Iquique

KAVU Lifestyler Jacob Glass, heads to Chile's paragliding mecca to find endless smiles and KAVU days

By KAVU

November 13^th, 2018

continuing on the path

Inspired to play the "long game" of paragliding, I sojourned to the to the remote, desert-meets-ocean city of Iquique, Chile in order to learn the skills to become a safer and better pilot.

Iquique, traditionally a "port town", has some the most consistent flying conditions in the world with an "average of only 7 non-flyable days per year"!

perfect conditions

What makes Iquique so unbelievably good and consistent for paragliding is its "unique combination of weather patterns and geography".

As this coastal mountain range is warmed by the steady equatorial sun, a steady Pacific breeze is drawn inland.

In my research before the trip, I learned that "The coastal mountains span thousands of miles throughout nearly the entire Pacific coast of Chile."

"Farther inland, the enormous Andes mountains and volcanoes create a rain shadow effect that is responsible for the existence of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert on Earth. Endless sand and rock-covered mountains of the coastal range plus constant sunshine and a steady breeze create a perfect thermal generator while the closeness of the ocean provides a calming effect on an otherwise very strong desert flying environment. There are no trees or other vegetation, which means you can land nearly anywhere outside of the city."

When I read, "Flying season in Iquique never ends"..... I just HAD to go!

Over several weeks, an international cadre of "wing Jedis" mentored me in this niche of the aviation arts.......always emphasizing personal style and fun.

KAVU Style!

Consistent laminar winds from the Pacific Ocean made for hours of practice and play each day. But, there were other unique and amazing things to see and do in this incredible place! The history and landscape added flavor to an already mind-blowing adventure while we explored rocks, ruins and cool water refuge in between our time spent in the sky.

urban flying!

Soaring the skyscrapers along the beachfront was the dream of dreams! The best part was being able fly close enough to see and hear the residents on their balconies. We would shout Spanish phrases of enthusiasm and excitement to each other. Children would always go wild! It’s great being about the share the infectious joy of free flight with others.

every hour of the day

Work hard, play hard, laugh a lot! That's the KAVU way

Coupled with our side ventures deeper into the Atacama Desert, this trip brought about meaningful friendships, important skills gained, and ENDLESS smiles.