Well done chaps. Pete Finnegan, Deane Landreth and myself as the Gopher chopper arranger spent some time in Franz around 1996 setting up a heli-paraglding business. We were using an irregular concession landing license. All was well until Air Safaris made a complaint to DOC. DOC then wanted us to obtain a regular landing concession license. We made the application and waited and waited for the Conservation Board to make a decision. Vested interests on the Board led to them to declining the concession license. We were left with a big bill to pay for nothing. Pete and Deane also flew from Mt Fox. Pete did a bit around the Whataroa area. It was recognized Long ago that a the flight you just accomplished, was possible. Just that circumstances conspired against both Pete and Deane. Again, well done.
Thankyou. The potential might be something you would like to investigate further going into the future. The wind does go round to the North after a day or two of fine weather. That might lead to an even longer flight from North to South. Happy flying.
@@robinmccarthy9435 interesting! The potential is huge, the ridgeline is pretty straight and keeps going. I think this is probably the easiest place in New Zealand for 200km+ out and return. I think it's probably easier to start in the N and head south first then finish by heading back N again. I also think 300km open distance could be on here too, you'd have to go all the way to Murchison though.
Hope to hear from you again on here soon, Benjamin! Love your videos - my wife and I have been inspired to get our paragliding training, licenses and gear in 2025. Thank you!
@BenjaminKellett Andalusia, southern Spain. We're fortunate to live in the region, and there appear to be a couple of good options for courses. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
I just discovered your channel and it is everything I ever wanted from a paragliding video/channel. Very well done. You nailed it down to the right formula and it gets me excited for my 2024 flying season! Keep it going!
Epic! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the BEST paragliding content on the internet. Your flying, the locations and the videos are amazing and inspiring. I simply can’t understand why pilots aren’t rushing into NZ from the world over? A bit more of this kinda stuff and maybe they will! Great stuff Ben and greatly appreciated for your sharing of it.
Thank you! You will! It's been a while since I posted here so i apologize for that 😅 but fear not, more is coming from all the trips I did over the northern summer. Pakistan dropping any day now
Just discovered your channel and I love it! My brother-in-law, sadly passed, used to be a bit of a 'daredevil' and very amateur paraglider and he would have loved to do something like the stuff you do in the mountains. Really looking forward to watching more of your stuff! 👍
You are one of the few to successfully capture the essence of paragliding. The epic views, the excitement and the aerial chess game. I love how well you show the decision making on your videos, it almost makes it seem possible for us mere mortals!
Dude! That’s such a good flight and even better video!! Was watching at work with a power-pilot workmate who was thoroughly interested too. If you ever need a ground support person, let me know, or if you want to jump in the other seat in a glider, happy to take you up
Wooohooo!! Ballsy flight! Wow! Epic video and editing. Perfect editing for other pilots, sort of showing in real-time how the paraglider's mind works. Well done
Epic video Ben. Loved the low saves and experienced the emotions that I have felt many times myself. The NZ part of me keeps calling me back to NZ and I would love to fly this route myself. Great video mate.
Your videos are incredible, mate! Breathtaking visuals, good commentary, and incredible flying! You definitely turn 'epic' from a noun into a verb in these adventures, inspiring many of us to pursue this ridiculous little sport. Keep up the amazing work!
I'm about as 'beginner' as it gets in this sport (1 solo flight to my name), but god, this gives such a good insight in to the sorts of things that can be achieved in it. Not saying I'll ever reach something of this scale, but it sure is inspiring. The fact that it's combined with considered, thoughtful filmmaking too is really quite special. Thanks a lot!
Mate awesome! One solo flight is where it all begins! 🤘 Trust me, every pilot was a beginner once. The journey is half the fun, and you’ll surprise yourself with how far you can go. Have you set any goals for your next flights? Stoked the video gave you some inspiration! Keep chasing it!
What a video!!! Thanks Benjamin for keep Sharing all you amazing adventures!! 🤙🏼🤙🏼 What an incredible zone to fly, a bit scary, but you definitely should come fly at West Cost in Canada 🇨🇦, pretty similar views and a lot of trees too haha … Great to see how decision in group help flying further, so far great video! did you ever get collapses? Haha would be nice a compilation of the most stressful turbulent moments for you overall haha.. Cheers mate and thanks for keep us entertained during winter haha 🤙🏼🤙🏼
Nice little excursion! For those of us that don't know the local area well, it would be helpful to include an overview map showing your route. 🇨🇦♿
Hey awesome, thanks for the feedback! I have done maps in the past, not sure why I didn't with this one in the end to be honest!
