Kinga Masztalerz gets after it. She picked up paragliding not too long ago, but has been pretty fierce about chasing it hard from the beginning. She’s tackled the Red Bull X-Alps twice, flown all over the world, runs her own hike and fly race in New Zealand, and instructs at home in New Zealand and in places like Bir, India. But her journey has had quite a few scary bumps on the way. We start off with her experience in the X-Alps. She shares her initial excitement and overwhelming feelings during her first race in 2019 and the disappointment of being eliminated and the emotional impact it had on her. Kinga also talks about her injury in 2021 and the challenges she faced in participating in the race. She reflects on the changing dynamics of the Red Bull X-Alps and how her approach to flying has evolved over time. She emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, using her own rather scary ones early on as a catalyst towards building confidence as a pilot. Then we get into her coaching journey and the importance of understanding the mental and physical aspects of flying. She shares her experiences with overcoming fear and gaining confidence, and how she developed her coaching program to help other pilots navigate their own flying journeys. Kinga also talks about the balance between turning a passion into a business and how guiding and coaching actually adds to her love for flying. Lastly, she introduces the Wanaka Hike and Fly Race, a fun event that combines adventure, socializing, and flying in the beautiful Southern Alps of New Zealand. Enjoy! Find our more about Kinga here: Kinga’s website: https://kingamaszta.com/ Kinga’s coaching: https://kingamaszta.com/coaching/ Connect with Kinga on Social: Instagram: @kingamaszta https://www.instagram.com/kingamaszta Facebook: @KingaGoneWild https://www.facebook.com/KingaGoneWild Wanaka Hike & Fly race: https://wanakahikefly.nz/ Takeaways * Flying progression is not a linear path, but rather a bumpy journey that involves mental and physical challenges. * Coaching can provide valuable guidance and support for pilots as they navigate their own flying journeys. * Turning a passion into a business can add to the love for the sport, as it allows for sharing knowledge and helping others. * Mistakes and failures are essential for learning and improving in the sport of paragliding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:19 Kinga’s Experience in the Red Bull X-Alps 07:25 The Changing Dynamics of Red Bull X-Alps 09:38 Emotional Moments in the Race 13:01 The Shift in Kinga’s Approach to Flying 16:20 Flying as a Reflection of Life 22:35 Learning from Mistakes and Building Confidence 36:15 Coaching and the Journey of Progression 41:30 Passion for Flying and Guiding Others 48:06 Learning from Mistakes and Cheap Mistakes 58:58 Wanaka Hike and Fly Race

Tom flying the Peregrine “In comparison [to the flying scene] the rest of my life has been a disappointment.” –Tom Peghiny. This quote came into my inbox a few months ago from Hugh Miller at Cross Country magazine with the words “you’ve got to interview Tom!” If you’ve seen the incredible film “Big Blue Sky” which documents the early days of hang gliding you’ll recognize Tom Peghiny (if you haven’t- watch it, it’s awesome). Tom started flying hang gliders at the age of 13 in 1969. He was the youngest person to compete in the first US Nationals at Sylmar, CA in 1973. He was the youngest person at the first World’s in Kossen, Austria in 1975. And Tom says he’s even more passionate about flying now in his 60’s than he’s ever been. In this episode Tom discusses his early days in hang gliding, the progression of the sport, the influence of RC flying on his understanding of air, the need for safety and regulations, his experience at the World Championships in Kossen, and the design of the Peregrine, Kestrel, and Merlin wings. Tom shares his experiences flying on Mount Washington and other memorable moments in hang gliding and being a test pilot; and the wonderful and rather incredible history of flight that has absorbed his life, and the transition to paragliding in the past few years which has stoked his passion further. Enjoy this chat with a one of the godfathers of the sport! Takeaways * Early hang glider designs were crude but conceptually advanced, and they influenced the growth of the sport. * The first World Championships in hang gliding showcased the sport’s potential and led to the establishment of safety measures. * Tom Peghiny played a significant role in the development of hang gliding, both as a designer and a test pilot. * Hang gliding competitions and the camaraderie among pilots contributed to the growth and popularity of the sport. * The transition from hang gliding to paragliding brought new challenges and opportunities for Tom. Paragliding can be a lifelong passion, with individuals getting hooked on the sport and continuing to fly even in retirement. * Triangle flying is a challenging goal for many paragliders, as it requires stable conditions and low wind speeds. * Memorable flights and competitions can create lasting memories and connections within the paragliding community. * Financial stability in paragliding can come from various sources, such as sponsorships, involvement in related industries, and diversifying income streams. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 Early Days of Hang Gliding 08:03 Progression of Hang Gliding 11:51 RC Flying and Understanding Air 19:08 First World Championships in Cosen

