. Now it looks like my timing was off. I like the idea of flying in a sitting position rather than prone, but only 20 pounds of gear for a cross country trip through the mountains? Not enough for my old bones. I like some of the comforts of home when I'm "roughing" it aerial camping. 200-300 pounds of extras is more like it for my comfort level.

Was camping at Mineral Canyon UT75. I see a paraglider coming off one of the nearby cliffs. Who shows up? My oldest son! What a surprise! And he even brought doughnuts too.

I was camping at Mineral Canyon with Ted when his son flew in. It was a great surprise!

Brian had a 20 pound pack for trekking around the southwest,it included his wing, full camping gear, and a
pack raft!

These videos are less about flying and more about wondering how this guy manages to stay in flight with the weight of his massive balls. When on land he must need a wheelbarrow to cart them around.

This IS the definition of adventure.

It’s no fluke the first person on top of the world was also a Kiwi…

Thank you skyward & Mike…

I have enough hobbies, but paragliding is starting an itch for yet another….

My son has done some 20+ mile hike-paraglide canyon trips in Utah…solo.

The donuts are TOTAL class.