SAFA Skysailor Magazine

24 SKY SAILOR July | August 2024 A New Zealand adventure – Part 2: Wanaka Hike & Fly by Tim Marshall After I got a taste of the challenges of hiking and flying in NZ, in Part 1 last issue, I had not nearly enough preparation and experience with these mountains as I had hoped, ready or not, I joined the Wanaka Hike & Fly, organised by Kinga Maszertalerz. A few other Aussies – Matt, Lawrie and Shippers – were taking part and together we worked on our task. This epic challenge looked one of the hardest to navigate, so we based our flight plan on what we interpreted in the forecasts. We felt prepared and inspired as we completed the registration and briefing. Later, the night before our early start, doubts about the forecast grew – the wind was firming and our planned day two was looking dubious. Of course, sleep didn’t come easy, instead, I and others lay awake rethinking our plan – which all ended up rather similar. Daytime supported our concerns: Too far south, too much wind; too far north, the same. The wind was increasing where we’d planned to fly. Without further time to do an adequate evaluation and planning, we had what we had. The hike up Roy’s Peak was harder than I’d imagined, and I was dragging the chain for the team. Assessing a launch took some time, but we had a bit up our sleeves as the day was forecast to start slow and we did not hike to the top like the young guns! We watched as people below us scratched away, not making any gains. When those at the top launched, I gave it a crack, hoping the team would follow soon. I watched Kinga launch from the spur above them and fly straight west over the next spur and into a thermal. I followed as quickly as I could, but didn’t have the same luck and worked that side until I saw Matt launch and working the spur. I tried to join him as he made base, again, not so great. I headed back to the initial bowl where Lawrie was now making great gains. I didn’t follow how Shippers was doing, but apparently all had difficulties launching from the rugged terrain. We all got up at various times, Matt seemed content, I was happy to finally be up and impatient to get going, others were well on their way already. So, off I went, the guys not far behind.