Something pretty special is happening right now in the US when it comes to competitions. This is of course subjective, but in my opinion we have the most dynamic, fun, inclusive comp scene in the world. And it is being led by our women. Our US National Champion this year is Galen Kirkpatrick, who was on the previous show and been lodging some incredible results- 1st, Red Rocks Wide Open (overall), 3rd Chelan (overall), 3rd Monarca (overall); Alexia Fischer is the top ranked PILOT in the WPRS in the United States and just came away with two top ten results overall at the British and Pre PWC in Colombia last month; Violeta Jimenez is currently ranked 3rd in the NTSS (US overall ranking) and is a shoe-in for the podium regardless of the race; and Jenny Oneil has only been in the game a few years and is already competing along with these incredible ladies right now at the Superfinal in Brazil. At the Monarca in January Galen, Violeta and Alexia were all in the top 10- OVERALL. In this conversation, Gavin McClurg talks to our leading US Women’s team members about how they have created this new paradigm. They discuss their backgrounds, breakthrough moments, advice for those interested in competitions, and the formation and goals of the team. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusivity and visibility in paragliding, as well as the progress and achievements of women in the sport. We discuss their future plans and goals for women’s paragliding, and share their experiences of overcoming setbacks and challenges. They also reflect on their personal journeys and triumphs, and express their excitement for the upcoming Super Final. This episode is a blast- enjoy! Takeaways * Competitions are a great way to learn and improve in paragliding. Even if you’re not ready to win, participating in competitions allows you to fly with experienced pilots and receive immediate feedback on your performance. * Focus on performance rather than results. Concentrate on improving your skills, such as climbing and gliding, and the results will follow. * The women’s paragliding team aims to capitalize on the current momentum and make their success the norm rather than the exception. They work together to discuss strategies, analyze tasks, and support each other in competitions. * The women’s team emphasizes the importance of mentorship and learning from experienced pilots. They encourage aspiring competitors to seek guidance and advice from coaches and more experienced pilots in order to accelerate their learning and progression. Inclusivity and visibility are crucial for encouraging more women to participate in paragliding. * Having role models and a supportive community can inspire and motivate women to pursue their goals in the sport. * The progress and achievements of women in paragliding are changing the perception of what is possible for female pilots. * It is important to create opportunities and support systems for women in paragliding to ensure their continued success and growth. Chapters 00:00Introductions and Backgrounds 19:44Breakthrough Moments 29:28Advice for Those Interested in Competitions 36:55The Women’s Team 37:45Importance of Inclusivity and Visibility

Galen Kirkpatrick came into flying just seven short years ago and is the 2023 US National Champion, the first female in the history of paragliding to do so. Not long after her first flights she quit her day job and dove into into the deep end of the paragliding pool. She sought the best mentors, got into acro, became a sought-after tow tech, became and instructor, got into comps and hasn’t looked back. Her story is a remarkable climb to the top against a stiff headwind. It began with a fascination (and considerable fear) of flight, an early tree impact and eventually a complete course correction- in life, and in flying. The result has been an absolutely astonishing year of flying lights-out. After some very nice results in Brazil a year ago Galen headed over to Europe to compete in a world cup in Spain to get warmed up for the Worlds in France. But life had other ideas. Instead of flying in the competition, Galen, in her own words “had a complete break down.” The result? Galen took the pressure off and started writing a new script. One that was based on fun first. One that overcame self-doubt and created space for creativity- in her air game as well as her ground game. Galen was 3rd at US Nationals in Chelan (overall). Then she won US Nationals at the Red Rocks Wide Open (one task was a personal best!). She was 3rd overall at the Monarca last month. She’s on a role, and in this episode we dive into how she’s done it, and the tools she’s built we can all use to succeed. Follow Galen on Instagram and her guiding adventures @readysetgalen Takeaways * SIV training is crucial for becoming a safe and skilled pilot. * Emotional safety is essential in flying, allowing pilots to be creative and have fun. * Creating a new story and believing in oneself can lead to success in competitions. * Confidence is an asset in flying, while arrogance is a liability. * Applying lessons from flying to life can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. Preparing for competitions requires finding the right emotional space and being self-aware. * The US comp scene is experiencing a shift, with more cohesion and support among pilots. * The momentum of women in the sport is growing, with a focus on working together and supporting each other. * Being yourself and having mutual respect within the community are important for personal growth and success. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Syncing Up 00:28Background and Flying Career 03:03Transition to Making a Living from Flying 04:51Teaching and Training 06:33The Importance of SIV 07:06Willful Ignorance and Risk Tolerance 08:35Creating a Safe Cross-Country Pilot 09:52The Midair Incident in Turkey 11:15Will Gadd’s Mindset and Risk Assessment 12:11The Concept of Willful Ignorance 16:20Applying Flying Lessons to Life 19:03The Relationship Between Flying and Life 21:21Getting Into Competitions 22:21Becoming the National Champion 26:59The Spain Experience and Creating a New Story

