Anyone who loves the outdoors and has even the slightest interest in adventure sports will be familiar with paragliding and hiking. But have you heard about Hike and Fly? This dynamic sports fusion is gaining steady traction, captivating an increasing number of paragliding enthusiasts eager to delve into its unique thrills. Imagine hiking to a mountain's peak, where you then descend using a paraglider—this is the essence of Hike and Fly, an experience that embodies the spirit of both freedom and exploration. I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Logan Walters, a seasoned athlete and enthusiast in this field, to delve into the world of Hike and Fly and uncover the story behind his journey.
For Logan, Hike and Fly strikes the perfect harmony between his love of flying and the endurance needed for mountain hiking. This fusion of interests led him to become deeply involved in the sport, not only as a practitioner but also as a mentor and community builder. Initially focusing on paragliding, he gradually formed a local community, nurturing newcomers' interests and offering guidance. His journey then took him to Europe, where he found Hike and Fly to be even more popular.
Participating in races and immersing himself in the European Hike and Fly culture, Logan's passion eventually propelled him to establish a mentorship program and organize races upon his return to the United States.
Challenges and Triumphs of Training
The appeal of Hike and Fly is not only in its breathtaking vistas and exhilarating descents but also in the dedication required for mastery. Logan emphasized the importance of flying as much as possible, dedicating around 400 hours of training each year. And on top of that, add a week of physical training, between strength training in the gym and running through the mountains. What began as a part-time pursuit quickly evolved into a full-fledged commitment. Being 'all in' is the most challenging aspect, Logan admitted. Balancing the demands of flying with physical conditioning, he collaborated with experienced trainers to optimize his performance both in the air and on the ground.
The intensity of training becomes even more apparent when taking on the formidable challenges of the sport's premier event, RedBull X-Alps—a ten-day race in Europe’s Alps that demands years of preparation. Logan's journey toward this pinnacle involved grueling physical and mental training, each playing a vital role in his success. Yet, he recounted a unique challenge: his status as an American in a European terrain. The unfamiliarity of every corner and contour tested his intuition and navigation skills.
This is why Logan’s training and skill honing takes president. As a competitor who is unfamiliar with the terrain, you need to be able to draw on experience from both training and races to mitigate potential accidents. “The sky won’t hurt you, it's the launching and landing—the ground could hurt you,” he states. The key is to persevere in the face of challenges, as stopping in a precarious position can lead to dangerous complications.
Teamwork Takes Flight
Teamwork and safety are cornerstones in the world of Hike and Fly, with each member playing a distinct role and embracing risk is counterbalanced by meticulous preparation.
In the background, Chris Lorimer manages the logistics with precision, arranging supplies and clothing, and tending to the bulky paragliding equipment. His skilled driving plays a crucial role in handling the load, showcasing his invaluable contribution as the backbone of physical support that keeps the team on the move.
Reavis Sutphin-Gray assumes the pivotal role of being the team's navigational expert, strategic thinker, and weather guru. As Logan's unwavering compass, Reavis guides the selection of the most advantageous trails and directions. This collaboration entails hours of seamless coordination, relayed through their tried and trusted Shokz headphones. Their communication landscape is dominated by updates on weather conditions, insightful competitor analysis, and in-depth strategy deliberations that bind their efforts together.
Behind the lens, Matt Fairfax works his magic, capturing every moment of the journey, and creating captivating visuals that bring the excitement and beauty of Hike and Fly to life.
Advice for Aspiring Hike and Fly Enthusiasts
To those who aspire to take on their own Hike and Fly journey, Logan recommends enrolling in a paragliding school to learn the basics and gain valuable insights. He encourages aspiring racers to commit themselves to the challenge, cultivate dedication and embrace the uncertainties that come with the sport. “Go out there, be in the mountains” Logan advises. The abundance of mountainous terrain across the western United States offers a myriad of opportunities for anyone wanting to try Hike and Fly. From California to Colorado, Utah to Montana. Among these, Santa Barbara and San Diego stand out as exceptional destinations for those eager to take flight.
In a world where adventure meets the heavens, Hike and Fly stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the symbiosis between nature and aviation. As Logan's journey shows, the sky's the limit for those who dare to ascend, propelled by passion and guided by a team's support. With each expedition, each ascent, we at Shokz are proud to support their adventures, and we watch in awe as they capture the spirit of exploration and the boundless optimism that defines our human quest for the extraordinary.
