Paragliding adventures in the French Alps

Paragliding Adventures in the French Alps with Sam Holmes Sailing

Sailing enthusiasts might recognize Sam Holmes from his entertaining YouTube channel, where he takes us on exhilarating journeys through the sailing world. This time, he left behind his boats and took to the skies for an unforgettable paragliding adventure in the French Alps. Follow along as he details his journey, challenges, and breathtaking views from this thrilling excursion.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Sam chose to visit Anosy, France, a picturesque location known for its stunning alpine scenery. However, upon arrival, he faced an unfortunate forecast – ten days of rain with occasional sunshine scattered throughout his trip.

Hiking in the Rain

Despite the gloomy weather, Sam wasn’t deterred from his quest to soar above the Alps. He set off on a hike into the mountains with the hope that the clouds would part, allowing him to launch and catch the thermal winds.

Finding the Launch

Upon reaching the peak, Sam encountered an unusual sight – around a dozen people launching in complete zero visibility. This left him perplexed as to how they could navigate and control their gliders in such conditions.

Catch and Release: Day One Flight

In his first flight, he experienced a brief but memorable five-minute airborne experience in the speed wing, focusing on a short glide out to landing. However, Sam acknowledged that this was not an accurate reflection of his skills due to poor weather conditions and inexperience.

Day Two: Improvement

Determined for better results, he returned the next day during promising weather forecasts. With higher expectations, he aimed for a longer, more controlled flight amidst thermic winds. Though facing minor turbulence, Sam managed to remain in the air for around 30 minutes before landing safely.

Easing Into Alpine Adventure

Realizing his skill levels weren’t at their peak due to lack of regular practice, Sam decided to try speed flying instead. Speed wings proved more manageable, allowing him to gain confidence and experience the thrills of gliding across beautiful alpine landscapes.

The Challenging Ascent

Sam encountered his most demanding physical challenge while attempting a high altitude flight with views of Mont Blanc in the distance. The intense steep hike led him to question his mountaineering skills, but he persevered and eventually discovered a less daunting launch spot.

The Ultimate Experience

During his final paragliding flights, Sam was more mindful of landing close to his car for ease of retrieval. He enjoyed the excitement of the adventure while emphasizing how valuable it felt to regain some old skills alongside gaining new ones in an entirely different setting.

The Wrap-Up

After completing his adventurous foray into paragliding and alpine trekking, Sam concludes by reflecting on what he’s learned. He reminds us that even with setbacks like rustiness from past experiences, persistence often leads to growth. With one unforgettable journey behind him in the French Alps, Sam is now eager to return to sailing with new perspective and tales of his flight to share.

Don’t Miss Out!

If you enjoyed this article about paragliding in the French Alps, stay tuned for Sam Holmes Sailing’s next adventures, from Malta’s boatyard projects to the return of his beloved sailing journeys. Follow along to discover more thrilling stories, useful tips, and incredible destinations as he explores the world.