Well done chaps. Pete Finnegan, Deane Landreth and myself as the Gopher chopper arranger spent some time in Franz around 1996 setting up a heli-paraglding business. We were using an irregular concession landing license. All was well until Air Safaris made a complaint to DOC. DOC then wanted us to obtain a regular landing concession license. We made the application and waited and waited for the Conservation Board to make a decision. Vested interests on the Board led to them to declining the concession license. We were left with a big bill to pay for nothing. Pete and Deane also flew from Mt Fox. Pete did a bit around the Whataroa area. It was recognized Long ago that a the flight you just accomplished, was possible. Just that circumstances conspired against both Pete and Deane. Again, well done.
Thankyou. The potential might be something you would like to investigate further going into the future. The wind does go round to the North after a day or two of fine weather. That might lead to an even longer flight from North to South. Happy flying.
@@robinmccarthy9435 interesting! The potential is huge, the ridgeline is pretty straight and keeps going. I think this is probably the easiest place in New Zealand for 200km+ out and return. I think it's probably easier to start in the N and head south first then finish by heading back N again. I also think 300km open distance could be on here too, you'd have to go all the way to Murchison though.
Hope to hear from you again on here soon, Benjamin! Love your videos - my wife and I have been inspired to get our paragliding training, licenses and gear in 2025. Thank you!
I just discovered your channel and it is everything I ever wanted from a paragliding video/channel. Very well done. You nailed it down to the right formula and it gets me excited for my 2024 flying season! Keep it going!
Just discovered your channel and I love it! My brother-in-law, sadly passed, used to be a bit of a 'daredevil' and very amateur paraglider and he would have loved to do something like the stuff you do in the mountains. Really looking forward to watching more of your stuff! 👍
Epic! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the BEST paragliding content on the internet. Your flying, the locations and the videos are amazing and inspiring. I simply can’t understand why pilots aren’t rushing into NZ from the world over? A bit more of this kinda stuff and maybe they will! Great stuff Ben and greatly appreciated for your sharing of it.
Dude! That’s such a good flight and even better video!! Was watching at work with a power-pilot workmate who was thoroughly interested too. If you ever need a ground support person, let me know, or if you want to jump in the other seat in a glider, happy to take you up
I'm about as 'beginner' as it gets in this sport (1 solo flight to my name), but god, this gives such a good insight in to the sorts of things that can be achieved in it. Not saying I'll ever reach something of this scale, but it sure is inspiring. The fact that it's combined with considered, thoughtful filmmaking too is really quite special. Thanks a lot!
You are one of the few to successfully capture the essence of paragliding. The epic views, the excitement and the aerial chess game. I love how well you show the decision making on your videos, it almost makes it seem possible for us mere mortals!
Wooohooo!! Ballsy flight! Wow! Epic video and editing. Perfect editing for other pilots, sort of showing in real-time how the paraglider's mind works. Well done
Epic video Ben. Loved the low saves and experienced the emotions that I have felt many times myself. The NZ part of me keeps calling me back to NZ and I would love to fly this route myself. Great video mate.
Your videos are incredible, mate! Breathtaking visuals, good commentary, and incredible flying! You definitely turn 'epic' from a noun into a verb in these adventures, inspiring many of us to pursue this ridiculous little sport. Keep up the amazing work!
What a video!!! Thanks Benjamin for keep Sharing all you amazing adventures!! 🤙🏼🤙🏼 What an incredible zone to fly, a bit scary, but you definitely should come fly at West Cost in Canada 🇨🇦, pretty similar views and a lot of trees too haha … Great to see how decision in group help flying further, so far great video! did you ever get collapses? Haha would be nice a compilation of the most stressful turbulent moments for you overall haha.. Cheers mate and thanks for keep us entertained during winter haha 🤙🏼🤙🏼
![New Zealand [Unofficial] FAI Record | Paragliding XC](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EXC2nqzI9l0/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice little excursion! For those of us that don't know the local area well, it would be helpful to include an overview map showing your route. 🇨🇦♿
It's like you have Earth Repelling magnets in your back protection, with all those low saves!
I LOVE Your content and adventures!
haha!! Thanks mate!
❤
Ben, you’re a flying machine. Thanks for showing us what’s possible in NZ. West coast flying takes huge kiwis!
Well done chaps.
Pete Finnegan, Deane Landreth and myself as the Gopher chopper arranger spent some time in Franz around 1996 setting up a heli-paraglding business.
We were using an irregular concession landing license. All was well until Air Safaris made a complaint to DOC.
DOC then wanted us to obtain a regular landing concession license. We made the application and waited and waited for the Conservation Board to make a decision. Vested interests on the Board led to them to declining the concession license. We were left with a big bill to pay for nothing.
Pete and Deane also flew from Mt Fox. Pete did a bit around the Whataroa area.
It was recognized Long ago that a the flight you just accomplished, was possible. Just that circumstances conspired against both Pete and Deane.
