In this episode of the Speed Vector Podcast, Victor plays his favorite clips from the year.

Thank you all so much for listening and a very special thank you to all of the pilots who came on the show in 2025.

There are big plans for 2026!

Wishing you all many happy flights in 2026.

Summary

In this episode of the Speed Vector podcast, host Victor interviews Corey Symes, an accomplished athlete in the world of air sports, particularly known for his expertise in coastal soaring and speed flying. Corey shares his journey from skydiving to becoming a Flare athlete, discussing the challenges and joys of flying in Australia. The conversation delves into the importance of community support in air sports, the impact of kite surfing on his flying skills, and the nuances of weather forecasting for optimal flying conditions. Throughout the discussion, Corey emphasizes the thrill of soaring and the camaraderie within the flying community. In this engaging conversation, Corey shares his experiences in adventure sports, particularly focusing on the risks involved and the importance of community support. He discusses his passion for video creation, detailing his journey from self-taught filmmaker to producing high-quality content for his YouTube channel. The discussion also covers the latest innovations in gear, including the exciting new Bandit wing, and the challenges of testing prototypes. Corey reflects on his life on the road, sharing anecdotes about his adventures and the camaraderie within the sports community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Corey Symes

02:38 Corey's Journey into Air Sports

08:53 The Transition to Speed Flying

12:31 Becoming a Flare Athlete

18:36 The Impact of Flare Wings

20:44 Traveling and Soaring in Europe

22:00 Surfing Culture in Australia

27:11 Technical Challenges and Software Reliability

28:28 Crocodiles, Bears, and the Australian Culture

29:43 The Joy of Water Sports and Beach Culture

32:32 Kite Surfing: A Gateway to Coastal Soaring

35:05 The Evolution of Kite Surfing Equipment

40:19 Injuries and Mental Health in Extreme Sports

43:14 Community Support in Times of Injury

48:30 Creating Meaningful Content on YouTube

49:35 The Art of Filmmaking and Storytelling

57:12 The Impact of Technology on Filmmaking

59:20 The Bandit: A New Era in Speed Flying

01:05:29 Testing Prototypes: The Thrill and Challenge

01:11:15 Comparing Wings: Moustache 1 vs. Moustache 2

01:18:52 Life on the Road: Adventures and Challenges

01:22:58 Community and Connection in the Flying World

In this episode of the podcast, Victor talks about his experience thus far with FlySight 2.

Link to FlySight 2: https://www.chutingstar.com/flysight-2-audible-gps.

***The Speed Vector Podcast is not affiliated in anyway with FlySight or Chuting Star***

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Speed Vector Podcast

00:58 Victor's Solo Reflections and Weather Challenges

04:42 Exploring the FlySight Device for Speed Flying

12:14 Data Insights from FlySight: Enhancing Performance

20:15 Practical Applications and Installation of FlySight

29:41 Community Engagement and Future of Speed Flying

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Jake Long shares his journey into the world of speed flying, discussing the importance of community, the evolution of flying content, and the lessons learned from personal experiences and injuries. The discussion emphasizes the need for open dialogue about safety, the role of ego in extreme sports, and the value of storytelling in the flying community. Jake also shares insights on training his dog to fly and the balance between quantity and quality in flying experiences, all while connecting his background in welding to his passion for flying. In this episode, the hosts delve into the evolution of risk in adventure sports, particularly speed flying. They discuss how experience influences risk-taking behavior, the importance of mentorship and proper instruction, and the psychological impact of accidents on pilots. The conversation also highlights the low barriers to entry in speed flying and the necessity of understanding weather and terrain for safe flying. Additionally, they explore the vibrant community of extreme sports enthusiasts in Alaska, emphasizing the support and camaraderie that fosters growth in the sport. In this engaging conversation, Jake Long shares insights into the Alaskan paragliding community, emphasizing the importance of safety, community support, and the unique challenges faced by pilots in the region. He discusses his aspirations to become an instructor and the significance of wing sizing in relation to a pilot's experience and weight. The conversation also touches on the balance between seeking thrills in speed flying and maintaining safety, as well as the evolving nature of the sport and its equipment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Community Impact

