speed flying advice

[Climber Joe]

Hey, so I am going to try and get into Speed Flying, and I want some advice.

The two avenues I have looked at are either getting a paragliding certification, then learning to speed fly. This will cost me $1400 total with additional money for gear. I would eventually like to do both, so this makes sense to me.

The other option is to just get into the speed flying. It will be cheaper, but I will probably want to do the paragliding eventually as well...


I am assuming its still a good idea to take lessons for speed flying, but welcome any and all advice on either topic. Also if anyone has a good resource for used gear, or general gear advice, that would be sweet too.

[sb]

lessons=good

don't die doing it

have phun

[gary begley]

Drop a line if you need some info.
Best
Gary Begley
www.garybegleysports.com

[systemoverblow'd]

I am assuming its still a good idea to take lessons for speed flying,

You think? Hell, I want to start kiteboarding and plan on taking lessons. I would think speed flying would could have a bit more death potential if you fuck up.

[birdskier]

Learn to paraglide first.You will get alot more time in the air and thats what you really need as a new pilot.I would also recommend getting a used wing for your 1st wing since you will be beating up on it while you are learning. Just look for a beginner wing with low hours and make sure it will pass a safety inspection. Paragliding wings are quite a bit more dynamic so once you have mastered flying and kiting your paraglider speed flying will be easyand that's what you want since there is very little room for error with speed flying.There's lots of used gear on www.paraglidingforum.com. Just take it slow and get some quality instruction.

[Climber Joe]

Learn to paraglide first.You will get alot more time in the air and thats what you really need as a new pilot.I would also recommend getting a used wing for your 1st wing since you will be beating up on it while you are learning. Just look for a beginner wing with low hours and make sure it will pass a safety inspection. Paragliding wings are quite a bit more dynamic so once you have mastered flying and kiting your paraglider speed flying will be easy and that's what you want since there is very little room for error with speed flying.There's lots of used gear on www.paraglidingforum.com. Just take it slow and get some quality instruction.

this is what I was looking for. Thanks! I will probably do the paragliding first.

[Climber Joe]

You think? Hell, I want to start kiteboarding and plan on taking lessons. I would think speed flying would could have a bit more death potential if you fuck up.

This is also a good way to ski/board across flats. You gonna kiteboard on water or snow?

[systemoverblow'd]

This is also a good way to ski/board across flats. You gonna kiteboard on water or snow?

For the time being, water. I live a block away from the ocean so that is my inclination. Would love to learn to paraglide and speedfly but being in Boston that isn't as easy a prospect as getting out on the water.

[jamesp]

I met some people in Australia that live in Boston & fly, there must be somewhere nearby (?).

[systemoverblow'd]

I'm sure there are plenty of places, but without a car it isn't easy to get to them. I can walk down the street and get on the water for now.

[Climber Joe]

For the time being, water. I live a block away from the ocean so that is my inclination. Would love to learn to paraglide and speedfly but being in Boston that isn't as easy a prospect as getting out on the water.

Best of luck, its one of the funnest things you can do on a board. But bring it with you when you go out on snow.

[Blurred]

DEFINITELY get lessons. It's not really a sport where you want to crash a bunch while learning.

The flying is the easy part. It's the weather, taking off and landing where knowledge really comes into play.

If you don't think you need lessons, start here.

speedflying fatality list


My favorite school has been Speedfly Soboba in southern California.
Everyone there is very cool in a ski bum sort of way.
I received my P2 certification through them, and a couple of friends and maggots have too.
speedfly soboba

Cloud9 in SLC with Steve Mayer/Steen/Kevin is good too.

I believe Gary Begley who posted here does lessons as well.

They all fly at Point of The Mountain in Sandy,UT which is fun and has predictable wind.

The new USHPArating for speedflyers is a "miniwing certification", but you're required to be P2 certified first. You can get p2 certified at Soboba and Cloud 9 while flying smaller wings like a 16m.

The best speedflying forum ishere and the best place for used gear is here

Another good place is here

Speedflying is pretty much the most frustrating yet rewarding, painful and humbling, coolest sport ever.

You'll see the mountains in a new way, and it will make pretty much everything else in your life boring.

Flying isn't for everyone, but if it's for you.....you'll not be able to think about anything else. It consumes you.

Hit me up with any other questions you have! -Brett

Now for some stoke. This guys a fucking maniac. Enjoy.

[birdskier]

Agree with blurred. Definately a humbling sport but so rewarding. Flying is the easy part. Learning and understanding weather is a different story. I've been flying over 10 years and am always learning. Speed and paragliding are both equally awesome. paragliding is alot more strategic and relaxing but there is alot of energy in the wing for acro and speed is just fast and fun. With paragliding you will also gain alot of understanding of how to control collapses especially if you get some training over the water. Speed wings and mini wings are alot more stable but collapes shouldn't be ruled out and pilot reaction should be automatic.