Again, well done.
Amazing! That’s awesome to get some history!!
Thankyou.
The potential might be something you would like to investigate further going into the future.
The wind does go round to the North after a day or two of fine weather. That might lead to an even longer flight from North to South.
Happy flying.
@@robinmccarthy9435 interesting! The potential is huge, the ridgeline is pretty straight and keeps going. I think this is probably the easiest place in New Zealand for 200km+ out and return. I think it's probably easier to start in the N and head south first then finish by heading back N again. I also think 300km open distance could be on here too, you'd have to go all the way to Murchison though.
There's no corruption in NZ...we just look after our mates.
Hope to hear from you again on here soon, Benjamin! Love your videos - my wife and I have been inspired to get our paragliding training, licenses and gear in 2025. Thank you!
When is the India series coming?
😮 Simply beautiful and amazing. Jealous on how high you keep your altitude through your whole flight! You make it look effortless
Thanks mate! It was from fear of landing in a river bed 😂
I just discovered your channel and it is everything I ever wanted from a paragliding video/channel. Very well done. You nailed it down to the right formula and it gets me excited for my 2024 flying season! Keep it going!
Nice one Ben, looked like an awesome area for flying!
Cheers mate! It really is!
Just started flying myself earlier this year. I love watching your videos and the commentary is great. Please keep doing what you’re doing.
That's awesome! I will, thanks for watching! 🙏
Awesome video. Having taken up paragliding since hiking on Franz Josef 25 yrs ago. Awesome to see this. Great effort!!
Your commentary is so educational. Thank you! Love the hyperlapses too!
Just discovered your channel and I love it! My brother-in-law, sadly passed, used to be a bit of a 'daredevil' and very amateur paraglider and he would have loved to do something like the stuff you do in the mountains. Really looking forward to watching more of your stuff! 👍
Going where no-one has gone before... the ultimate adventure dream!
Beautifull !!!
My favorite kind of mission! 😎
Epic! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the BEST paragliding content on the internet. Your flying, the locations and the videos are amazing and inspiring. I simply can’t understand why pilots aren’t rushing into NZ from the world over? A bit more of this kinda stuff and maybe they will! Great stuff Ben and greatly appreciated for your sharing of it.
Ahh thanks mate, you’re too kind! Very much appreciate it 🙏
Epic stuff. As a pilot from South Africa this is definitely putting NZ on my bucket list
Did you just find the new paragliding heaven?
I think so! I don’t think we were expecting it to be that good!
Unreal !
🙏
You're livin' the dream you lucky!
😁
Dude! That’s such a good flight and even better video!! Was watching at work with a power-pilot workmate who was thoroughly interested too.
If you ever need a ground support person, let me know, or if you want to jump in the other seat in a glider, happy to take you up
wow thats awesome thanks mate!
Amazing. Hope to see more videos!
I'm about as 'beginner' as it gets in this sport (1 solo flight to my name), but god, this gives such a good insight in to the sorts of things that can be achieved in it. Not saying I'll ever reach something of this scale, but it sure is inspiring. The fact that it's combined with considered, thoughtful filmmaking too is really quite special. Thanks a lot!
You are so inspiring 🤩
Ahh thanks mate!
Awesome edit and epic adventure. had the pleasure of sharing a 200+ flight with you out of Fiesch last spring - keep them coming!
Oh cool! Yeah that was an incredible day! Would love to do that one again, I’ll be back in Switzerland in summer 😎
king of the low saves !!
😁🙏
Fantastic mate!
Thanks!! 😁
You are one of the few to successfully capture the essence of paragliding. The epic views, the excitement and the aerial chess game. I love how well you show the decision making on your videos, it almost makes it seem possible for us mere mortals!
Awesome ! Greeting from Réunion Island ! Also known for paragliding ;)
Awesome flying!
Thanks!!
So sick my bro 👌🔥🍻
Thanks mate! 🍻
Excellent video as usual
Thank you 🙌
What a view man ! Can’t wait to start paragliding 🤟
Thanks!! Yeah you should!!
I am really glad for the full video again. So much better than the shorts.... Thank you
Thanks mate, yeah the shorts are so much easier to make though 🤪😂
You are the best and thanks for taking us with you all the time, best paragliding channel out there! Cheers mate!
Ahh thanks mate! Super kind!!
Amazing adventure!
Phenomenal adventuring, Ben. Love it. Surprised you aren't getting more views.
Brining the sickness... as per usual. Thank you.
😎🙌
insane new camping hobby
Great stuff!
Thanks mate !
Lovely! Thanks for sharing 😊
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
So awesome to watch!
AMAZING!!!! Would love to fly New Zeland!
Thanks mate! Yeah you should!!
Amazing
Thanks!
Wooohooo!! Ballsy flight! Wow! Epic video and editing. Perfect editing for other pilots, sort of showing in real-time how the paraglider's mind works. Well done
Thanks mate! Appreciate it! 🙏
great flights, looked like some committing decisions there, and awesome editing. nice one.
