SAFA Skysailor Magazine

39 AUTUMN 2026 | March-April-May SKY SAILOR I made the decision to follow them away from the paddock and not look back. I tried to stay in the gaggle and stay aware of who was near me at all times. Exhausted and having forgotten to pack water I could access (a tough lesson), I found some gentle lift above the landing area and I used it to take a brief break before setting up my ap- proach. I watched a couple of pilots land and followed their path. My flare was a little late and others encountered some large rocks further into the field. A few cuts and grazes served as a reminder of why sharing information about landing zones with fellow teammates matters. In just a few days, I gained a huge amount of confidence with my flying, thanks to a supportive, friendly environ- ment and a wealth of knowledge to draw on. It made stepping into the ‘unknown’ far less daunting. I also realised that having fun is the beginning of the magic, and you really can surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. I never imagined that an event in central western NSW would plant the seed to help me realise what’s possible in this sport and teach me lessons I now carry with me as I explore new sites and push myself to learn more.  Flying at Corryong and Forbes