Low Level Flying at the Beach | Gliding New Zealand Style

[@someguydino6770]

Incredible energy retention- sailplanes are the "exotic sports cars" of the soaring world

[@dougsanders5717]

one of the best soaring videos i’ve ever seen. can’t wait for spring

[@SteFly]

Wow, thank you!!

[@barriejames7732]

Flying my paraglider along the ciffs and a 'square-on wind' in Devon UK is also a wonderful experience. One day we soared for about two hours in the 'compression-zone' where the wind is forced to angled up. These NZ pilots were having a great time in similar conditions and the glide ratio compared to a humble paraglider is far superior. I mention this because they were flying, quite sensibly, in wonderful stable conditions and not recklessly as one might imagine. I was 70 when I learned to paraglide on Dartmoor and can reccoment this wonderful hobby.

[@GregoryBrown6283]

Thank you Stefan. This is one of the best glider videos I have ever seen. I have 10 flights on my logbook. I try to watch every video I can find. This one though.....sets the bar high. Keep up the good videos

[@namasivayamm9234]

thank you sharing wonderful video , congratulations,

[@arminmoller9927]

Dieses Power Hangsegeln . Super im Film eingefangen . Man erlebt die Geschwindigkeit und die Schönheit des Segelfliegens hautnah mit . Klasse geworden , das Video .

[@titahibayflier3160]

That was some spectacular flying, what a perfect video. 👍👍👍

[@SteFly]

Thank you!

[@Mike-Bell]

Wow Stefan. Beautiful awesome you capture the serene poetry that is gliding in these sequences. Thank you... don’t stop doing what you do so well !!

[@SteFly]

Thank you!!

[@Must_not_say_that]

Hear, hear. Don't stop.

[@kinqadamjrkinqadamjr1520]

Holy shit for a second I thought you were talking bout another aviation youtube named Stefan that fly's the cirrus

[@1313chri]

Traumhaft! Die Landschaft, das Meer und das alles im Segelflieger! Besser geht es eigentlich nicht!👍

[@SteFly]

Dankeschön! Ja, definitv eines meiner fliegerischen Highlights bis jetzt. Die Küste an der man Segelfliegen kann ist etwas über 100 km lang und landschaftlich ist sie sehr abwechslungsreich.

[@brunobernard333]

c'est de l'incontience !!! vous avez de la chance avec les vents...

[@daddyrabbit835]

I would never have the confidence that I would catch a thermal to get me back up. You, sir, are an amazing pilot.

[@J38x729]

Is he not using ridge lift which is basically inevitable? Still crazy tho.

[@sierra5745]

Right. I would be afraid that i will fall into the Water.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

In this type of flying the glider uses the energy of the wind... which in this case is strong and constant coming from the sea onto the land. The wind is pushed up the cliff face and lifts the glider with it; height is then traded for forward speed; then up; then down again... until the "lift" energy runs out... when the wind doesn't have any cliffs to push up against....or the wind drops....

[@CGChris-]

Cliffs and an ocean breeze, you always have an elevator up.

[@jimmason8502]

@@sierra5745 You have a strong and steady sea breeze which adds a lot of lift, so you can fly back and forth across the beach basically all day long at under 1,500' and never touch the sand. Plus these gliders have crazy 100-1 glide rations which means they can stay aloft a long time at lower altitudes and still nose into the wind and head aloft.

[@nickkrueger02]

This was one of the coolest flights I've seen in a while and this is coming from someone who prefers to fly with an engine on his aircraft.

[@SteFly]

Thank you for this huge compliment!

[@ollivud63]

same here :) awesome video!

[@volkantemizel5268]

I flight with puchacz szd-50 1 month at glide camp. For me it was best memories in my whole life.

[@Ctano32]

How do these fly without an engine?

[@JoeEver123]

@@Ctano32 they must been throw from another plane or from hight altitude thats my guess

[@zealousideal]

Stefan… amazing. You’ve inspired me to also become a glider pilot. My dream was always to fly (as powered planes) but now I’m switching to gliders. Love it.

[@imacmill]

Have you considered paragliding. So much more accessible. Only a hilltop and a tiny runway required, and wing storage space requirement is next to nothing. Oh, and a helluva lot cheaper.

[@rickoliver2059]

Wow , what an awesome flight , with the windy west coast , you can certainly get some miles over the landscape below , thankyou for that , truly invigorating .

