Inhale deeply and you can almost smell the sulphur – this is Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Mountain of God in Tanzania. Jake Holland took the cover shot of Horacio Llorens and Tom de Dorlodot that is featured on the cover of Cross Country 247. Inside Jake tells the story of the trio’s latest remarkable flying expedition.
Here’s what else is in this issue:
Adventure is the key word in this issue, even more so than usual. From towing the flatlands in Argentina to hike-and-fly in the mountains of Norway, we take a deep dive into some remarkable adventures. Photo: Ida Eim
“To all the women out there – I say be brave enough to dream big!” We’re on launch with Fatemah Eftekhari, from the Xagros Clouds air sports club in Iran. Photo: Erwin Voogt
“Ten Everest in one year!” Espen Ashammer hiked more than 80,000m in a year to win Norway’s new Run-and-Fly league. Photo: Dagfinn Graneng
Sled-access speed-riding? At home in Colorado Liz Dengler combines snowmobiling and speed riding to get the runs in. Photo: Gary Waterman
Our resident meteorologist Honza Rejmanek talks to Gordon Boettger about his incredible 3,000km sailplane wave flight in the USA and looks at the unique weather patterns needed. Photo: Gordon Boettger
Will that be a wash and a spin for your glider? Servicing your glider can mean different things in different places. Bastienne Wentzel gets to the bottom of it all. Photo: Adi Geisegger
“We’ve all seen the insanity called ‘Landing in Oludeniz’ writes Théo de Blic. His 10 top tips for nailing your landings every time will help you avoid ending up as an Instagram Story for all the wrong reasons this season. Photo: Fabian Gasteiger
It’s not the place, it’s the people. Tom de Dorlodot explains why it’s the connections made and friendships forged that count when on a flying trip like the one he made to Tanzania late last year. “Flying with our Maasai friend Leiyo was one of my most memorable moments,” he says. “We learned so much from his culture.” Photo: Tom de Dorlodot
Flying truly can be child’s play. Clement Latour and Rody Guyot introduce 12-year-old Félix Deplace to the wonderful world of vol-bivouac in the French Alps. Photo: Rody Guyot
From chasing the wind across cumulus-studded skies in the middle of nowhere to pushing your personal boundaries closer to home, we round up some of the most eye-catching adventures for your free-flying year ahead. Photo: Jerome Maupoint
Last season Mathew Fiddes set himself the goal of averaging one 100km flight a week throughout the year on XContest. He did it! Jack Sheard spoke to him to find out what he’d learned – plus Jorge Atramiz met up in Bir for a unique vol-bivouac photo session. Photo: Jorge Atramiz
Is it time to think differently? In the first in a five part series exploring the philosophy and approach of Julien Garcia, France’s national paragliding coach, we hear what it takes to become a world championship pilot. Photo: Marcus King
The Gin Genie Race 5 is Gin’s new competition weapon. In this in-depth interview with designer Gin Seok Song we explore the design and technology work that’s gone into making it.
The Advance Epsilon DLS is the tenth iteration of Advance’s benchmark EN B and builds on 30 years of design know-how. We take it out on an XC mission. Photo: Adi Geisegger
“Well it changes you, knowing that you can actually fly.” One of US hang gliding’s true pioneer pilots Robbie Adkins shares her life in flying.
Plus: We take a look at what’s on, what’s new, and where’s hot as the 2024 flying season kicks into gear.
Cross Country 247 (Jan/Feb 2024) is out now.