Pierre flying off Everest South African pilot and adventurer Pierre Carter has been at this game for a very long time, and he hasn’t wasted any time chasing thin air dreams. Pierre has been knocking off the world’s seven summits for nearly 20 years (some of them several times), and has flown off all but Denali (because it’s illegal) and has only Antarcticas Mt Vinson remaining. In between his efforts to summit and fly off the worlds highest peaks (including Carstensz Pyramid in Papua New Guinea) Pierre competed in the Red Bull X-Alps three times, organized the X-Berg hike and fly race in South Africa and most recently had a bit of an epic in Pakistan. Come along for an amazing ride with a very special gentleman. Everest Flying off Kilimanjaro Peru Takeaways * Pierre Carr has a passion for paragliding and mountaineering, which has defined his life and career. * Flying off the Seven Summits is a challenging and rewarding adventure that requires permission and careful planning. * The Red Bull X-Alps is a thrilling race that combines paragliding and hiking across the Alps. * Flying off mountains like Kilimanjaro and Denali requires skill, experience, and favorable weather conditions. Flying in the Dolomites can be challenging and requires knowledge of the area. * Food poisoning can have a significant impact on performance in the X-Alps. * Support teams play a crucial role in the success of athletes in the X-Alps. * Knowing the Alps well is essential for navigating the X-Alps effectively. * Knee replacement surgery can improve mobility and allow for continued adventure. * The Red Rocks race and the X-Berg Challenge offer unique and exciting opportunities for paragliding and adventure sports. * Climbing Denali and Carstensz Pyramid are challenging and rewarding mountaineering experiences. Flying in Papua New Guinea can be challenging due to difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. * Obtaining a permit to fly off Mount Everest is a complex process, but it opens up the opportunity for a unique and iconic flight. * Flying off Mount Everest is a surreal and emotional experience, despite the short duration of the flight. * Pierre has future plans to climb and fly off Mount Vincent, as well as other 8,000-meter peaks. Methodical review helps in organizing and understanding the content of a conversation. * Identifying principal themes allows for a more structured and cohesive presentation. * Consolidating subtopics under primary themes provides a comprehensive exploration of the conversation. * Creating fewer, more expansive chapters enhances the listener experience. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Appreciation 01:48Early Years and Introduction to Paragliding

Marcus King has been flying pretty much full time since 1991. He spent many years with the early Ozone team and has been on the design team with Cross Country Magazine for ages. All those gear and wing reviews you see in the magazine (and a TON of the photos!) are compliments of Marcus. In this chat Marcus shares his background in paragliding, his work in the industry, the rise of the sports class competitions, his involvement in the Red Bull X-Alps, and his passion for flying in the French Alps. And then we switch to a very unfortunate totally benign day back in September when Marcus hit the ground hard. Marcus shares his experience of the accident, the rescue operation, and the injuries he sustained and of course the 20-20 hindsights that are always a part of the forensics of making mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of wearing proper safety gear such as an EN certified flying helmet; always communicating with folks before you head out so people know where you are; having all your emergency gear even for the “easy” flights; and the need to respect the risks involved in paragliding with every single flight you take. Marcus discusses his rehabilitation and recovery process, highlighting the mental challenges and coping strategies he employed. Marcus also explores the impact of the accident on his family and the decision to fly again. Important lessons for everyone to hear. Enjoy! Takeaways * Wearing proper safety gear, such as an EN certified flying helmet, is crucial in minimizing the risk of injuries during paragliding accidents. * Rehabilitation and recovery from paragliding injuries require patience, mental strength, and taking one day at a time. * The paragliding community provides valuable support and inspiration for pilots recovering from accidents. * Respecting the risks involved in paragliding and maintaining a cautious mindset is essential for safe flying. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 07:21Flying in the French Alps 15:35Wing Testing and Gear Reviews 20:06The Rise of Sports Class Competitions 25:13The Red Bull X-Alps Experience 32:38The Accident and Rescue 37:37The Accident and Rescue 39:05The Importance of Proper Safety Gear 40:02Injuries and Hospitalization 44:20Rehabilitation and Recovery 45:02Mental Challenges and Coping Strategies 46:24Lessons Learned and Safety Precautions 49:12Guilt and Support from Family 50:59The Decision to Fly Again 52:23Prognosis and Recovery 53:37Previous Accidents and Lessons 54:17Mixed Emotions about Returning to Flying 56:11Finding Hope and Inspiration from Other Pilots 01:01:13The Importance of Respecting the Risks 01:04:49The Desensitization to Accidents in the Paragliding Community 01:06:24The Illusion of Safety in Familiar Environments 01:09:07The Flow State and Risk Management 01:12:18The Importance of Tracking Devices

