Video: A Dust Devil Throws This Paraglider For A Loop
Cross-country paragliding is normally a tranquil experience. However, sometimes Mother Nature likes to make sure we're not getting too complacent. In this particular case, she reminded a paraglider launching from Mt. Borah in New South Wales, Australia that launch conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably. Getting caught in a spiraling updraft popularly termed a "dust devil" is a near-worst case scenario for a launching paraglider, and this video shows why. The incident, in which the pilot was violently swung about before regaining control, was captured on camera by the man's wife.
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Both the pilot and the paraglider were undamaged by the event, but onlookers were clearly shaken by the dramatic scene, with the pilot's wife declaring "I never want to fly again!" after a lengthy session of hysterical screaming.
