The Paragliding Podcast, Episode 4

Spring is here! In this episdode Tarquin and Ed talk new EN-Bs the team flew at the Pelvoux Testivol in the Ecrins. In particular, Tarquin shares the respective merits of Advance Theta ULS versus the Gin Bandit 2 – as well as a flight that didn't go as planned. He found himself at 3,200m in the wrong gloves with painfully cold hands and – too light on the wing – struggled to descend.  Ed dives into the incredible – and longread story of Ariel Zlatkovski's successful quest to fly 100 100km flights in a year. Spoiler alert – he succeeded, but it came at quite a personal cost. The pair then discuss Ryan Southwell's remarkable photos from a paramotor trip around the land of volcanoes, gorges and Norse gods, AKA Iceland. For anyone who wants to fly just one 100km flight, Tarquin shares some of the tips in this issue that XC coach and Nova CEO Ferdi Vogel gave in his Masterclass. They include learning to recognise triangles in the terrain, and why it's better to visualise thermals as condensation droplets and not honey. It was a record year in the Kerio valley earlier this year and Ed brings up the stories of Titi Macquet and his wife Blandine's record 252km tandem flight as well as the 363km flight by hang glider pilot Jeremy Soper. He tells the podcast that he's on a one-man mission to keep the distance records in the hands of hang glider pilots, otherwise "it's an existential threat" for the sport. Ed and Tarquin finish up talking about what's coming up, referencing the Monte Grappa Trophy and the stories they are working on for the next issue, which include an in-depth look at eyewear for pilots and the new book, 101 Ways to Fly Better. Thanks for listening! Join us every 6-8 weeks as we dive into the stories inside the latest issue of Cross Country magazine. Cross Country is the world’s international free flying magazine and is available online and in print.Subscribers enjoy articles on new flying techniques, inspiring stories from across the world and deep dives into micro-meteorology, the latest equipment advances – and much more. As well as receiving eight premium quality issues, subscribers can access six Masterclass coaching sessions and discounts on merchandise, books, and flying accessories. Cross Country is a flying trip found nowhere else. Find us online at www.xcmag.com and on social media @xcmag.