Writing this post feels different from last time, nicer, since I am actually writing to pilots who have signed up and that I now know...
as well as to the unknown others who may be contemplating the ultimate adventure.
So, what do you need to take on a paragliding trip to Pakistan?
Well really, not anything that different from anywhere else.
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| Colin Hawke proves me wrong! (the upper Hunza launch) |
But they ARE the biggest mountains on the planet, and as such do present unique situations, which I see as being...
Awe.
Cold.
Altitude.
The first one is the most important, since it is probably the reason you want to go and fly them in the first place, so make it your friend, and let it generate energy.
But awe usually has another smaller component of fear, and it should also be listened to. The trick is to balance the two, not letting 'irrational fear' win the day too early. Hopefully Brad and I can help a lot here, with our previous experience of these mountains. But never forget that it is you pulling the strings of your glider, and it should always be your own decisions.
Awe doesn't act alone, but is constantly coloured by the Cold and Altitude, so managing these two has an effect on it.
Cold.
If you prepare for this well, it helps lots.
However, up to 6000m, I really don't think it needs much extra preparation, normal alpine clothing for a good day in Chamonix will be fine. It is also often ok to blip up to 7000m briefly, then come back down to 5500m and warm up again.
But, if you have any hankerings after the high altitudes, then wrap up warm.
Altitude.
For us guides, this is the biggest challenge.
It may be easy for me to recommend for instance ''keep below 5000m'' for the first few days, hoping that will keep your head clear and save you crashing into the snowfields at 5400m. But in practice it does appear that hypoxia makes one to some extent more confident, intoxicated, so that maybe you are there trying to lay down tracks in the very snowfields I am worried about you crashing into.
Well maybe not that extreme...but it might make it more difficult to actually notice you have climbed to 5700m.
In practise, I believe that the cold, hyperventilation, and fear will probably alert the most hypoxic brain to the environment it is working in...and it will make radio communication more difficult (and sometimes amusing!).
So how to deal with these 3 things?
Firstly, a 'safe' easy handling wing, which preferably you are already comfortable with.
I have flown almost exclusively
DHV 1/2's and 2's (EN B and C's) in the big mountains during the last 14 years, and am certain that they are the best category wings to fly. When the conditions and route dictate flying close to terrain, if you trust the wing you are flying then you are more likely to continue and maximize the day, rather than fear suggesting that the sensible course is to give up and land (and fear is a friend that should nearly always be listened to).
So an easy glider should help with the Awe, and also help with the Altitude (less work/stress needs less o2) and Cold (I take wraps less on easy wings).
Clothing.
If you want to go high (much above say 6000m for long) you need...
good top layers (duvet jackets and trousers), big gloves and handwarmers (mitts and inner gloves, with maybe also handwarmers, either chemical/electrical ), face protection (visored helmet/ facemask/scarfe/ski goggles), and warm boots (double mountain boots/insulated full gaiters over trekking/flying boots) really help with the enjoyment levels.
Basically, I have come to believe that going above 7000m lots is really not that much fun. But occasionally...it's brilliant!
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Eddie Colfox suitable attired on lower Hunza Launch,
with lightweight reversible harness, and full face visored helmet. |
Altitude.
The question is whether to use supplementary oxygen, or not.
If you use it, and it always works, then it must provide increased brain function and warmth, and should therefore be safer.
If you never use it then you should acclimatise to altitude more quickly/better (if you are going to acclimatise well).
I think that over the last 14 years in Hunza, the majority of pilots have flown without o2, and most of the major flights have been made without it. However, there is a strong opinion that it is fool hardy. I come from a climbing and mountaineering background, and feel that if climbers can reach 8800m in a highly physical way without o2, then we should be able to easily fly up to 7500m when acclimatised.
So maybe the real question is, are you going to acclimatise well to altitude, or not?
I am sure that the more relaxed you are,and the more you are enjoying where you are, the less oxygen you need to function well. Whenever I do stressful things like changing gloves or batteries, by the end of it I am almost panting, and it is not as if it is a huge exertion. I think it is the stress, the worry of dropping something, as the glider collapses in rough air without hands on the brakes.
Probably the best compromise is to start off without it, staying to sensible altitudes for a week or two at least and allow acclimatisation to begin. Then, later, start to use o2 if you feel the need, or wish to go very very high. This way you can get benefits from both strategies, especially should the o2 malfunction in the air.
Phew, that feels enough for now, but it will be on-going, and feel free to ask questions.
Where is that o2 cylinder!
There is more info that might be of use in the comments of my ozone blog
http://teamblog.flyozone.com/johnsilvester/2011/09/13/sorting-kit-to-go-exploring/#comments
and in the 'pilot requirements' of Himalayanskysafaris that will mostly apply too...
http://www.himalayanskysafaris.com/page4/page7/page7.html
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| Brad Sander after a big flight... at the landing in the middle of town . |
We still have one o2 system for hire (Summit o2 pulse demand, nasule cannula),
and there is a pretty good selection of used mountain clothing available in the two village trekking stores, especially down and fleece jackets/trousers, and often climbing boots, all at good prices, and some of it excellent condition. So it isn't totally necessary to come prepared for the summit of Everest if what you really want is to just come out for a taster, because you will probably be able to source most equipment if you find you need it. But everyone should try to get a good glove system sorted at home. I use light summer windstopper low down, then change into fleece gloves with a large synthetic/down mitt overglove...and chemical handwarmers in an outer pocket in-case I need them (the sell buy often expires before I use them).
There is also various kit left at Mansoors, including size 9 and 10 double boots (which may be available for a lend if the owners are not using them!), and even Uncle Bob's hang glider!