Jake Holland is a British filmmaker and adventure pilot based in Chamonix. In this episode we discuss his totally wild experiences this season and last in Pakistan with professional climbers Will Sim and Fabi Buhl, and pilots and adventurers Aaron Durogati, Antoine Girard, Veso Ovcharov and others, and the challenges of capturing these high altitude adventures on film. We discuss the mission of using paragliders as an access tool to explore remote mountains, the economics of filmmaking in the paragliding industry, and the risks and safety considerations involved. Jake shares his background in flying and filmmaking, as well as the logistics of traveling with heavy equipment. We touch on the impact of paragliding on the climbing community and the accessibility of paragliding adventures in Pakistan. Jake discusses various themes related to adventure flying and filmmaking. We discuss the importance of understanding the sky and weather conditions and the importance of backcountry knowledge. The conversation touches on Jake’s Tanzania trip with Tom de Dorlodot and Horacio Llorens, as well as the challenges of filmmaking and maintaining creative control, and the difficulties and rewards of flying in Alaska and Pakistan. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of slowing down and embracing the adventure of being out in nature. Enjoy! Takeaways * Paragliders can be used as an efficient and lightweight tool to access remote mountains and explore new lines. * Filmmaking in the paragliding industry can be challenging due to the economics involved, but there are opportunities to collaborate with outdoor brands and create marketing films. * Paragliding adventures in Pakistan offer unique flying conditions, with high cloud bases and the potential for long-distance flights. * Flying with skis and landing in high-altitude environments requires careful piloting skills and consideration of the weather conditions. * Traveling with heavy camera gear and equipment can be a logistical challenge, but airlines like Turkish Airlines offer free ski bags for international flights. Understanding the sky and weather conditions is crucial for adventure flying. * Backcountry knowledge, especially about snow conditions, is essential for safe flying. * Drones have revolutionized aerial filming, providing filmmakers with unique perspectives. * Adventure flying is gaining popularity, attracting more people to explore remote and challenging locations. * French pilots are known for their daring and innovative approach to adventure sports. * Filmmaking in remote locations requires careful planning and balancing creative control with budget constraints. * Flying in Alaska presents unique challenges due to unpredictable weather and flying conditions. * Pakistan offers incredible flying opportunities, but conditions can vary, requiring adaptability and patience. Unplugging from technology and immersing oneself in nature and community can be a deeply fulfilling experience. * Exploring the Grand Canyon during the winter offers a unique and less crowded experience. * The Grand Canyon offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting. * Dreaming and planning for future adventures can bring excitement and anticipation.

