SAFA Skysailor Magazine

38 SKY SAILOR January | February 2022 never a grid reference on a map, but to improve a competency or take that next step in those smaller milestones. Each day, we shared and celebrated those that took their first thermal, flew away from the hill, or showed tenacity in coming back from an early landing. But with any feedback cycle we also learned from our collective mistakes. We heard and learnt things that didn’t go too well on the previous day – from launch safety, safe and efficient gaggle flying, or working as a team on glide – we weren’t always good at leaving together or would end up as a line of ducklings rather than spread out to cover more air. Feedback was contributed from event committee, mentors, and the field of Goalers, and reciprocated with applause, chocolates, and prizes. Finally, off to launch, well briefed and each with a personal goal in mind, we organised carpools to launch, supported by event retrieve vehicles after landing or for a re-fly. Flying conditions were generally good, with some days stronger than others, and some Goalers getting off to a good start, while some found the LZ early – as Rohan reminded us: “That sounds like XC!” Mentors were marked with a streamer and intermingled with the Goalers for guidance in the air. Tim Marshal and Zane Priebbenow were notable mentors supporting both series, along with many more senior pilots, climbing and descending repeatedly to help mark thermals and provide oversight and safety. Many of us achieved much more than we had before, certainly more than we would have on our own. For those lucky or skilled enough reach goal, there were the customary ‘goal beers’ or ‘bubbles’. In the afternoons or on weaker days, pilots also got the opportunity to exercise skills on short flights. Turning the humble ‘sleddie’ into an opportunity to go through big ears, speed- bar, big ears and speed-bar, or some pilots took the opportunity to have a CFI observe them perform asymmetric or frontal collapses as skill demonstration needed for PG5 progression. As much as we love the flying, we also love hanging out with like-minded folks crazy enough to propel themselves off a mountain. Needless to say, there was a heap of memo- rable times around the ‘Clack-Clack’ caravan park or local pub, telling stories, having a laugh or taking cocktails from the crazy Tasmanians. In general, appreciating the camaraderie and the benefits of having a new flying buddy or contact at that site you always wanted to visit. Personally, I achieved a PB for XC, had my first experience following cloud lift, enjoyed the ease of flying in a supportive environment and finally made friends with my speed-bar! I loved being able to see a noticeable difference in how often I used bar and how it improved my ability to move through different phases of flight. Hopefully, my recount of the inaugural GFG serves to encourage more Goalers and mentors to become involved in the future, and to congratulate the directors and mentors on a fantastic event, a tribute to their time, hard work, knowledge, and sense of community. If you missed out, make sure one of your next paragliding goals is to be a part of the next Go For Goal event. Go For Goal 2022 Review