05:53 Personal Experiences and Learning from Mistakes

11:52 The Importance of Sharing Experiences

18:02 Near Misses and Learning from Close Calls

23:57 Welding and Its Connection to Adventure Sports

37:01 The Joy of Building and Flying

45:30 The Journey to Flying with Pickles

50:33 The Transition from Paragliding to Speed Flying

55:55 The Impact of Personal Life on Flying

01:00:54 The Evolution of Risk Awareness in Flying

01:08:30 Kiting and the Importance of Gear Selection

01:14:22 Navigating the Community: Responsibility and Mentorship

01:20:13 The Importance of Instruction and Ground School

01:25:10 Tailoring Your Flying Journey

01:33:41 The Complexity of Risk and Reward

01:41:01 The Need for Foundational Knowledge in Speed Flying

01:46:58 Alaska: A Hub for Extreme Sports

01:53:55 Skiing and Snow Conditions in Alaska

01:59:05 Community and Responsibility in Paragliding

02:09:15 Future Aspirations in Flying

02:16:37 Promoting Paragliding Through Social Media

02:21:51 Overcoming Fear in Paragliding

02:27:26 The Importance of Wing Selection

02:38:18 Realistic Expectations in Downsizing Wings

Summary

In this conversation, Jason Hardrath discusses the importance of resilience and the spirit of defiance when facing challenges. He reflects on the concept of the 'cookie jar' popularized by David Goggins, emphasizing the need to draw strength from past experiences. Hardrath acknowledges the reality of physical limitations but remains determined to pursue his passions in endurance sports, highlighting the balance between acceptance and perseverance.

Takeaways

The 'cookie jar' concept helps in drawing strength from past achievements.

Defiance can be a powerful motivator in overcoming challenges.

It's important to recognize and accept physical limitations.

Pursuing passion is essential, even when faced with obstacles.

Resilience is key to maintaining a love for what you do.

One can be realistic about limitations while still striving for goals.

The spirit of defiance can be both healthy and unhealthy.

Acknowledging past struggles can empower future endeavors.

It's crucial to find a version of what you love that is attainable.

Mental strength plays a significant role in endurance sports.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

00:47 Breaking Barriers: The Power of Possibility

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Bonnie and Jarred, owners of Little Cloud USA, share their experiences in the world of paragliding and speed flying. They discuss their personal journeys into the sport, the evolution of wings, and the importance of safety and progression. The duo emphasizes the significance of glide in flying, the mentality required for safe flying, and the necessity of pre-flight checks. They also touch on the challenges of maintaining passion in the sport and the unique collection of wings they have in their home, affectionately called the 'Wing Wing.' In this conversation, Bonnie and Jarred discuss the intricacies of flying, particularly focusing on overcoming fears, the importance of practice, and the unique experience of speed riding. They emphasize the need for proper training, understanding local regulations, and the significance of energy management in flying. The discussion also delves into the evolution of wing technology, the role of kite risers, and the importance of ground handling for safety. They share personal experiences and insights, encouraging pilots to take their time and enjoy the sport.

Takeaways

Bonnie's nickname 'Bon Bon' originated from her niece.

Jarred's nickname 'Jar Jar' is less favored but accepted.

Bonnie and Jarred are the importers for Little Cloud USA.

Bonnie started flying in 2009 after seeing paragliders in Hawaii.

Jarred has been flying since 2013, focusing on speed flying.

The importance of glide in flying for safety.

Complacency can lead to accidents in flying.

Listening to your gut feeling is crucial before flying.

Pre-flight checks are essential for safety.

Boredom in flying can be combated by changing styles and locations. Overcoming fear is crucial for enjoying flying.

Practice and training are essential for skill development.

Speed riding offers a unique and exhilarating experience.

Respect local rules and regulations when flying.

Preparation is key for flying in Europe.

Understanding weather conditions is vital for safety.

Learning from past experiences can improve future flying.

Wing technology has evolved significantly over the years.

Ground handling is fundamental for safe flying.

Kite risers can enhance flying but should be used wisely.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Nicknames

01:50 The Journey into Paragliding and Speed Flying

09:36 Bonnie's Background and Experience

15:00 Progression in Speed Flying and Safety

24:52 The Importance of Mindset and Gut Feelings

31:00 The Irony of Safety in Flying

32:40 Complacency and Its Dangers

35:39 Pre-Flight Routines and Mental Checklists

39:11 Keeping the Passion Alive in Flying

43:48 The Wing Wing: A Collection of Wings

45:50 The Pursuit of Speed and Proximity Flying

49:03 Learning from Experience and Avoiding Risks

54:25 Navigating Rules and Etiquette in New Locations

57:17 The Importance of Patience in Flying Adventures

01:08:05 Navigating Wind Conditions and Safety

01:12:18 The Importance of Ground Handling

01:17:56 Understanding Mini Wings and Their Evolution

01:21:58 Designing Wings for Performance and Safety

01:27:51 Kite Risers: A New Era in Wing Flying

01:36:09 The Journey of Becoming a Skilled Pilot

Wade Eastwood is one of the most respected stunt coordinators and second - unit directors in the world. He is best known for his work along side Tom Cruise on the Mission Impossible and Top Gun: Maverick films. Beyond the movie sets, speedflying is Wade's true passion. In this episode he talks about his love for the sport, the discipline behind high - risk filmmaking, and how that same drive fuels both his life in the air and his work on screen.

Have you heard of Speed Fest? Are you on the fence about coming to Speed Fest? Let me help sway your decision from, "I am not sure" to, "HELL YEAH IM GOING!!!!'

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SEE YOU AT SPEED FEST 2025! (October 17 - 19th)