#239 The thrill of a lifetime of flying with Eddie Colfox

John Sylvester, Eddie Colfox and Jim Mallinso n break it down in BirEddie Colfox has an unbelievable history with paragliding, beginning in 1991 at home in the UK and later across India, Pakistan, and Morocco. In this show Eddie discusses the evolution of the flying community, the connections formed through shared experiences, and the challenges faced in high-altitude flying. Eddie shares personal anecdotes, including his work with notable figures in the sport and the impact of his diverse experiences on his life and career. The conversation highlights the thrill of adventure, the importance of community, and the lessons learned along the way. We delve into the inception of the Himalayan Sky Safaris, the vibrant flying community in Bir, and the unique experiences that come with flying in the Indian landscape. We discuss the important balance between fear and safety, the role of tandem flying in personal growth, and the responsibilities of guiding. Eddie reflects on the importance of teamwork, the lessons learned from experience, and the significance of caution in adventure sports. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on future aspirations and the enduring love for flying.TakeawaysEddie started paragliding in 1991, driven by a passion for flying.He formed strong connections with influential figures in the paragliding community.Eddie’s first experience of paragliding was a spontaneous flight off a hill.The journey to India was sparked by a job offer from a unique character, Wrenkly Dick.Eddie has flown in various countries, including India, Pakistan, and Morocco.His adventures in Pakistan included flying at extraordinary altitudes.Eddie’s experiences in Morocco were both personal and professional, blending travel with paragliding.He has never managed to make paragliding a full-time career due to diverse interests.Eddie reflects on the challenges and thrills of high-altitude flying.The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in adventure sports. Eddie’s first experience in the Himalayas was intense and challenging.Bir has become a hub for paragliding since 2005.Flying in India offers unique experiences but also comes with risks.Fear can be a useful tool in managing safety while flying.Tandem flying helps pilots maintain excitement without pushing personal limits too far.Observation is crucial for safety in guiding and flying.Team dynamics and mutual respect are key to successful guiding.Learning from less experienced pilots can provide valuable insights.There is always another day to fly; patience is essential in the sport.The conversation highlights the importance of enjoying the journey in paragliding.Sound Bites* “It’s been a while.” * “I still have very good memories.” * “I started in 91.” * “That’s how the three of us got together.” * “I had a fantastic time.” * “I was just his sidekick.” * “It was just extraordinary.” * “Extraordinary heights.” * “I was too scared to go over the back.” * “We survived and there’s some great stories.” * “I like flying and landing somewhere vaguely safe.” * “Observation is the key phrase that people miss.” * “There’s always another day.” * “I hope I’ve made some sense.”Chapters00:00 Revisiting Old Memories03:04 The Journey into Paragliding06:00 Building Connections in the Flying Community08:58 Exploring India: The First Encounters12:05 Adventures in Pakistan14:55 The Moroccan Experience18:00 Life Beyond Paragliding...