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racing paragliders

KAVU birdman, Nick Greece explains how "having the most fun" was his successful strategy toward becoming 2018 US National Champion

By KAVU

September 18^th, 2018

the race is on

Racing paragliders is about far more than just the competitive aspects of this sport. It's about spending time with like minded folks in truly spectacular locales, like where this year's US National Championship finale was held - Chelan, Washington.

And while the airborne views were unique - to say the least - it's always a treat to spend time with friends around Chelan, and the beautiful Cascade mountains!

When I look back on the event, I remember the all time tubing, hiking, and summer swim sessions with friends as much as any of the flying.

Check out this "Great Big Story", filmed last year, for a detailed look at what paraglider racing is all about!

This competition was the second part of a 2 part series to crown the US National Champion. Like the first (in Ruch, Oregon), Chelan is a 7 day event with a different course, ranging from 50 to 160 km long, allocated each day.

Each morning, pilots get the day's task to enter into their GPS’ before they launch to start a course selected to cohere with the weather forecast for that day.

gaggle

Each pilot tries to find a thermal (heated column of air), circle up like a bird as high as they can, and wait as close to the edge of the "start gate" as is possible.

The start gate is shown on our flight computers and when the race starts, we all try to cross that virtual line one second after the official start-time.

It's like a three dimensional sail boat race except, instead of buoys, we fly through each GPS waypoint and onto the next. At the end of the course, we race to a goal line. Fastest pilot to arrive.... wins the day!

It's an amazing game to play!!

rest days

As you can imagine, sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate and when the wind blows too hard to fly.....it's time to explore!

Hiking to a secret alpine lake in North Cascades with an all-star team, including two visiting pilots from Switzerland was a highlight. Showing visitors our secret spots is a true treat!

Michael Sigel, current World Champion, and Caroline Schou eyed up this 'snow melt' lake on July 4th!

It was COOOOOLLLLDDD

...but worth it!

Michael Sigel decided to go XC on the Flamingo.

That Flamingo loved Chelan!

#engineeredforgoodtimes

Mom’s Motel is the residence of choice for many paragliders. The owner loves the vibe of the pilots which he says makes for the, “ Best day ever!!!!!”

Here Michael models the KAVU fish suit with local feline celebrity, Kibblesnbits.

game on!

On one of the best days of the competition, we flew nearly to the Canadian border from Chelan at an average speed of 51 km/hr, hitting top speeds of over 100 km/hr!

Epic KAVU day!!

winner winner, Chicken dinner!

In the end, combined with the results from the Oregon competition, I was grateful to earn the top spot on the podium. More than anything though, I was grateful for this amazing life!!

Nick Greece

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Footnotes

Nick Greece isn't just a top paraglider pilot but a driving force in the Cloudbase Foundation, a non-profit organization responsible for sustainable projects to help kids worldwide.

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FootNotes

Nick Greece isn't just a top paraglider pilot but a driving force in the Cloudbase Foundation, a non-profit organization responsible for sustainable projects to help kids worldwide.

Havasupai 2025

racing paragliders

KAVU birdman, Nick Greece explains how "having the most fun" was his successful strategy toward becoming 2018 US National Champion

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