#226 Benni Bölli and the Art of Flaring

It’s not often you get to be credited for creating a whole new sport! “Flaring” or parakiting is all the rage in some parts of the world and my guest for today’s show Benni Bölli- inventor, designer, and passionate pilot is the head developer for Flare, which makes the Moustache and the Line. “Parakiting” is simply the combination of a kitesurfing wing and a paragliding wing. Dynamic, fast, wicked playful- it takes soaring to a whole new level and makes playing on dunes and cliffs wildly fun again. Benni shares his personal journey in the sport and explains how the Flare system works, including the use of the accelerator and the dynamic nature of the wing, and the advantages and potential risks of flying with the Flare wing. Benni emphasizes the importance of understanding the system and taking proper precautions. Bennie explores the differences between parakites and traditional paragliders, including the use of a flare system and the ability to maintain lift in low wind conditions. And he explains the mechanics of flaring and how it affects the angle of attack and glide path of the wing. We also discuss the potential future of parakites in the paragliding community and the importance of caution and proper training when flying with parakites.Photo Hermann Erber

Photo Hermann Erber

Photo Hermann Erber

Photo Hermann ErberTakeaways* The Flare wing combines elements of paragliding and kitesurfing, offering a dynamic and playful flying experience.

* The Flare system allows for increased control and versatility, with the ability to change the angle of attack and fly at different speeds.

* Proper understanding of the Flare system and wing design is crucial for safe and enjoyable flying.

* Ground handling and familiarizing oneself with the wing’s behavior are important steps before flying with the Flare wing. Flaring is a unique sport that involves using parakites for soaring.

* Parakites have a flare system that allows pilots to change the angle of attack and maintain lift in low wind conditions.

* Flaring involves adjusting the angle between the leading edge and trailing edge of the wing to control the glide path.

* Parakites are more efficient for soaring than traditional paragliders, but may not be as suitable for long-distance cross-country flights.

* Proper training and caution are essential when flying with parakites to avoid accidents.Titles* The Concept and Design of the Flare Wing

* The Flare System: Control and Versatility Understanding the Mechanics of Flaring

* The Benefits of Using Parakites for SoaringSound Bites* “Yeah, why mustache?”

* “All the best companies are starting from a joke.”

* “So I would say it’s very dynamic.”

* “Flying gliders is just so much more efficient than going with a paraglider on cross-country flights.”

* “The mustache is made to basically stay up. So your arm position where you fly for your best glide ratio, I would say, is totally different than on the line.”

* “The Dutch flying community, they are unique in this.”Chapters00:00Introduction and Background05:56Benni’s Journey and Role in Flare Kiteboarding10:59The Concept and Design of the Flare Wing18:39The Flare System: Control and Versatility2...