Feb 21 2025 77 mins 65
Jeff Ayliffe hails from South Africa and has been under some sort of canopy for a great deal of most of his action-packed years, beginning at the age of 5 when he became obsessed with skydiving. Jeff shares his journey from a young skydiving enthusiast to a veteran member of the national team, detailing the evolution of the sport and the safety measures involved. He recounts personal stories, including the thrill of formation flying and some terrifying, and sometimes tragic moments when things went wrong. We dig into Jeff’s transition to paragliding and the excitement of a new sport and new equipment, particularly the Moustache wing. We discuss the addictive nature of flying, the fluid dynamics of ridge soaring, and the rise of parakites. They reflect on the importance of community awareness in the sport, the unique launching techniques of flare wings, and the pure experience of hang gliding. The discussion takes a poignant turn as they delve into life-changing accidents and the lessons learned about risk and consequences in skydiving, culminating in harrowing stories of near-misses and the camaraderie of the skydiving community. We delve into the intricacies of skydiving and paragliding, discussing the importance of altitude awareness, training for emergencies, and the responsibilities of instructors. They reflect on tragic losses in the flying community, the challenges of cross-country flying in South Africa, and the exciting developments in wing technology. Jeff offers insights into career choices and regrets, emphasizing the importance of dedication and continuous learning in the field.TakeawaysJeff Ayliffe has been living in the paragliding capital of South Africa for six years.He transitioned from skydiving to media after the end of apartheid in South Africa.Jeff started skydiving at the age of 15 after being inspired by a skydiving demo.He has a background in teaching skydiving and has worked in media for many years.The evolution of skydiving has seen a shift from large formations to more solo flying.Skydiving is generally considered safer than paragliding, according to Jeff.Jeff experienced a tragic loss in skydiving, which changed his perspective on the sport.He has a passion for speed wings and enjoys flying fast but cautiously now.
