#235 A Record is Crushed in Norway with Arne Kristian Boiesen

On June 10, 2023 Arne Kristian Boiesen, a veteran paraglider from Norway stepped off one of his local sites outside of Oslo hoping to go pretty big. 9.5 hours later he’d flown his Niviuk Peak 6 343 km from launch, a remarkable 90 km farther than anyone ever had in Norway, flying nearly due north across epic terrain, landing just south of Trondheim. The record stands today. Kristian discusses the details of his flight, including the conditions, challenges, and the beautiful landscapes of Norway. He shares insights about the paragliding community in Norway, the seasonal patterns affecting flying conditions, and his aspirations for future record flights. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of flying in Norway, including navigating airspace, terrain challenges, future possible lines, and the camaraderie among pilots. We delve into the world of paragliding in Norway, discuss the rise of hike and fly adventures, the impact of weather patterns on flying conditions, and the best locations for flying. They also touch on competitive flying, record chasing, and the differences between flying communities in Norway and Sweden. The conversation highlights the challenges and excitement of long-distance flying and the importance of seizing good weather days for optimal flying experiences.Check out his tracklog on XContest hereRead an article about the flight (it’s in Norwegian, but google translate does a pretty good job)Short film below from the record day. Takeaways* Arne Kristian holds a record for a long-distance flight in Norway. * The flight took place on June 10, 2023, and still stands. * Local hills near Oslo provide good soaring opportunities. * Flying conditions in Norway can vary greatly by season. * The community of paragliders in Norway is around 2,500 registered pilots. * Record flights often require careful planning and favorable weather. * Towing techniques are used for training and record attempts. * The terrain in Norway offers both challenges and beautiful landscapes. * Flying in Norway can involve navigating complex airspace. * Future projects may include exploring northern Norway for new flying opportunities. Hike and fly is becoming increasingly popular in Norway. * Weather patterns significantly affect flying conditions, especially between fronts. * Voss and Voggo are among the best locations for paragliding in Norway. * Competitive flying events can be thrilling and rewarding. * Chasing records in paragliding requires patience and readiness for good weather days. * Airspace regulations can pose challenges, particularly around Oslo. * The flying community in Norway is vibrant and supportive. * Long-distance flying requires strategic planning and understanding of weather. * Comparing flying experiences in Norway and Sweden reveals unique challenges and opportunities. * Future aspirations include exploring new flying locations and improving competitive events.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Arne Kristian and His Record Flight05:37 Navigating Airspac...