Adventure often runs in the blood of Kiwis, and in Louis Tapper it runs thick. Long before Louis got hooked with flying he broke a world distance record in kitesurfing in Brazil and was (and remains) a pretty hard-core paddler. When he discovered flying he dug in hard. Louis competes regularly in World Cups around the world; is a 5-time New Zealand National Champion; and currently holds the out and back triangle records in New Zealand. In this episode we explore many aspects of managing risk, beginning with his epic in Brazil. We discuss the crossover between paddling and flying, best-practices for progression in paragliding, and the lessons Louis has learned from flying sailplanes. The conversation then shifts to the topic of the recently published New Zealand Safety and Accident Report, which Louis and several others researched and penned. We dive into what the comprehensive report uncovered, why it’s almost always a string of errors that lead to an accident, where the greatest change is needed, who is most at risk, and why too many accidents in paragliding, speed flying, and hang gliding keep happening. We explore the concept of human factors in accidents and the potential for applying lessons from commercial aviation to improve safety in free-flight. Turns out it remains pretty obvious: it’s the basics that can make a big difference- ground handling, launching, and landing. Louis emphasizes the importance of margin and observation in reducing accidents and the importance of personal approach, wing handling, and situational awareness. The conversation also highlights the significance of decision-making and why pilots don’t throw when they should, the risk assessment for different pilot levels, and the need for a community-based safety approach. The slow progress in changing the safety culture in New Zealand (and around the world) is acknowledged, along with the compromises in safety associated with lightweight gear. An important talk with a fun individual! Enjoy! To read the Safety Task Force Report go here. To see the FlyTop approach to safety that Louis discusses in the show go here. What is old is new, 20 year old recommendations for the Hang Gliding community that still stand true today. Éxcellent collection of safety ideas and concepts- Now in English Home French study on Paraglide instructor accident rates (turn on subtitles) Takeaways * Persistence and thoughtful decision-making are important in extreme adventures. * Observation and risk management are crucial skills in paragliding, hang gliding and speed flying. * There is a need for better accident reporting systems and a focus on human factors in paragliding. * Lessons from other sports, such as backcountry skiing, can be applied to improve safety in paragliding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:32 Kitesurfing and Distance Record

Thad Spencer returns to the Mayhem to discuss a very different topic than we did in our previous chat. A little over 18 months ago Thad went out with his friend Alex Peterson for what looked like a pretty good day to go big in western Minnesota. Alex towed up first without incident, then Thad hooked in and began to tow up and things went pretty quickly from good day to lights out. Thad discusses the selfish nature of paragliding and its impact on relationships. He also talks about his experience with the Zeno 2 glider and launching in challenging conditions. He shares his experience with emergency response and the hospital, as well as his injuries and recovery process. In this conversation we discuss various aspects of overcoming fear, taking risks, and embracing challenges as we age. We also delve into the topic of retirement and the process of redefining self-identity and finding purpose in this new phase of life. Thad shares his personal experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of confidence and the journey of releasing and rediscovering one’s identity. The conversation concludes with a humorous story about Bill Belcourt’s halo and a reflection on their shared love for flying. This is a humble and at times very funny story about bad luck, good luck, fear injury, family, pain, laughter, and returning to flying. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: Takeaways * Overcoming fear and taking risks can lead to personal growth and new experiences. * Injuries can have long-lasting consequences and make individuals more cautious in certain activities. * Confidence is crucial in extreme sports, but it’s important to find a balance between confidence and caution. * Retirement can be a challenging transition, but it also offers an opportunity to redefine self-identity and find new passions and purpose. * Creating and making things can bring fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment in retirement. * Releasing and rediscovering one’s identity is a journey that takes time and self-reflection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 The Importance of Communication and Emergency Contacts 06:00 The Selfish Nature of Paragliding and Its Impact on Relationships 09:00 The Zeno 2 and Launching in Challenging Conditions 18:00 The Accident: A Big Frontal on Tow 26:00 Emergency Response and Hospital Experience 32:00 Injuries and Recovery 01:08:30 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks 01:09:22 The Consequences of Injury 01:10:18 The Importance of Confidence 01:11:07 Embracing Challenges as You Age 01:11:37 Retirement and Self-Identity 01:12:31 Finding Purpose in Retirement 01:13:55 The Transition to Retirement 01:14:49 Accepting Aging and Redefining Self-Worth 01:16:14 The Process of Retirement 01:17:43 Creating and Making Things 01:19:01 Releasing and Rediscovering Identity 01:20:33 The Journey of Retirement 01:21:17 Walking and Reflecting

Phil Hystek “Flat out Phil” Hystek has been instructing free flight in Australia longer than anyone. It began with a fascination of hang gliding in the 70’s, becoming a hang gliding instructor in the late 80’s in California, being “forced” into paragliding in the early 90’s and his energizer batteries are going stronger than ever today. Phil has racked up 171,000 meters of vertical ascent in his back yard to date this year (at age 65!), just returned from a 4 weeks of vol-biv flying in Bir, India and is a story teller for the ages. We travel the world, meet the legends, pull off the absurd in Telluride, pack it hard in Bali, and find out who thrives in this sport and who should maybe take up a different activity. Sit back, crack a cold XXXX and enjoy, this one will have you in stitches! Phil’s bivvy site in India