Speed Vector sits down for an in person podcast with Patrick Hennessy. Pat has been speedflying since the inception of the sport and is widely regarded as one of the few original pilots still in the game 15 years later. Pat is a wealth of knowledge, skill and talent. A former professional downhill mountain bike race and big water kayaker, flying came to him naturally. "You can buy a speedwing, but you can't buy experience."

Pat is well known in the community worldwide and genuinely cares about not only the sport but, more importantly, the people. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pat Hennessy's background and speed flying

00:01 Introduction to the importance of safety and community in speed flying

02:01 Pat's journey from downhill racing to skydiving and paragliding

03:52 Transition to speed flying and the appeal of mountain sports

04:21 Pat's background and experience in speed flying and extreme sports

06:02 The importance of experience and practice in speed flying

08:08 Risk management and safety lessons from incidents

08:15 The significance of muscle memory and safe practice

12:01 The growth of speed flying and social media influence

12:07 Risk management and decision-making in flying conditions

15:48 Parallels between water sports and speed flying

16:15 The role of regulation and checkpoints in extreme sports

20:07 The impact of accidents and community responsibility

20:20 Community influence and the dangers of reckless flying

24:11 Conditions, weather, and the challenge of safe flying

24:13 The impact of social media and the desire for recognition

27:57 The evolution of gear and equipment in speed flying

28:05 The importance of flying for passion, not for fame

31:59 The importance of mentorship and proper training

32:22 Lessons learned from accidents and the importance of humility

35:57 Community checks and collective responsibility in safety

36:25 The future of speed flying and technological advancements

39:53 Pat's recent incident and lessons learned

40:11 The responsibility of pilots to uphold safety standards

43:58 Final thoughts on safety, experience, and community

44:07 The mental side of extreme sports and emotional resilience

47:52 The role of regulation in making the sport safer

52:04 The community's role in preserving and growing the sport

56:04 Final thoughts on safety, passion, and longevity in speed flying

Summary

In this episode, Ian Cherteiny shares his insights on the progression in speed flying and paragliding, emphasizing safety, skill development, and community influence. Discover practical advice for beginners and experienced pilots alike, and learn how Utah's unique environment fosters top-tier talent. In this episode, Ian Cherteiny and Victor discuss the nuances of speed flying, training progression, gear choices, and the importance of mentorship in the sport. They share insights on safety, skill development, and the vibrant outdoor scene in Salt Lake City.

Key Takeaways

Progression in speed flying can be categorized into four main paths: ski speed riding, foot launching, hike and fly, and paragliders.

Safety and skill development are crucial; pilots should fly within their limits and learn to handle different wings.

Utah's community and terrain foster a high level of pilot skill and flow, making it a hub for top-tier pilots.

Choosing the right wing depends on experience, goals, and understanding of the sport's technical aspects.

Continuous learning, mentorship, and community engagement are key to advancing safely and effectively.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guests

00:00 - Technical connectivity issues and plans for in-person recording

00:04 - Salt Lake City as a hub for outdoor sports and recreation

00:10 - Personal experiences with flying and outdoor activities in Utah

00:20 - The importance of progression and safety in speed flying

00:30 - Gear recommendations and the role of equipment in skill development

00:45 - Mentorship, gatekeeping, and community support in speed flying

01:00 - Using video and data logging to improve skills

01:15 - Training courses, prerequisites, and safety protocols

01:30 - The value of flying different wings and understanding aerodynamics

01:45 - The significance of proper progression and avoiding reckless behavior

02:00 - The future of speed flying and community growth

02:15 - Personal stories of injury, recovery, and perseverance

02:30 - The importance of responsible flying and risk management

02:45 - Closing remarks and future plans for collaboration

Summary

Join us as Joey shares his journey through speed flying, from his early days to overcoming a spinal injury and returning to the sport with new insights and innovations. Discover his unique flying style, the evolution of wings, and tips for safe, high-performance speed flying. In this in-depth conversation, Joey shares his journey from rock climbing in the UK to becoming a renowned speed flyer and alpine climber. He discusses the technical aspects of takeoff, safety, risk management, and the profound mindset shifts that come with high-risk sports, emphasizing the importance of purpose and self-awareness.

