SAFA Skysailor Magazine

19 January | February 2024 SKY SAILOR the locals who also support the boys. It was the first time they could all fly together. We all gained good height and crossed a valley to land in a school yard one ridge over, where local children where playing nearby and greeted us. The Paraboys’ themselves as young boys from poor families had not been much inter- ested in school. Initially, they had helped pack the paragliding equipment for tourists. As they grew up, they took up work roles, including driving the shuttle bus up and down the hill. Basically, they found their future while hanging around the tourist paragliding company. These days, Steve and I sometimes donate prize-money for their local accuracy landing competitions – their favourite contest. I still collect secondhand paragliders for the Paraboys, I am told that a new generation is now forming. They are in need of new wings and I have a couple, they need harnesses too. I recently invited Moon to come to Australia to fly with us here. She is welcome to bring others with her for the experience. The idea is that when she leaves, she can take any wings and equipment I have for her and the Paraboys back with her. I choose to supply the equipment through Moon because she makes sure they go to the right people and are used safely. If you have any safe wings, harnesses or reserves available to donate – full sets are sought after – I can organise these to reach Steve and Moon. If you are heading to the Philippines, either can introduce you to local instructors and some of the boys, most speak some English. To get in touch, call Tom on 0417 581 949 or email flying_woldo@yahoo.com.au Moon and Max recently came to Australia for a packed two weeks to see the coast from Kilcunda to Warrnambool, flying many sites along the way, to canoe high country rivers and 4x4 the area, visit Bright, which was not good for paragliding, and Mt Buffalo. I took both flying in my plane over the Murray river, from Yarrawonga to Tocumwal, where we flew gliders, then went hot air ballooning near Wangaratta. It was a full on trip . They took four wings and two harnesses back with them, which will now add to the experience of a number of Filipino pilots All photos: Tom Ridgeway