[@dinskipper7987]

This is crazy how cool ! Absolutely coolest! Thank you.

[@chinoodin4735]

Awesome! Must be a huge lift via incoming wind to give you the safety to fly so low. Have had the opportunity to pilot a two person engine plane and one without. Always wanted a glider flight and fortunately caught one. Thermals were the only engine for altitude climbs and they were kinda weak that day. I never felt comfortable with glider because control via an engine was missing. It is a whole other mindset, but your flight gave me a sense that your control of glider had a steady force of lift that you could afford to climb and descend at will? You had speeds up to 120 knots...in a glider! Beautiful flying! Thanks for sharing the beauty of flight.

[@prndownload]

Having slope flown RC gliders in strong open ocean wind blasting up a cliff I can assure you the lift feels glassy smooth, endless and insane. I don't even consider flying my gliders inland given I have ocean and bay options within 15 min drive.

[@privacypolicyisgone548]

Glider pilot's are the best 👌

[@Must_not_say_that]

Excellent. Such an enjoyable video, thank you. Better than a bird! And I love the symbolic seagull landing at the end!

[@yoelxt645]

man it was good enough to even replenish my soul what a lovely video this is

[@billpennock8585]

there is nothing like the view out of the front of a sailplane. No big engine, minimal instruments, just you and the elements. And this looks like some of the best elements every

[@saleplains]

i can think of one triangular craft with a view that might beat it ;) but yeah sailplanes are the most beautiful flying machines in the world.

[@billpennock8585]

@@saleplains Would that be an SR-71? That is a most beautiful airplane

[@goldeneagle8340]

Think about the world. How beautiful it is.

[@geompon6505]

Well it is indeed but let me tell you smth. I just farted a few miliseconds before sitting on the toilet seat and now there is a somehow thick ribbon of diarhhea on most of the toilet plus some splashes on the wall and floor, no kidding. And I can assure you, that ain't beautifull

[@InYourDreams-Andia]

Isn't it!

[@dhruvemital]

When you fly so close to the ground like when you were on the beach or on the water, do you get any ground effects? If so, does it help or make the controls harder?

[@RyzZaveri]

Ground effect occurs only very close to the ground (2 - 3 mtrs max). You would'nt want ground effect specially when you have no intention of landing.

[@tombrennan3973]

awesome and NEED. not just want...love teh way gliders surf it all, must be amazing once you learn to feel it talking to you !!

[@Gustavo_Weckesser]

Fantastic video!!! Thank you

[@damianbeccarq9194]

IMPRESIONANTE! , spektakulär!

[@foxbat212]

There's slope soaring and then there is this, simply fantastic.

[@LinkerHoden69]

Sehr schöne Aufnahmen und interessante Flugbedingungen. Freue mich auf die neue Saison und hoffe, dass du uns daran teilhaben lässt:)

[@SteFly]

Vielen Dank! Natürlich werde ich das ;) Es ist sehr viel geplant für dieses Jahr...

[@jasoncecchettini]

Once you fly a glider, you will never want an engine on your plane again...

[@conservativecalvinist3308]

Unless you fly an F-15c lol

[@MrThiefHater]

Agreed.

[@conservativecalvinist3308]

@@MysticalMythical He is towed by another aircraft and once in the air he detaches

[@larjkok1184]

Once you fly a paraglider you’ll never want a canopy and wheels again...

[@mercurydavid]

Once you get sucked out of a plane, you never want a plane again

[@Highrockman]

Beautifully done video..outstanding!

[@prndownload]

I've only ever flown a couple of RC gliders before but once you've experienced slope soaring with strong wind coming from the ocean that is the only way you want to fly. Huge endless lift it really is like riding a glassy smooth constant wave. You could fly along there all day like a fighter pilot. Seems way more fun and also appears safer than paragliding or hang-gliding.

[@pabloandresecheverryalvare3078]

Your videos are amazing!! An inspiration to keep working hard to enjoy the passion of flight! Greetings from Bariloche, Argentina 🇦🇷

[@SteFly]

Thank you!! Greetings to Argentinia! Definately a country for my next adventures ;)

[@pabloandresecheverryalvare3078]

That would be awesome!! Can’t wait to see you flying here!!

[@mohamedfaroukbalouli7809]

There is nothing more beautiful and joyful than flying a glider

[@mckirk5350]

We did this type of gliding many a times in Dillingham, HI, I hope to join you guys one day over there. Very nice footage.