❤
🙌
When is the India series coming?
First will be Pakistan, that'll be 2 videos fist one dropping soon (any day now). Then after that will be India, I expect end Jan 25
Well done chaps.
Pete Finnegan, Deane Landreth and myself as the Gopher chopper arranger spent some time in Franz around 1996 setting up a heli-paraglding business.
We were using an irregular concession landing license. All was well until Air Safaris made a complaint to DOC.
DOC then wanted us to obtain a regular landing concession license. We made the application and waited and waited for the Conservation Board to make a decision. Vested interests on the Board led to them to declining the concession license. We were left with a big bill to pay for nothing.
Pete and Deane also flew from Mt Fox. Pete did a bit around the Whataroa area.
It was recognized Long ago that a the flight you just accomplished, was possible. Just that circumstances conspired against both Pete and Deane.
Again, well done.
Amazing! That’s awesome to get some history!!
Thankyou.
The potential might be something you would like to investigate further going into the future.
The wind does go round to the North after a day or two of fine weather. That might lead to an even longer flight from North to South.
Happy flying.
@@robinmccarthy9435 interesting! The potential is huge, the ridgeline is pretty straight and keeps going. I think this is probably the easiest place in New Zealand for 200km+ out and return. I think it's probably easier to start in the N and head south first then finish by heading back N again. I also think 300km open distance could be on here too, you'd have to go all the way to Murchison though.
There's no corruption in NZ...we just look after our mates.
It's like you have Earth Repelling magnets in your back protection, with all those low saves!
I LOVE Your content and adventures!
haha!! Thanks mate!
Hope to hear from you again on here soon, Benjamin! Love your videos - my wife and I have been inspired to get our paragliding training, licenses and gear in 2025. Thank you!
Oh that's awesome! I love hearing that! Where are you learning?
@BenjaminKellett Andalusia, southern Spain. We're fortunate to live in the region, and there appear to be a couple of good options for courses. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
I just discovered your channel and it is everything I ever wanted from a paragliding video/channel. Very well done. You nailed it down to the right formula and it gets me excited for my 2024 flying season! Keep it going!
Thanks mate! I'm a bit slow to reply to this one, did you have a good season!?
Ben, you’re a flying machine. Thanks for showing us what’s possible in NZ. West coast flying takes huge kiwis!
😮 Simply beautiful and amazing. Jealous on how high you keep your altitude through your whole flight! You make it look effortless
Thanks mate! It was from fear of landing in a river bed 😂
Nice one Ben, looked like an awesome area for flying!
Cheers mate! It really is!
Thanks!
Hey thank you so much for your support!! I really appreciate it!! 🙌🙌
Thanks for all the great content! It was great meeting you yesterday and glad to hear the landing was safe.
Just started flying myself earlier this year. I love watching your videos and the commentary is great. Please keep doing what you’re doing.
That's awesome! I will, thanks for watching! 🙏
Epic! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the BEST paragliding content on the internet. Your flying, the locations and the videos are amazing and inspiring. I simply can’t understand why pilots aren’t rushing into NZ from the world over? A bit more of this kinda stuff and maybe they will! Great stuff Ben and greatly appreciated for your sharing of it.
Ahh thanks mate, you’re too kind! Very much appreciate it 🙏
Your commentary is so educational. Thank you! Love the hyperlapses too!
Thank you! I appreciate it! Is there something you'd want to hear more about that I didn't cover?
Amazing. Hope to see more videos!
Thank you! You will! It's been a while since I posted here so i apologize for that 😅 but fear not, more is coming from all the trips I did over the northern summer. Pakistan dropping any day now
Fly hard! Wow Ben this flight in tiger county is amazingly bold. Incredible how relaxed you are. Fantastic
Thanks mate! It’s truely an awesome place to fly!
Going where no-one has gone before... the ultimate adventure dream!
Beautifull !!!
My favorite kind of mission! 😎
Just discovered your channel and I love it! My brother-in-law, sadly passed, used to be a bit of a 'daredevil' and very amateur paraglider and he would have loved to do something like the stuff you do in the mountains. Really looking forward to watching more of your stuff! 👍
Thank you very much! Sorry for you loss. I'll be posting again here now so more is coming!
Love these longform videos. Thanks for sharing
No problem! Thanks for watching!
