I watched this because I think paragliding is about the cleverest thing human-beings do. Just a bunch of rag and some string and nearly 200km in a day. I think what's impressive is the intention. You're not just going where the air will take you. You had a plan and it succeeded. By the way, it's so beautiful...
Hi there. I Always enjoy watching your Videos. The Landscape is stunning. And it helps me a Lot as beginner to see how you plan the Route and make Progress.
What an adventure! Nice work! Thanks for taking footage and putting it all together to share with us! Taking footage in the air is difficult and editing it takes sooooo long!
Awesome videos mate, nice to see those places again. I was trying for ages to crack the 200fai (wanted out and return as well) and one of those times I got stuck on the Tyndall snow field like where you had to back track. The ridge east of Rob Roy stream is my favourite in NZ, pretty awesome walk up there one time too. Flying low hills end of day and head wind end of day bit of a down side to that route. Best part to see was your first turn point on main divide. Nice one
Thanks mate!! Pretty amazing flying on the divide there eh. If I get there again next year I’d love to try crossing and flying around the back of Edward and through the Matuki saddle. I think it would’ve been hard this day as there seemed to be more easterly wind that side (you can see it on the clouds). I studied every minute of your videos/track logs/blogs from when you flew these lines. You’re a huge inspiration. I hope you’re well and enjoying surfing the clouds in the French Alps!!
This is absolutely epic. It makes me want to move back to Wanaka (from the UK). Your XC and vol-biv videos are the best! Great filming and the descriptions of your thoughts on route and very useful. Keep them coming.
Another brilliant video Ben. You are truely an inspiration to the Paragliding community and anyone with a sense of adventure. Thanks for taking the time/effort to share your adventures in such cinematic, dramatic and epic detail.
thanks for sharing your method... great tip and a great process!!! I am a huge fun, first because the fly in NZ is amazing, high mountains and sea breeze in the same place...
Also I would never try breaking the record, it can be broken again, how about getting the first 200fai? Then you don't need to hold the record, you were the first :)
A good point!! To be honest I’m just happy to fly with an objective and some motivation! It’s great to push the boundaries here, the most epic part of this day was the amount of people out flying the course. Thomas, Julia, Kinga, Michi all flew about 160km of the task as well! Was pretty epic being back there with everyone else!
Would like to see your entire paraglider in a picture in picture. Why don't you place it in top left corner. Easy to edit as you use a 360 camera. You produce one of the best flying videos.
Benjamin, wow congratulations for your great work and great experience to show the world that everything is possible when you do it with all your heart, I am starting in the world of Paragliding here in Italy where I live, but I am in love with New Zealand thanks to you, many blessings to you and your loved ones🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations. Do you choose the lightest gear possible ? Like even your carabiners and speed bar being not made of any kind of metal ? 2 liner wing ? What gear did you and didn't you pack for this mission ?
Yeah I try to keep it as light/functional as possible. Mostly because here we are often facing long walks out if it doesn’t work. I flew with a tent, sleeping bag etc, enough food for 3 days. It gives me the confidence to fly anywhere without worrying.
As a fixed wing pilot, I have a lot of respect for you and other paragliders. Keep up the awesome work dude and hopefully you can smash that 200km glide. You know your mistakes now so this season I hope you smash it out of the park!
I once managed to fly the entire length of the Craigeburn range in my Edel Racer 32 (Sponsored by WordPerfect!). That was a 42-klick Out & return, plus an 8-klick glide to land at Lake Coleridge. I did that practicing for the NZ Champs back in 1994. :)
This is such an epic flight! Well done. I can see many hours and flights went into its preparation. Total masterclass Do you think a 200k triangle is the max for the speed of the gliders currently and the length of flyable daylight hours?
![New Zealand [Unofficial] FAI Record | Paragliding XC](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