Thanks mate!! Yeah was step by step at times 😬
Wow! Great job boys!! Best pg channel out there. Got to love the soft landings after a long flight. Great low saves, you guys got balls✌️🇨🇦
Thanks mate!! Appreciate it!
Epic Ben! Awesome and inspirational.
Cheers mate!!
Finally subscribed
Great flight and beautiful images
Have been absolutely hanging out for this vid after all of the teasers and certainly didn't disappoint great as always
Thanks bro, appreciate it!
Such a sweet journey to watcn along with. Thank you!
Hiked in the area many times. What an adventure to fly there! Good stuff guys.
Amazing video as always Ben.What a beautiful place. Such a special place to fly.
Well done
Always so inspiring to watch your flights. Thanks for putting these together, editing it must take forever! Really appreciate it though!
Choice!!! Real cool. Looking forward to your next adventures. Best regards from the Netherlands, and merry xmax, Rob^^
Love this type of video, shorts are fun but this is epic. Thanks Ben!
Cheers mate! Yeah just have to dig to find motivation for the long ones sometimes 😂
awesome mate
🙏
Epic video Ben. Loved the low saves and experienced the emotions that I have felt many times myself. The NZ part of me keeps calling me back to NZ and I would love to fly this route myself. Great video mate.
Really loved your video. It’s such a cool idea to paraglide long distance, never heard of it before I knew your channel
Amazing hobby
Yes! once again Ben, fantastic video, flying, commentary and entertainment! Legend!
Thanks mate!!
Incredible.
amazing flight!!
Cheers mate!
Absolutely wonderful Ben, thanks for sharing.
Your videos are incredible, mate! Breathtaking visuals, good commentary, and incredible flying! You definitely turn 'epic' from a noun into a verb in these adventures, inspiring many of us to pursue this ridiculous little sport.
Keep up the amazing work!
Kind words, thank you very much! 😁
What a video!!!
Thanks Benjamin for keep Sharing all you amazing adventures!! 🤙🏼🤙🏼
What an incredible zone to fly, a bit scary, but you definitely should come fly at West Cost in Canada 🇨🇦, pretty similar views and a lot of trees too haha …
Great to see how decision in group help flying further, so far great video! did you ever get collapses? Haha would be nice a compilation of the most stressful turbulent moments for you overall haha..
Cheers mate and thanks for keep us entertained during winter haha 🤙🏼🤙🏼
Thanks mate! I’d love to fly in Canada! It’s on the list for sure!! No collapses on this trip, don’t get many to be honest. 😬
Epic! What amazing views and flying!
Thanks!
Inspirational! Thank you for sharing
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Best vid I've seen in weeks. Wat a ride!
Just wish for more footage of this adventure.
Thanks mate!! Yeah i have more but trying to find a balance of keeping it interesting 😅 there's more POV content in the shorts I made of it!
Outstanding.
You guys rock.
I was feeling excited and nervous just sitting here on my sofa.
Fantastic video as per usual Ben 👏
Thank you very much!! 😁
Proper adventure!! Nice job!
Thanks mate!!
Great to see you and the lads opening up new terrain. Way to go!!! Always love your videos and adventures. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks!! No problem! We had never really considered flying here so it was cool to find somewhere new for us
what a beautyy
Cheers bro 🙏
Another epic couple of flights from you lads! lovely work!
Cheers bro!
Stressful flying 😮
It was at times eh, another 1'000ft would make all the difference! You'll have to come with next time show us the way 😎
incredible flying skills
Yeeees, finally the whole vid. Really loved the shorts!
Thanks for waiting!! 🙏
Another stunning video.
Cheers mate!
Keep the videos coming! 👏🙌👏
Will do!! Thanks mate!
Awesome new Adventure, thanks for sharing the beautiful footage! 🥳
Thanks!! You’re welcome!!
Amazing Ben - we don’t fly but love watching your adventures! 👍🏼
Epic dude
Thanks!! 😁
So amazing!!!!
Fantastic, as always! Thank you for the inspiration.
Epic
Cheers mate!
Fantastic video again! Been looking forward to this one after all your teaser shorts. Adventure flying at its best!
Cheers mate!
Love your edits , keep them coming 😎🙏🏻
What an awesome adventure! You were very lucky with the weather!
Yeah we were eh!! Was worth the drive in the end!
Pretty awesome!
Beautiful
Pleasure to watch as always!
well done guys, beautiful
Incredible flights & epic footage that I would never have expected from a paragliding perspective!
Always a pleasure watching your XCs. Thanks for sharing + keep them coming!
I remember seeing some scenes of this flight in your reels. Ever since, I was hoping to see the whole flight.... And what a flight it was!
There you go! Thanks for waiting! 😁
Gorgeous
Love the scenic flying... heading to NZ in Dec... looking for some flying on the south island near Queenstown
So beautiful ey❤