Last year (2014), I went to Roldanillo, Colombia for three weeks. I timed it with the 2014 FAI PG Pre-Worlds. My plan was to fly as a wind dummy. While getting the orientation briefing, some last-minute slots opened up and now I was IN the comp. Sure, I was outclassed, but what a fun time with so many great pilots from all over the world. It was a perfect way to be introduced to the amazing flying in Colombia's Valle del Cauca.
What did I miss by being tied up in "competition mode"? Missing out on all the other great flying sites and many of the cultural aspect of this beautiful country. This tour just happened to fall on the exact dates I had for vacation and it seemed to deliver much of what the first trip bypassed. I jumped on it.
This 2015 Colombian Paragliding Tour is being put together by Sofia Puerta Webber, who lives in San Diego, flies Torre Pines and teaches yoga. Her husband, Paul Webber, is also on the trip. Lucho Jimenez brings the expertise of a local competition pilot and tour guide operator. His company, Air Nomads, organizes all the big competitions in Colombia and he somehow makes time to fly in them as well. Finally, the inclusion of Kari Castle as cross-country coach and tandem pilot made this a must-do event. "World champion" doesn't just happen, and the knowledge to gain is worth all the expense alone. Imagine riding along on a tandem flight, being shown first hand how an experienced pilot's series of decisions can lead to goal.
<Editor's note: Kari did not bring her tandem wing. I guess we will have to chase her in her never-yet- flown Delta 2.>
With these pilots forging the way ahead, all the pieces will be in place for a great tour.
Technically, the tour name was "2015 Colombia Top Pilots Paragliding Tour". The new name is sans the word "Top". I'm not sure if this was done to allow my inclusion, but in any case, the pressure is off.
