Paragliding in Nelson

For many years I have wanted to try paragliding. So as the weather conditions improved in Nelson I jumped on the opportunity to do a tandem jump from the hills of the Richmond Range just above Stoke. I got to dress up in this very flattering and slightly oversize fly suit, which I didn't really need as it wasn't cold - but at least I looked the part. Aaron got to wear a slightly more flattering suit that was straight out of Top Gun. 

Helen in her oversize flying suit.

After several safety checks that the many buckles on the harness were done up and checking the wind conditions Stu, the instructor, and I took off. It was a strange sensation. It was hard to tell you were moving unless you looked at the ground. It just felt like you were hanging out. We flew around the tops and down towards the valley and then caught some thermals to take us back up high. The views were amazing down over the turquoise Tasman Bay, over to the Abel Tasman and the Kahurangi National Park in the distance.

In the process of taking off.

Up in the air. 

Views over Tasman Bay with Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Park.

After about 45 minutes we landed back up at the top of the hill and it was Aaron's turn. Vincent took Aaron  up on a flight, and instead of playing in the thermals they headed down the hill and landed on the edge of town. It was a slightly odd sensation at times - not too great on your stomach....

Aaron in a slightly oversize air force flying suit. 

Photo taken while flying. Supposedly you have to have your feet in it to show you were up there!