XC Flying with Jocky Sanderson at Kamshet, India
Flying High at Tower Hill
On the last day of the workshop the general task of the day was to gain height and head out over the back in the general direction of Lonavala and Mumbai. Pilots took off by 2.30 and were buzzing about trying to get up and out. Chris White was up there and waiting to fly out with anyone who got high enough. He later headed out with Abhijit.
Back on the hill the skies were full of rainbow colored gliders buzzing about at different elevations and distances moving out and back to the ridge when the wind cycles slowed down.
Rinul gets ready to takeoff - Ravi watches the wind
Dwane, Dylan, Hiren and Sandip, Rinul all gained height at some point or the other. Rinul got up and hung around by the tower working it and waiting. Jocky Sanderson took off later that afternoon. Those who were interested were told to land at 4.30 for a lecture in Psychology and then it would be time to go our own ways. Jocky took off and headed back over the hill with the pilots who were high enough and ready to go. Rinul and Foram another young female pilot headed out with him. They flew 6 km back over the hill in a down wind glide. Just 6 km you may say but we were super excited to see Rinul and Foram head out . Way to go girls I said to myself as I kept turning in sink to get yet another view of the crescent shaped wings fading out as they glided further away from us.
Fly Rinul Fly
I met Foram later when we gathered at the Rangoli Restaurant for the last lecture and to say our goodbyes. “You should have been there with us Astrid” she said. At that instant I came to the realisation that although I had been hesitant to leave the hill, as I saw them head out i knew in my heart that was definitely where i wanted to be – heading out on a glide with friends.
The course ended with a lecture on Psychology and Flying and like the very first lecture it aimed many kicks at my butt waking me up to the many possibilities of stepping out of my comfort zone away from my unique self crafted issues to overcome my fears and demons and fly high and far.
We said our goodbyes and headed out to Native Place for one last night of being together. Happy excited pilots and friends sharing special experiences. That night we thank Nirvana Instructors Ravi and Sandip once again for putting us first and foregoing chances to head out and away. You guys are amazing.
Peace Bliss & Happy Landings
Astrid Rao
3 Day Paragliding Safety & Thermalling Course with Jocky Sanderson at Kamshet
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- Jocky Sanderson and Chris White with the FlyNirvana Team
The dates for the course were November 4th to 6th. Ten of us from Nirvana Adventures including a young Sunith Rao who has been a great fan of Jocky’s having watched his Security in Flight training video innumerable times since the age of 4. In all there were over 35 pilots signed in for the course and our team went with no expectations and an open minds happy to meet the big man, listen to and fly with him.
Jocky Sanderson came across as youthful and full of energy. We were all familiar with how he looked from having watched his Security in flight video for the past 15 years. ‘He seems to be growing younger’ I thought. I guess it comes from doing what you love most. From his very first lecture we were spellbound. He delivered his lectures with a playful energy and his sound effects ( yes he made the most interesting sounds much to our delight) we were hooked. A guru for sure – I’d say a natural child and a guru rolled into one. An amazing combo of wisdom, patience and enthusiasm
Setting out the tasks for the day
Over the next couple of days were filled with morning and evening lectures and and an afternoon flying session (Strong winds in the morning kept is in the classroom) The group was loosely divided according to experience and the more proficient pilots took off in stronger winds while the rest waited for more favorable conditions. the flying was task based – thermalling, practicing maneuvers and those who got enough height would head out with Chris White, Jocky’s colleague.
Jocky Sanderson and Chris White - Party on the roof at Native Place
All in all it was a wonderful experience. Jocky beame a catalyst and raised our energy levels and our eagerness to learn, better ourselves. ‘Practice Practice Practice’, ‘Push your boundaries’ and ‘become one with your wing’ were the key words flying around. He changed the way we percieved our home sites and opened our thought process to new and exciting possibilities. Many pilots bested their performances including Rinul Pashankar who flew 6 km XC along with Jockey on the last day ( read about that in the next blog)
To see more pictures of this weekend click here
We are all grateful for the wonderful energizing experience
Peace Bliss & Happy Landings
Astrid Rao
www.flynirvana.com
Fly back home
Martin's flight from Tower Hill to Native Place
French paraglider pilot and instructor Philippe Lebre visited us again for the 6th time this January accompanied by a bunch of old friends and pilots from Moustiers Ste Marie. They spent a week at Native Place enjoying the paragliding, the food, fragrant plantings in the garden that are so different and yet similar to the countryside in Provence with its highly scented lavender the fields and herbs growing wild on the hillsides .
Rafael landing in front of Native Place
They made the most of XC January flying from tower hill back home to Native Place and from the Lake view site behind Native Place to Shelar and back. Guests found it very exciting to see them touchdown on a spit of land just below Native Place pack up and stroll back home in the evening to chill out on the terrace with a sun downer.
Back home at Native Place
The Nirvana Paragliding Experience
Students enter Native Place and walk through the the Scarlet Vine
Nirvana goes to Bir in June
Rinul takes off
Bir in springtime they say is beautiful. I have often imagined the mountain slopes covered in wildflowers and hoped to get there someday in June. I almost got to experience it this June but stuff happened and plans changed. The rest of the Nirvana paragliding team made it though. Steve of course was already camping there
Ravi and Bandya who were just married went oup with their wives, Sandeep , Vinay, Dylan and Arun too and Sanjay and Rinul followed later. The guys spent a whole month there and despite the rain and cloud buildup they were blessed with great opportunities and and had some amazing flights.Each day they attempted XC flights – out and return to red temple or big face, Joginder Nagar and even Mandi and back. Dwane and me followed their escapades from Mumbai going green with every piece of flying news. Flying in the mountains is truly exhilarating. Well maybe next June…Peace Bliss & Happy LandingsAstrid Rao