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Speed Vector

by Victor Garcia

Aviation Sports

Season 1

Ep. 031 Joey Innes

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

Ep. 030 Nico Tournant

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

Ep. 028 Christian Nunnally

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

Ep. 027 Mavic Shaw

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

Ep. 026 2025 Year in Review

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.

Ep. 025 Corey Symes - Jack of All Trades, Master of Soaring

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

Ep. 024 FlySight

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

Ep. 023 Jake Long

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

Ep. 022 Jason Hardrath

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

Ep. 021 Little Cloud USA - Boni & Jarred

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

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