SAFA Skysailor Magazine

50 SKY SAILOR June-July-August | WINTER 2025 “It’s a three-hour walk-out to the top, you’re welcome to stay a while,“ said the old man. “Thanks mate, maybe another time, I’II relaunch on the lower cliffs , it’s only a 20- minute walk.“ He could still see the tarred roof of the old man’s shack as he carried his glider up the steep slope. The humidity was high, perspiration darkened his T-shirt. As he topped the rise, a red-bellied black snake basked on a rock left off the track. Startled, he lost his balance and fell under the weight of his glider. He slipped off the shoulder straps, keeping the glider between him and danger, and foraged for the nearest rock, eyes glued to the snake. He threw, missed, and the snake lunged with lightening speed, sinking its fangs into the glider bag, opaque venom visible on the black cloth, withdrew and slid off. His heart pounded. He scoured the surrounding area, every stick resembling a snake, then threw the glider on his back and followed the trail to a clearing on the eastern face of the ridge to launch back into the sea-breeze. He couldn’t wait to get into the air. Comfort- able in the safety of the sky. Coastal Jockey – not a bad rider!