The recent Corryong Paragliding Open – a round of the Australian championships – once again proved popular with flyers and spectators although a couple of mishaps during competition could have had more serious consequences.

“The Corryong area is a world class flying area and Mt Elliot is one of the best paragliding and hangliding mountains in Australia,” said Dave Gibbs from competition host Airtribune.

“Pilots love coming here to fly.”

The 82 competitors were able to fly from between 60kms and 80kms on five out of seven tasking days, flying over much of the local landscape from Tooma, Tindtaldra and Cudgewa with goals in Corryong and Khancoban.

“Unfortunately, a couple of them had reserve parachute rides as their main paragliding wing failed to fly correctly due to turbulence,” Mr Gibbs said.

This is rare but can happen when conditions are dry and hot as it causes the thermals to be a bit more turbulent.

“Both pilots landed safely and unhurt although one was in a tree on Mt Mittamatite for a few hours while waiting for a helicopter rescue.

“We would like to thank the township of Corryong for hosting this event and the many landowners who allow us to use their paddocks to land in.” Although flying conditions are world class, Mr Gibbs added that the launch site on Mt Elliot is suffering from damage from vehicles as they drive to the front edge and use it as a turning circle. Some dirt bike riders have also vandalisied the launch by wheel spinning.

“The launch is dry and dusty at the best of times but we fear this ongoing damage may deter pilots coming back and the dry and dusty ground damages the wings,” Mr Gibbs said. “Hopefully we can astro turf the launch site one day.”

Mr Gibbs also said that a new week-long event will be held on Mt Elliot, starting on March 1st.

The Australian Sports Class Championships will cater for a particular class of paraglider and has attracted around 65 entrants. 

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 20 February 2025.