GIN EXPLORER - ESCAPING CLOUDSUCK AND STORM FRONT - PARAGLIDING

Описание: Went up to Birg to do an afternoon XC flight, the plan was to head up the Schilthorn to gain some height before heading across towards Interlaken.

Main launch had tailwind when I arrived, this should have been my first clue but I knew a North wind was passing through and assumed this was the cause.. headed down to the lake where it was more sheltered and launched from there. Unfortunately the lower launch hid the approaching storm cell from view. I expected to use some cloud suck over Schilthorn to get up and away quickly, however lift felt strange, way stronger than expected and everywhere. After reaching Kleine Schilthorn, I noticed the storm cell moving south from the valley entrance and so thought it best to head for a landing. The overdevelopment and storm movement happened way quicker than expected and soon the sky was clouded in and it took a lot of effort to lose altitude and reach the valley.

It got pretty gusty so I had to test out different descent techniques for stability and forward penetration with the increasing windspeeds. A combination of big ears and full bar, spiral dives and wingovers seemed to work. If it had been less gusty and weaker lift, a landing above the valley may have been a better option, to get on the ground sooner and avoid the venturi in the valley.

Sometimes nature can sneak up and surprise you, and it's important to constantly learn from your experiences so as to keep an edge in the game. I'm glad for the experience and although I wouldn't choose to be in this situation again, it was great to get a better understanding of descent and forward movement techniques when the weather gets aggressive.

Wing: Gin Explorer
AUW: 95kg

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