SAFA Skysailor Magazine

24 SKY SAILOR September | October 2021 Chapter 3 covers clothing, with bullet-proof systems for any weather conditions. It’s a great place to start and you can’t go wrong when following Aimilios advice. If you’re an experi- enced hiker or once you gain some experience, you might find other solutions which work for you (I prefer a poncho instead of a rain jacket if it rains, I want to protect my backpack too!). Chapter 4 is a basic introduction to weather forecasting. It’s useful but doesn’t replace reading more detailed books on the topic. A list of meteo books and other sources is provided at the end of the chapter. The final chapter is what in my opinion makes ‘The beginner’s guide to Hike & Fly’ special: It addresses the real core of what makes hike & fly so different to taking a shuttle and flying from an official take-off. From the importance of ground handling to time plan- ning to real-life examples of finding the right take-off, in particular considering topography and wind conditions. When I coach pilots, I do it in a very similar way and this must-read chapter comes as close as you can get to understanding new take- offs without actually being there. My one objection: The author suggests using toilet paper for an improvised windsock, but I strongly support learning to assess the wind and cycles without one, by the feeling on your face, by observing the vegetation, etc. Please don’t leave any litter behind, only footprints! To sum up, ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Hike & Fly’ is a successful attempt to gather all available knowledge around hike & fly into a step-by-step guide, in order to help all those who would like to try it, but aren’t sure where to begin. It can help novice hike & fly pilots prevent mistakes and omissions that could potentially prove problematic or even dan- gerous. It’s written in an easy, fast-paced way with a great sense of humour making the read even more enjoyable. If this book had been around when I first got into hike & fly, it would have surely helped me progress smoother and avoid some mistakes on the way. Available as e-book and paperback via www.hikeflybook.eu Kinga enjoys a winter’s day on the coast after completing her review Book Review