Key Topics

Joey's early speed flying experiences and style

Impact of wing technology on performance

Mental resilience after injury and return to sport

Safety tips and best practices for takeoff and flying

Upcoming events and community building in speed flying Takeoff techniques and safety

Risk management and decision-making

Mindset and personal growth in adventure sports

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Name Mispronunciation

02:14 Joey's Journey into Speed Flying

06:38 Overcoming Injury and Returning to the Sport

11:33 Evolution of Flying Style and Techniques

17:00 Comparing Wings: R36 vs Line 8

19:49 Traumatic Events and Mental Resilience

30:03 Psychological Changes Post-Injury

36:55 The Future of Speed Flying and Ski Areas

48:05 The Dynamics of Wing Loading and Performance

51:14 Optimizing Takeoff Techniques for Speed Flying

58:22 Transitioning from Software Engineer to Speed Flying Instructor

01:05:07 Coaching Philosophy and Safety in Speed Flying

01:12:09 Common Mistakes in Takeoffs and How to Avoid Them

01:18:15 Personal Journey and Evolution in Speed Flying

01:33:14 The Joy of Nature Over Flight

01:36:15 Mindset Shifts in Adventure Sports

01:41:42 The Balance of Risk and Experience

01:43:39 A Life-Altering Accident

01:51:27 Survival and Reflection

02:01:04 The Philosophy of Risk and Purpose

summary

Part 1:

Part 2: Nico Tournant shares his recent speed riding trip to France, his training journey, and insights into safe practices, gear, and the culture of speed riding and paragliding. Discover expert tips, course experiences, and the thrill of flying in challenging terrains.

Part 2:

Nico Tournant shares his journey from skydiving to air sports, his responsible approach to speed flying and paragliding, and his new coffee venture supporting sustainable farms. Discover insights on training, safety, and the passion behind high-performance flying and ethical coffee sourcing.

Chapters Part 1:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

02:56 Nico's Journey into Air Sports

05:59 Transitioning from Skydiving to Paragliding

08:51 The Launch of Healthy Morning Coffee

11:52 Exploring Coffee Culture and Sustainability

14:53 The Importance of Quality in Coffee

18:00 Nico's Experience with Speed Flying

21:07 Learning and Progressing in Air Sports

24:05 Training Techniques and Safety in Flying

30:20 The Journey to Paragliding

33:33 The Cost of Gear and Experience

37:38 Learning to Speed Fly

41:05 The Importance of Safe Launches

43:41 The Long-Term Perspective on Flying

46:31 The Technical Aspects of Wing Loading

49:51 The Value of Proper Instruction

Chapters Part 2:

00:00 Technical Difficulties and Podcasting Challenges

03:01 Traveling for Flying Adventures

05:59 Early Morning Flights and Their Rewards

08:58 Exploring New Music Trends

11:58 Safety in Speed Flying: The Importance of Reserves

19:03 Evaluating the Use of Reserves in Flight

20:56 Navigating Challenges in the Air

27:05 The Importance of Training and Learning

34:59 Experiences from the Speed Riding Course

44:00 Feedback and Progression in Speed Riding

46:19 Progressive Learning in Speed Riding

49:58 Maximizing Flight Opportunities

53:49 Navigating Terrain and Safety

56:01 Understanding Skiing and Speed Riding Dynamics

01:00:15 Key Takeaways from the Course

01:03:14 The Importance of Proper Instruction and Safety

Summary

In this conversation, Christian Nunnally shares his journey into speed flying, discussing the challenges and triumphs he has faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of community, accountability, and mental health in the sport, while also addressing the pressures of comparison among pilots. The discussion highlights the therapeutic aspects of flying and the need for open conversations about personal struggles within the flying community. In this conversation, the hosts explore the intricacies of speed flying, emphasizing the importance of training, the balance of ego and safety, and the psychological aspects of flying. They discuss the significance of community, the journey of progression, and the art of cinematography in capturing the beauty of flight. The dialogue highlights personal experiences, the challenges of pushing comfort zones, and the necessity of listening to one's gut feelings. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder to pursue passions and embrace the journey of growth in both flying and life.