Incredible.
Thanks!
Pleasure to watch as always!
Thank you!!
Awesome watching your videos, I’ve never flown the South Island it looks amazing
Thanks mate! You should come down!! It’s an awesome place to fly!! 😎
Phenomenal adventuring, Ben. Love it. Surprised you aren't getting more views.
Thanks mate! I appreciate it!
Amazing hobby
It is! Keen?
Lovely! Thanks for sharing 😊
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
Always a pleasure watching your XCs. Thanks for sharing + keep them coming!
Cheers mate! I will, been a bit inactive on here of late but I'm bac posting again now. New video online today, let me know what you think!
@ yesss my guy. Looking forward to it! Been seeing you IG updates and hoping you’d be cooking up a vid. Let’s go 🔥🍿
You are the best and thanks for taking us with you all the time, best paragliding channel out there! Cheers mate!
Ahh thanks mate! Super kind!!
You are one of the few to successfully capture the essence of paragliding. The epic views, the excitement and the aerial chess game. I love how well you show the decision making on your videos, it almost makes it seem possible for us mere mortals!
Dude! That’s such a good flight and even better video!! Was watching at work with a power-pilot workmate who was thoroughly interested too.
If you ever need a ground support person, let me know, or if you want to jump in the other seat in a glider, happy to take you up
wow thats awesome thanks mate!
Unreal !
🙏
insane new camping hobby
Best way to get in the back country I reckon 😎
I am really glad for the full video again. So much better than the shorts.... Thank you
Thanks mate, yeah the shorts are so much easier to make though 🤪😂
Pretty awesome!
Thanks mate!
So sick my bro 👌🔥🍻
Thanks mate! 🍻
Awesome ! Greeting from Réunion Island ! Also known for paragliding ;)
Wow what a beautiful place to live!! What's the best time of year to visit for flying?
Brining the sickness... as per usual. Thank you.
😎🙌
Yes! once again Ben, fantastic video, flying, commentary and entertainment! Legend!
Thanks mate!!
Epic Ben! Awesome and inspirational.
Cheers mate!!
You are so inspiring 🤩
Ahh thanks mate!
Have been absolutely hanging out for this vid after all of the teasers and certainly didn't disappoint great as always
Thanks bro, appreciate it!
Awesome edit and epic adventure. had the pleasure of sharing a 200+ flight with you out of Fiesch last spring - keep them coming!
Oh cool! Yeah that was an incredible day! Would love to do that one again, I’ll be back in Switzerland in summer 😎
Yeeees, finally the whole vid. Really loved the shorts!
Thanks for waiting!! 🙏
Keep the videos coming! 👏🙌👏
Will do!! Thanks mate!
Finally subscribed
Thank you!! I really appreciate the support! 🙏
Wooohooo!! Ballsy flight! Wow! Epic video and editing. Perfect editing for other pilots, sort of showing in real-time how the paraglider's mind works. Well done
Thanks mate! Appreciate it! 🙏
Amazing Ben - we don’t fly but love watching your adventures! 👍🏼
That's great! Thanks for watching!
Awesomeness
Thanks !!
king of the low saves !!
😁🙏
Really loved your video. It’s such a cool idea to paraglide long distance, never heard of it before I knew your channel
Thank you!! Yeah it's a great sport! Do you think it's something you could do yourself? or nah? 😅
Fantastic mate!
Thanks!! 😁
What a view man ! Can’t wait to start paragliding 🤟
Thanks!! Yeah you should!!
Epic video Ben. Loved the low saves and experienced the emotions that I have felt many times myself. The NZ part of me keeps calling me back to NZ and I would love to fly this route myself. Great video mate.
Thanks mate! Sorry for slow reply, you should definitely come back for a fly! Its an amazing place for it! Where do you live normally??
You're livin' the dream you lucky!
😁
So awesome to watch!
Thank you!
Love this type of video, shorts are fun but this is epic. Thanks Ben!
Cheers mate! Yeah just have to dig to find motivation for the long ones sometimes 😂
Nice!
Thanks mate!
incredible flying skills
Cheers mate!
Awesome flying!
Thanks!!
Fantastic video as per usual Ben 👏
Thank you very much!! 😁
well done epic adventure
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Awesome video. Having taken up paragliding since hiking on Franz Josef 25 yrs ago. Awesome to see this. Great effort!!
Epic! What amazing views and flying!
Thanks!
Amazing
Thanks!
