Judith’s blog

Possible Future Developments in Competition Technology with Chris Trow (Fast Retrieve). Following my interview with the PWC and British Open retrieve manager for the Marshalling podcast, here Chris talks about possible future technological developments in comps, including live tracking, Spot and other satellite tracking devices, radios, etc. All these developments are aimed at making competitions safer and more fun. He also talks about what you can do to make it all work more efficiently.

14 mins (March 2013)

Download the podcast: http://www.judithmole.net/podcasts/future_comp_developments.mp3 (13 Mb)

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Serial Class! A 2012 comp season roundup from the ex-open class perspective with Josh Cohn, Nick Greece, Adam Hill, Craig Morgan, Russ Ogden, Yassen Savov and Adrian Thomas. During the 2011 Paragliding World Championships, CIVL banned the use of uncertified open class gliders in its sanctioned competitions. In the last year, much debate has focused on the pros and cons of this decision. This podcast is a round up of pilot’s perceptions of the first year of ‘pure’ serial class from the perspective of some top international pilots. [see other podcast  for the serial perspective]

68 mins (January 2013)

Download the podcast: http://www.judithmole.net/podcasts/2012compseasonroundup_openclass.mp3 (64 Mb)

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Serial Class! A 2012 comp season roundup from the sports/traditional serial class perspective with James Bradley, Mike Miller, Idris Birch and Pat Dower.

Serial class has not only had a profound effect on former open class pilots, but traditional serial class and sports class competitors have also been affected – both in positive and negative ways. This podcast is a round up of pilot’s perceptions of the first year of ‘pure’ serial class from the perspective of some very accomplished sports/serial class pilots. [see other podcast above for the ex-open class perspective]

47 mins (January 2013)

Download the podcast: http://www.judithmole.net/podcasts/2012compseasonroundup_sports_serialclass.mp3 (44 Mb)

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Marshalling and Supporting a Competition with Steve Charlesworth, Sarah Frysol, Alex Hatfield, Alan Horsfield, Barbara St Aubyn and Chris Trow

Many pilots are not aware of the immense amount of background work that goes into a competition, before, after and during the comp week. In the UK Championships we are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly as a team to make sure the competition works as seamlessly as possible. This podcast is about the work they do and hopes to give information as well as encouraging anyone who is interested to give it a go! 37 min (November 2012)

Download the podcast: http://www.judithmole.net/podcasts/supporting_competitions.mp3 (35 Mb)

Flash version: Listen to it online

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Please note: this, and all previous podcasts, are also available from the podcast page.

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Crossing the Pyrenees Unsupported – a vol bivouac adventure with Dean Crosby (Active Edge) and Steve Nash (Nova). In August/September 2012 Steve and Dean set out to cross the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean by foot and flying. They did the trip completely unsupported so they had to carry everything they needed – gliders, shelter, food, clothes, etc. This podcast is a description of their epic 18 day trip, with both the highs and lows that are part of such an adventure. You can see their route and kit list at the Active Edge web site. A second podcast with their advice, tips and tricks for lightweight fly/hiking is also available. 73 mins. (October 2012)

Download the podcast: http://www.judithmole.net/podcasts/Crossing_the_Pyrenees_unsupported.mp3 (69Mb)

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Please note: this, and all previous podcasts, are also available from the podcast page.

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Vol bivouac and lightweight gear – tips and tricks with Steve Nash (Nova) and Dean Crosby (Active Edge). In August/September 2012 Steve and Dean set out to cross the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean by foot and flying. They did the trip completely unsupported so they had to carry everything they needed – gliders, shelter, food, clothes, etc. This podcast is a discussion between them on preparation, what kit worked and what didn’t, foot care and loads of other useful advice for anyone wishing to undertake fly hiking. A second podcast all about their trip is also available. A full kit list is available from their blog at: http://activeedge.co.uk/x-pyrennees.php 50 mins. (October 2012)

Download the podcast: http://www.judithmole.net/podcasts/Volbiv_lightweight_tips.mp3 (47Mb)

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Please note: this, and all previous podcasts, are also available from the podcast page.

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The Big One with Kirsty Cameron. On the 13th of May 2012 Kirsty flew a massive straight line flight of 233km from Milk Hill in Wiltshire to the flats of Norfolk. This is the second longest flight in the UK ever and only the third over 200km long. In this podcast she describes the flight and how to negotiate the extensive airspace she had to cross, as well as providing loads of good tips for aspiring long distance fliers. Click here to see her tracklog. 50 mins. (June 2012)

Download the podcast: http://www.judithmole.net/podcasts/The_Big_One_Kirsty_Cameron.mp3 (43Mb)

Flash version: Listen to it online

Subscribe to future podcasts: see the links on the right.

Please note: this, and all previous podcasts, are also available from the podcast page.

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