Sky have improved the ever-popular Revel and now bring us the Revel 2 harness. They have also released a new all-rounder, the AXEL 2.

The AXEL 2 is aimed at pilots looking for safety and comfort, low weight and simple adjustments. The reserve is accommodated under the seat (right in the centre of gravity). The release handle is placed on the right side of the harness (for the right hand pilots but the solution for “left hand” people is ready on demand).

Further details: www.sky-cz.com or info@sky-cz.com

The ERIS 3 is the third generation of the high performance competition wing from Sky.

Sky’s aim was to create a unique wing with excellent handling, a reasonable safety margin and pure competition spirit. Sky have worked to improve speed, glide ratio, efficiency in thermals and safety in rough air, believing that trust in a wing and feeling safe in any conditions contributes greatly to the success of the competition pilot.

They are pleased to announce that they seem to be getting results: Renata Kuhnova finished first in her category in the Pre World Championship in Mexico, January 2008.

Further details: www.sky-cz.com or info@sky-cz.com

A new release from Ozone, from the minds behind ‘The Neverending Thermal’…

Jorge Atramiz and Herminio Cordido have come together again to work on a new short film. ‘Because…’ will be released in May, following the present release of a trailer and the opportunity for pilots around the world to comment on the movie and enter a contest relating to it. (more…)

The new UP Pico is actually two wings in one. Sizes XS to L are “normal”, though lightweight, LTF 1/EN “A” wings that could be used for teaching, as a 1st wing or as an extra wing for days/adventures where lightness and extra safety are required. (more…)

This year’s NZ Champs was a great success all around: 6 flyable days, a great variety of tasks from short 30km taks to 80+km tasks. With some weather luck and the great local knowledge of the organisers, this was one of the best Nationals ever. (more…)

The third International Paragliding festival at Vagamon in the Western Ghats in Kerala, Southern India, takes place from April 6 - 11. It will play host to the Vaga Challenge, a competition designed to improve pilots’ skills in a zero-stress environment. A route is set to be flown using a GPS to gain turnpoints. There is no start time, each pilot is simply allowed one attempt per day, over the three days, to complete the task, the best time of the three being the one put forward. There are cash prizes for the top three. What is more, there is no entry fee, and free accommodation and local transport is provided! If interested, you must register before March 15.

www.paraglidingkerala.com

gopa.vaga@gmail.com

Les Arcs, France, played host to the Columbia Speedflying competition from 4th to 8th February. Organised by Francois Bon, 25 competitors representing 6 nations were carefully selected and pitted against each other in two events. In the first ever “Speed Cross”, or parallel slalom, event two sets of gates allowed competitors to race one-on-one, their skis having to be in contact with the snow around the gates; The “Big Mountain” or Freeride event allowed competitors to choose their own best route between the rocky spires and snow fields beneath the Aiguille Rouge des Arcs (3226m). (more…)

The Skynomad Open 2008 will be held in Sopot, Bulgaria, from 10-16 August (the week after the World Cup)

It’s an FAI 2 XC comp focused on the sport side of paragliding.

The 70 euro entry fee goes for transport, mountain rescue, GPS-ing.
Let the best win and all enjoy!

http://skynomad.com/events/2008/sno/index.htm

‘From Nowhere to the Middle of Nowhere’, the classic adventure movie by John Silvester and Alun Hughes, has had a makeover and been re-released in DVD format. Previously only available on VHS, the award-winning movie follows the two on a daring and groundbreaking tandem vol bivouac journey across the Himalayas of west Nepal. Shot and released in 1999, the film soon gained cult status by all that saw it. If you’re not one of them, wait no longer, order a copy today and enjoy one of the most exciting paragliding films ever made.

Buy at www.xcshop.com

Barely an equation in sight! Just straight-forward explanations and diagrams of that most treasured of subjects for all pilots, the weather. Pilots’ Weather is one of the most comprehendible general weather books that we’ve ever come across. It covers everything you need to know to be a safe and knowledgeable pilot, without blinding you with technical babble. Before you consider moving on to the more in-depth weather books you owe it to yourself to get your head around this one.

Buy at www.xcshop.com