Great stuff!
Thanks mate !
Wow! Great job boys!! Best pg channel out there. Got to love the soft landings after a long flight. Great low saves, you guys got balls✌️🇨🇦
Thanks mate!! Appreciate it!
Epic stuff. As a pilot from South Africa this is definitely putting NZ on my bucket list
So beautiful ey❤
Its such a cool spot! Have you been to the west coast of NZ?
great flights, looked like some committing decisions there, and awesome editing. nice one.
Thanks mate!! Yeah was step by step at times 😬
Fantastic video again! Been looking forward to this one after all your teaser shorts. Adventure flying at its best!
Cheers mate!
Awesome new Adventure, thanks for sharing the beautiful footage! 🥳
Thanks!! You’re welcome!!
Inspirational! Thank you for sharing
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Excellent video as usual
Thank you 🙌
Great to see you and the lads opening up new terrain. Way to go!!! Always love your videos and adventures. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks!! No problem! We had never really considered flying here so it was cool to find somewhere new for us
Absolutely wonderful Ben, thanks for sharing.
Such a sweet journey to watcn along with. Thank you!
Another epic couple of flights from you lads! lovely work!
Cheers bro!
AMAZING!!!! Would love to fly New Zeland!
Thanks mate! Yeah you should!!
Your videos are incredible, mate! Breathtaking visuals, good commentary, and incredible flying! You definitely turn 'epic' from a noun into a verb in these adventures, inspiring many of us to pursue this ridiculous little sport.
Keep up the amazing work!
Kind words, thank you very much! 😁
Another stunning video.
Cheers mate!
Amazing adventure!
Thank you! I really love flying the west coast, we went back again this season. Have you been before?
I'm about as 'beginner' as it gets in this sport (1 solo flight to my name), but god, this gives such a good insight in to the sorts of things that can be achieved in it. Not saying I'll ever reach something of this scale, but it sure is inspiring. The fact that it's combined with considered, thoughtful filmmaking too is really quite special. Thanks a lot!
Mate awesome! One solo flight is where it all begins! 🤘 Trust me, every pilot was a beginner once. The journey is half the fun, and you’ll surprise yourself with how far you can go. Have you set any goals for your next flights? Stoked the video gave you some inspiration! Keep chasing it!
Best vid I've seen in weeks. Wat a ride!
Just wish for more footage of this adventure.
Thanks mate!! Yeah i have more but trying to find a balance of keeping it interesting 😅 there's more POV content in the shorts I made of it!
Stressful flying 😮
It was at times eh, another 1'000ft would make all the difference! You'll have to come with next time show us the way 😎
awesome mate
🙏
What a video!!!
Thanks Benjamin for keep Sharing all you amazing adventures!! 🤙🏼🤙🏼
What an incredible zone to fly, a bit scary, but you definitely should come fly at West Cost in Canada 🇨🇦, pretty similar views and a lot of trees too haha …
Great to see how decision in group help flying further, so far great video! did you ever get collapses? Haha would be nice a compilation of the most stressful turbulent moments for you overall haha..
Cheers mate and thanks for keep us entertained during winter haha 🤙🏼🤙🏼
Thanks mate! I’d love to fly in Canada! It’s on the list for sure!! No collapses on this trip, don’t get many to be honest. 😬
Choice!!! Real cool. Looking forward to your next adventures. Best regards from the Netherlands, and merry xmax, Rob^^
Proper adventure!! Nice job!
Thanks mate!!
So amazing!!!!
Cheers mate!
Great flight and beautiful images
What an awesome adventure! You were very lucky with the weather!
Yeah we were eh!! Was worth the drive in the end!
amazing flight!!
Cheers mate!
Outstanding.
You guys rock.
I was feeling excited and nervous just sitting here on my sofa.
Awesome! Thanks mate!! it was a little nerve wracking in the sky too!
Amazing video as always Ben.What a beautiful place. Such a special place to fly.
Well done
Fantastic, as always! Thank you for the inspiration.
Epic flying, fantastic editing and...as always... very inspiring !
Cheers mate! 🙌
Epic video dude!!!!
Thanks!
Incredible flights & epic footage that I would never have expected from a paragliding perspective!
Beautiful
Thank you!!
I remember seeing some scenes of this flight in your reels. Ever since, I was hoping to see the whole flight.... And what a flight it was!
There you go! Thanks for waiting! 😁
Awesome!
Cheers mate!