Tag Archives: paragliding

Paraglider Has Confrontation With Eagle

VULT_REF_648x365_2163510229-heroWhen airborne, paragliders are able to enjoy many things in addition to the actual thrill of taking to the skies. For instance, when safe to do so, paragliding enables you to admire the scenery and observe many things that are happening whether they are visibly taking place on the ground or in the air.

Of course, there is always wildlife to see including the likes of deer or perhaps a fox crossing a field as well as many species of birds. If you are lucky you will witness birds of prey such as a falcon or a buzzard. However, rarely will you ever get the opportunity to see an eagle because, of course, they are so rare.

Well, a paraglider in Turkey did happen to come across an eagle but it got rather too close for comfort. In fact, it got so close that evasive action was required on the part of the gentleman in question including having to make an emergency landing.

Paragliding EaglesOzgur Cicek, a Turkish paraglider, was enjoying paragliding in the Antalya Province in southwest Turkey and had a small video camera attached to his helmet so that he could film what was going on around him and no doubt some of the wonderful scenery. He was enjoying his paragliding expedition when the majestic eagle appeared in the sky above him.

That may sound fine as the opportunity to observe such a creature probably occurs infrequently. However, this particular eagle decided that it wanted to get up close to Mr Cicek and his paraglider. So much so that it actually attacked the paraglider on more than one occasion no doubt causing him a great deal of concern. The eagle obviously has extremely sharp talons and it caused damage to the parachute by tearing a couple of holes in the material.

The initial enjoyment and thrill of seeing such a bird of prey no doubt quickly disappeared and Mr Cicek had to take evasive action and make an emergency landing in a field. Fortunately, he was able to do this without any injury to himself.

So, if you happen to be paragliding up in the likes of Scotland where eagles can sometimes be seen do be careful!

Paragliding World Record Broken

ParagliderWe are sure that all our paragliding customers will be interested to read that a new world record has been set for paragliding. The record was broken in Brazil on the 9th October 2015 by three residents of that country – Marcelo Prieto, Donizete Lemos and Frank Brown with the first two taking to the sky using Ozone Enzo 2s and the later using a GIN Boomerang 10.

The launch got under way from Tacima in the north east of Brazil quite early in the morning at 6.20am. 11 hours and 20 minutes later the three paragliders had travelled an incredible 513km. This breaks the previous paragliding world record achieved by Nevil Hulett back in December 2008 when he achieved a distance of 502.9km in South Africa.

For the majority of the exciting journey the three travelled close together and it was felt that this played an important part in them being able to break the world record that has yet to be verified. In fact, the three all managed to land in the same field having completed their epic flight. Apparently, during the first hour in the air, the winds were quite light but for the remainder of the flight racing speeds were achieved no doubt aiding progress considerably.Paraglider

For anyone that has taken part in paragliding, you will be aware just what a wonderful achievement travelling such a distance is. The effort required in being able to keep in the air for such a long period of time is substantial.

Here at AIB Insurance, we have arranged suitable insurance for many people that enjoy paragliding. So, if this is something that you are looking into perhaps because your existing cover is coming up for renewal or you are new to this exciting sport then why not get in touch with one of our experienced team on 02380 268 351 who will be delighted to discuss your requirements and arrange a competitive quotation.

Parahawking – Flying With A Bird Of Prey

Many people that participate in paragliding do so as they enjoy the thrill of taking part in an extreme activity. To be able to free-fly a lightweight paraglider, sometimes at several thousand meters above the ground and cover vast distances in a relatively short period of time, is demanding but exhilarating.Parahawking

Whilst flying through the air, a paraglider will observe many things going on around them both on land, water and in the sky including observing many birds. There is no doubt that being at one with nature is another appeal of the sport.

Well, how about adding another element to the pastime and paraglide accompanied by a bird of prey? That is exactly what a Parahawking experience offers and more! A Parahawking experience involves flying in a tandem paraglider following a specially trained vulture as it guides you to the best thermals.

ParahawkingThe Parahawking Project was set up in Pokhara, Nepal as a result of a falconer from the UK called Scott Mason enjoying a tandem flight in a paraglider in that location with Adam Hill, also from Britain, back in 2001. During the flight Scott saw a number of birds of prey and came up with the unique idea of training these wonderful creatures to fly alongside paragliders. Both gentlemen even helped produce a documentary film about the new activity called “Parahawking” that won a number of awards.

As Parahawking is only available in Nepal you will no doubt need to combine it with a week or two’s holiday. It enables you to not only enjoy paragliding but get up close to one of two Egyptian vultures known as Bob and Kevin as one of them glides alongside you and then lands on your hand to pick up bits of meat that you have brought it as a reward for it helping you find the thermals.

What a wonderful way of being able to interact with a bird of prey. More information can be found at www.parahawking.com.