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What is it?
All different names for new sports that are all a little different but based on the same principle: flying close to the mountain with a fast canopy. You can launch it by skiïng (speedflying) or running (groundlaunching) off of a slope, you can chose to make touch-and-go's or even ski more then you fly (speedriding), or you can take an aircraft and start with a skydive (mountainswooping). Or any combination of the above, it's all an amazing rush!
ToraTora
While living in the French Alpes during winter, we started experimenting as early as 2003 with our skydiving gear. Now, 6 years later, we're still skiïng, flying and trying different wings and routes throughout the winter. At this moment we're based in Les Deux Alpes. Check out our newest film here. You're welcome to contact us and drop by if you're tempted.
History
Some years ago, bladerunning came up as a demonstration- and competition sport. This is swooping a mountain on a course marked by windblades. Two skydivers (Clint Clawson & J.C. Colclasure) came with the idea of launching their canopy from the slope on foot. In the years after that, people started experimenting everywhere. Groundlauching was further developed by Jim Slaton and his crew at the Ground Launch Center, and in Europe, skydivers started skiïng their parachutes off of slopes and paragliders started trying smaller wings. Now, special speedflying and groundlaunching equipment is made by different manufacturers and the sport is in a real growth burst. Read a complete history here. |
