SAFA Skysailor Magazine

12 SKY SAILOR September | October 2024 The Paragliding World Cup (PWC) is showing off some of the world’s top flying destinations with a strong contingent of Australian pilots representing our country in some of the most sought-after international competitions of the year. Aussie pilots practise around the clock to hone their skills in preparation for these PWC events. The most recent was held in Cameli, Turkey, from 3 to 10 August, and Gourdon, France (24 to 31 August), was under way at time of writing. One pilot, James Brewer, has competed in both recent events as one of the youngest competing Australian pilots. At the age of 29. James is new to this level of racing, having only begun paragliding in 2018. He recently com- peted in the Asian-Oceanic Championships as part of the Aussie team. Turkey was his first PWC experience where he competed alongside more seasoned pilots Wally Arcidiacono and David Snowden. James went on as the sole competitor in France later that month. The Spanish PWC in Yelmo, held earlier in June, saw Che Golus, Wally Arcidiacono, Gareth Carter and Felipe Rezende from Australia competing. As a new pilot to the PWC circuit, we spoke to James about his ambitions in paragliding and what the experience has been like for him. Aussie pilots compete at the Paragliding World Cup 2024