One evening after work, in January of 2004, I was watching the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) and came across a show on paragliding. I was so mesmerized by this method of free flight that I immediately hit the Internet to see where I could learn. To my surprise, instructional courses took place within 20 minutes of my front door (at Ed Levin Park).

So, I signed up and began taking my first instructions in March of 2004. Progression was quick at first, but I took it very slow after my first top of the hill flight when I realized the air can be a bit bumpy. At 48 years old, my risk taking days were a thing of the past, but I was determined to overcome my timidness with practice and lots of it.

Thus, I spent many days after work at the local high school practicing inflations and kiting. And, every other weekend (the ones without custody of my kids), when conditions were good, I was out flying somewhere. Learning to feel the wing and be one with it, is what I wanted more anything. Unfortunately, the wing seems to feel new in each and every different wind condition. 

So, you know what I was doing every spare minute of my time. By March of 2005, I acquired my P3, but it was with very limited thermal experience. So, my next goal, aside from P4, was to become very proficient (and efficient) at thermalling. 

Soaring over the ocean - Courtesy - Craig Gamma

Of course, that meant hitting places out of the area, such as Potato Hill; Woodrat; Whaleback; Point of the Mountain and Mexico. Couple this with 3 Safety in Flight clinics over lake Don Pedro and my timidness is finally disappearing. Although, I believe it's very wise to be somewhat reserve and conservative in this sport..., it doesn't mean I will cease to progress. Slowly but surely is my motto for paragliding. However, it all comes with a price. In fact, one that I dare not attempt to calculate.

If I look back at the cost of instruction, equipment, travel, accommodations..., it must be over 18K in the last two years. And, YIKES, that's not even taking into account the 4-wheel drive vehicle I bought either.

Oh well, Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work I go...to pay for what I spent already, Hi Ho, Hi Ho! Whoooooaaahhh! Will this obsession ever end??? Noooo way, because now I know why the birds' sing.