Fear of Flying

---By Cat Thomas　Translated by Crystal Kuo

"You'll never get me up in one of those" is a common utterance from the mouths of those with a fear of flying -- though in its truest form it is, rather, a fear of falling. However, that fear can create an amazing adrenalin rush and sense of excitement. So, if you, like an increasing number of people these days, have the urge to take to the skies -- here are a couple of options for you to try.

"I'm flying, really flying"
A paraglider, an inflatable wing made of durable nylon or polyester, is launched by running off a hill. In terms of required athletic ability, the short take-off is as demanding as it gets. As Adon Berwick told me, the key is just to "commit yourself and keep pumping those legs even when they aren't touching the ground anymore ... just to make sure!"

First-timers fly tandem, but this doesn't lessen the experience any. Adon notes, "The beauty is that you're a front-seat passenger and have the best view as you soar out and around. It's up to the pilot, then, to catch the updrafts and take you to those dizzying heights."

Paragliding, often described as "free form flight", works on a combination of elements. First, the weather has to be right. Then the pilot seeks out thermals which cause you to gain altitudes of up to over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) and help you to fly for long distances (the current world record stands at 423 kilometers).

Roger, of Taichung's live music venue Grooveyard, is a very experienced flyer and shared some of his experiences. "The first [tandem] flight that you do is a rush -you suddenly realise 'I'm really, really flying'. Then [after the necessary training] the first couple of solo flights you concentrate hard on technicalities. By the third or fourth, you start to experience the 'flying, I'm really, really flying' buzz again."

As you gain confidence, you get a second sensation -- one of destiny. "When you are flying there are no streets, no roads to follow, no traffic lights. Subject to conditions, you can pick a point on the horizon and travel there, quite literally as the crow flies. Of course, to get to this level requires discipline -- you have to thoroughly research the sport to gain the required expertise to adhere to the flying rules that guard your safety. But the results are certainly rewarding.

As Roger explains, "If you see feathers at 800 meters or a butterfly at 1,000 meters, you know a thermal has carried them up there". One of the most compelling insights that Roger described was that, as you gain altitude, you rise above the ambient noise level, your senses become more acute, and all you can hear is the slight whistle of the wind and the rustle of fabric. You become deliciously sensitive to temperature change and the closest visual reference is the ground a kilometer away.

Shooting across the waves

If running off a cliff isn't your idea of fun, then another sport rapidly drawing people into its fold might be for you: kite surfing. Less than 10 years ago, there were probably only a few dozen kite surfers in the world, but one source now estimates as many as 150,000 to 200,000 have taken to the sport.
Kite surfing, put simply, is being attached to a board by foot straps, and then using the power of a large, controllable kite to propel yourself across the water. The challenge being, your body is the only connection between that kite and board, and you have no choice but to control them.

And what can kite surfing offer? "Freedom" was the answer given to me by Peter from the Taiwan Kite Surfing Centre in Tainan. "Sometimes, in the right conditions, I can be out on the board for four hours," he says. It also provides a combination of extreme sports -- "one minute you can be flying three storeys high, and then you are thrown back into the water, and you're soaking wet!" Hmmm ... but who am I to argue with the obvious enthusiasm in his voice? The athletic nature of the sport can also offer a great full body workout.

If you are after a one-off buzz, however, kite surfing is not the sport for you, as you have to really work at it. And, although you will see kite surfers island-wide, Tainan's Golden Beach is an ideal place to learn, he told me. The length of the beach and the wind conditions are better suited to the beginner.
TKC offers day courses, and tuition can be provided in Chinese and English. The day courses are offered at NT$2,000 for the trainer and the equipment, and you must email ahead to arrange this and check conditions.

And just how long until you are flying across those waves? Peter told me it depends on talent and what you put into it. But, after a couple of months (practising each weekend), you can get on the board and get something from it. One learner said he tried standing on the board after only six times and, of course, he capsized straight away. Of course...but baby steps, eh?!
TKC also has a great website which helps existing fans of the sport by locating sites, equipment and weather reports, as well as contacting other enthusiasts. And, for the beginner, there are plenty of photos to tempt!

If you do decide to give either of these sports a go, there are some precautions you should take. First, seek out a qualified instructor and read up on international standards so you know what you are looking for. A couple of recommendations for paragliding would be to seek out a United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) certified instructor, or contact Wings Taiwan. Secondly, remember that large numbers of people flying or surfing at a site doesn't necessarily imply safety. In fact crowded areas can be dangerous, as well as detracting from your experience. You may also want to consider additional health insurance.

TIPS
www.wingstaiwan.com - The ins and outs of paragliding in Taiwan
www.ushga.org - United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association
www.grooveyardtaiwan.com - Roger will be happy to answer your questions. Just sign them into the guestbook.
www.kiteboarding.com.tw/index.html
hank@kiteboarding.com.tw