SAFA Skysailor Magazine

14 SKY SAILOR July | August 2021 The Paragliding State of Origin is a great event with friendly state rivalry. The competition sees QLD and NSW pilots go head-to-head, but also includes a Barbarians team made up of international pilots and pilots from other states. The camaraderie of the teams means that pilots have the chance to build valuable XC experience, and novice pilots get to add to their often low XC hours. This environment takes the pressure off novice pilots and lets them experience the thrills of a paragliding competition in a relaxed, fun setting. This year, all three days were flyable, although the late autumn conditions meant that pilots had to apply their skills to achieve every kilometre. In the end, Queensland came out on top and backed up their win in 2019. In addition: • • First in Fun class and first overall was Aaron King; • • First in Sports class and second overall was Lukasz Grzyb; • • First in Ace class and third overall was Tim Marshall; • • First woman pilot and fourth overall – Carolie Werbrouck. The Paragliding State of Origin is a lot of fun. Our thanks to Godfrey Wenness for hosting the event and coming up with great ideas, like the ground handling competition that was run on the morning when the competition start was delayed due to high winds. The presentation dinner on the final evening was a huge success as winners were announced and pilots collected their trophies. Then it was time for the traditional bonfire, this year even with fireworks. Mt Borah, Manilla is a great flying destination. It combines the best of mountain and flatland flying and this year’s recent rains meant the landscape was green as far as you could see. But that’s not all that makes it great: Each Easter the place becomes a great community hub where pilots gather, friendships are built and renewed, skills are devel- oped, personal bests recorded, teamwork is rewarded and achievements celebrated. No wonder pilots keep coming back to experience the fun that is the Paragliding State of Origin. See you next year! Undeterred: The 2021 Paragliding State of Origin Above: NSW captain Simon Houston being interviewed for the news Below: Bonfire night All photos: Courtesy of Peter Beamish, Godfrey Wenness and Melissa Pemberton