Local couple shine at paragliding champs

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GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Barberton Paragliding Open, which includes the SA Paragliding Nationals, have just wrapped up in Mpumalanga, and the spoils in one of the sport's most competitive classes went the way of Wilderness resident Khobi-Jane Bowden.

Bowden has been at the forefront of competition paragliding for many years.

Despite a fast-growing field of women pilots, she showed her mettle by not only taking the top spot in the ladies group, but also showing the men the way through the skies in the very closely fought EN B category.

With the competition running from Sunday to Saturday, 15 to 21 June, representation from the Garden Route was impressive this year, with an unprecedented number of nine women taking to the sky.

While Bowden's experience shone through, the less experienced pilots all performed well, and our region can look to the future with confidence.

"The SA Paragliding Nationals in Barberton was an incredible experience, soaring over the stunning Makhonjwa Mountains with pilots from around the country.

"The competition was great fun, testing our skills in cross-country flying and allowing us time to connect with lots of other pilots.

"We fly for the freedom, the connection to nature, and the challenge of mastering the skies; it's an adventure that fuels our passion," said Bowden.

Jan Minaar soars above Barberton.

Jan Minnaar, Bowden's partner in the local school, Cloudbase Paragliding, finished eigth overall in the open class, despite flying an older glider.

The team trophy went to Bowden, Minnaar, André Rainsford and Russell Achterberg.

There were four good days of flying in the predetermined tasks, and with a record 73 pilots in attendance from around South Africa, the enthusiasm was high.

When the sun set on the final day, the general feeling was that the future of competition paragliding in the Southern Cape is looking very bright!

A gaggle of paragliding pilots in a thermal above Barberton.