In the enchanting backdrop of Lučenec, Slovakia, the UP! Untangle Paragliding Open Week unfolded, promising adventure and excitement. Despite initial challenges, the project took flight on March 30, 2023, with a captivating presentation by renowned paraglider Juraj Ďurifuk Koreň at Tančiarnia Franz in Lučenec.

The journey faced hurdles, notably the unpredictable weather conditions that delayed the start until summer. Paragliding, being weather-sensitive, demanded patience in finding suitable weekends for training. The Flyzone paragliding team, led by Ivan Kišš, overcame these challenges with the support of partners like E29, Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and others.

The varied training locations, including terrains below Maginhrad and near ponds and villages like Vyšný Skálnik and Nižný Skálnik, added an extra dimension to the experience. Flyzone played a pivotal role in organizing the event, with dedicated instructors providing theoretical preparation, practical demonstrations, and hands-on training.

The UP! Untangle Paragliding Open Week in Lučenec, Slovakia, hosted more than 100 participants, showcasing a commitment to fostering interest and engagement in the sport. The event spanned multiple days, each characterized by specific activities and challenges, contributing to an overall comprehensive training experience.

Over the course of the week, participants engaged in activities such as ground-lifting, forward launches, and downhill flights, navigating through varying terrains and weather conditions. Despite facing intense heat on several occasions, the participants demonstrated resilience and adaptability, successfully completing the planned exercises.

The significance of the results lies not only in the numerical count of participants but also in the positive outcomes derived from each session. The participants, though facing challenges such as extreme heat, consistently reported a sense of excitement and satisfaction, underscoring the effectiveness of the training program.

The project's success is evident in the collective experience and positive feedback received from participants. This achievement contributes to the broader objective of promoting adventure sports and fostering a sense of community among paragliding enthusiasts.

The week's accomplishments emphasize the resilience and dedication of both the organizing team and the participants. Such events are integral in cultivating interest, skill development, and a sense of camaraderie within the paragliding community. The success of this open week sets a positive precedent for future initiatives, reinforcing the importance of ongoing efforts to expand the reach and appeal of paragliding as an adventurous and rewarding recreational activity.

The UP! Untangle Paragliding Open Week in Lučenec was a resounding success, with positive feedback from participants echoing the thrill of the sport. If you're drawn to the exhilaration of paragliding or seeking more adventurous opportunities, stay tuned for updates from E29. Follow us on social media platforms, and for an in-depth exploration of this project, read more about it in the project page.

Let's soar to new heights together!

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.