Chapters Part 1:

00:00 Introduction to Intermediate Syndrome

02:48 The Journey into Speed Flying

05:54 The Importance of Community and Conversations

08:57 Paragliding Background and Transition

11:56 Life Changes and Moving to Salt Lake

15:03 Mental Health and the Impact of Speed Flying

17:48 The Accessibility and Risks of Speed Flying

21:08 Community Dynamics in Speed Flying

24:01 Reflections on Personal Growth and Challenges

33:58 Navigating Emotional Highs and Lows in Speed Flying

40:22 The Quest for Progression and Wing Mastery

43:05 Understanding the Need to Downsize Wings

50:32 The Importance of Attitude and Accountability in Flying

01:01:02 Finding Balance Between Confidence and Humility

01:05:20 The Role of Ego in Action Sports

01:07:15 Listening to Your Gut: Intuition in Flight

01:10:23 The Journey of Learning: First Flights and Progression

01:16:41 Finding Your Perfect Line: Personal Growth in Flying

01:24:33 Building Community: Connecting with Fellow Pilots

01:35:02 Pursuing Passion: Overcoming Fear and Taking Action

Chapters Part 2:

00:00 Technical Difficulties and Welcome Back

01:45 The Flow State in Action Sports

10:22 Experiencing Risk in the Flow State

19:30 Balancing Confidence and Caution in Flying

25:32 The Journey of Learning and Growth

28:28 Transitioning Between Wings: Trust and Experience

30:55 The Importance of Proper Instruction

32:40 Advancements in Wing Technology

34:44 The Future of Speed Flying

39:38 The Evolution of Wing Design

43:40 The Growth of the Sport and Community

45:46 Finding Your Own Path in Speed Flying

49:56 The Importance of Proper Training

52:43 Capturing the Art of Speed Flying

57:59 Moving Beyond POV: A New Cinematic Approach

01:01:01 The Future of Speed Flying Films

01:10:46 The Journey of a Filmmaker

01:15:00 Mental Health and Community in Speed Flying

Summary

In this conversation, Mavic Shaw shares his journey from being a professional downhill mountain biker to becoming a passionate speed flyer. He discusses the importance of community, safety, and decision-making in speed flying, as well as the influence of terrain on action sports. Mavic emphasizes the significance of equipment choices and the benefits of lift access for practicing speed flying. His experiences in Europe and aspirations for the future of speed flying highlight his dedication to the sport and the desire to build a community in British Columbia. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of speed riding, discussing various wings, their performance characteristics, and the importance of safety in the sport. They explore the evolution of wing design, foot launching techniques, and the significance of skiing fast for safety. The discussion also touches on building a community around speed flying and the launch of the Human Pilot Podcast, aimed at sharing insights from extreme sports athletes.

Find Mavic on Instagram @mavic.ts

Mavic's Podcast: Human Pilot Podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mavic Shaw and Speed Flying

03:08 The Thrill of Mountain Biking and Transition to Speed Flying

06:06 The Community and Culture of Speed Flying

09:12 The Journey of Becoming a Speed Flyer

12:08 The Importance of Safety and Mentorship in Speed Flying

14:58 The Influence of Background in Action Sports

18:12 The Role of Visualization and Analysis in Performance

20:59 The Future of Mavic Shaw in Speed Flying

35:22 The Safety and Learning Curve of Speed Riding

37:05 The Importance of Skiing Skills in Speed Riding

39:08 Choosing the Right Location for Speed Riding

41:15 Understanding Beginner Terrain and Safety

43:41 The Evolution of Wings in Speed Riding

46:44 Comparing Wing Characteristics and Performance

50:06 Foot Launching vs. Speed Riding

52:44 The Quest for the Perfect Wing

57:10 Exploring Mini Wings and Their Versatility

01:02:29 Exploring Wing Performance and Preferences

01:04:25 The Evolution of Speed Wings

01:06:36 Safety and Predictability in Speed Flying

01:10:00 Comparing Speed Wings: Odin vs. Line

01:13:22 Foot Launching and Skiing with Speed Wings

01:16:02 The Importance of Speed in Speed Riding

01:20:52 Building a Community in Speed Flying

01:28:09 Future Aspirations in Speed Flying and Podcasting

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