[@tommitchell8425]

Really great flying sir

[@honeybee3317]

Wow, that flying was phenomonal , views were spectacular.

[@kierancampbell3322]

Beautiful video, well produced. As a paraglider I'm always in awe of the grace and performance of your craft, and I had never even considered that you would take them to the coast to play like this.

[@miksal26]

From an old glider pilot who’s had never enough experience, I’m totally envious ! 👍

[@jimmason8502]

Me too. Last flew a glider at age 19 in 1984. Miss it too much. I swear put me in a sail plane now and it'd be just like riding a bike.

[@Archerix]

For me it's one of the most beautiful and breathtaking sports in the world. Sadly also one of the most demanding just to start. At first economics, second: knowledge - you need a lot of it. And of course lots of practise like in almost every sport. So before actual gliding, it's often recommended to start from paragliding - much cheapier dyscipline. Of course I subscribed your channel and hit the bell, because I really appreciate huge amounts of effort to catch and film these scenes :)

[@davewright3088]

Loved the cameo appearance of Hotel Mike..! Reminded me of the good old days flying Whiskey Echo past the mountain goats on the ridge at Mission Peak...

[@ChrisPinCornwall]

Wow! Das ist alles!

[@johnpamick2330]

What an amazing video

[@TheGordo757]

What an exciting flight, I am a commercial pilot who also flys RC Gliders on the cliffs of California. Didn't know real gliders did that too, well.....like you flew! And beautifully shot, and great music.........

[@rickcockcroft7590]

Awesome ridge soaring. Never done it that low , only in the mountains. Great video. Thanks.

[@Ploz5555]

Incredible flying. I can’t imagine anything better!

[@timothyhaupler9912]

Sehr schoen stefan ,gruss !

[@Arthurmorgz]

Incredible machinery. Fantastic footage. Great stuff.

[@arthurwagar6224]

I was up in a glider 50 or so years ago. A fantastic experience I will never forget. Thanks for sharing.

[@giuseppecento]

Hi Stefan, i think this is the fly descripted by Bernard Eckey in his beautiful book advanced soaring made easy. The story is amazing and the video super exciting!!!! i'm planngin to go in NZ in gennuary february, do you have any contact there (aeroclub/instructor) to get such experience? many thanks!!!

[@joaof.loureiro4116]

Thanks for your fantastic video and for sharing, it reminded me of a great pilot that I knew doing the same, if it he was alive today It would be flying with you for sure. Many thanks for the video and Matt Wright, from whom I keep fantastic memory...

[@danield8439]

Danke, dass du zeigst, wie geil das Segelfliegen ist. Weiter so!

[@SteFly]

Oh ja, das ist es!!

[@elroels]

¡Fantástico! ¡El paisaje, el mar y todo ello en el planeador! ¡En realidad no hay nada mejor!

[@timhynde8611]

Loved it... it's that ONE TIME when you were counting on lift though

[@mikmerl1]

WOW I've finally found reason to visit NZ

[@gilnemesis3547]

Was it a Libelle soring near you at the beginning ? Whatever your glider, it should be very exciting. Let's see it again on the Big tv!

[@SteFly]

There is a Std. Libelle in the video

[@davidwheatcroft2797]

Excellent! Beautiful planes and great video. CAVU skies.

[@giancarloferucciorusalen4756]

Fantastic !!!😍😍😍

[@XC_Tom]

Gigantisches video!! gibt es langfristig Probleme mit der salzigen Luft und der Gischt?

[@CrafterMaxxx]

At one part where you were flying so slow i thought you were gonna stall and fall onto the cliffs I would never have the nerves to do that

[@heikowalter8239]

Die Leistung der Segelflugzeuge ist schon sehr beeindruckend wenn man sie mit Hängegleiter oder gar Gleitschirm vergleicht .Wie ihr Geschwindigkeitsüberschuss wieder in Höhe umsetzt ist genial ,wenn nur der Aufwand am Boden nicht wäre !

[@pladam7198]

Wonderful scenery and flying. Felt like I was there with you. Thanks for the ride.

[@cjjohnson3939]

So cool! What a great trip you must be having! I'm jelly 🤪

[@SteFly]

Thank you! Was an awesome trip ;)

[@slaero5411]

"How to inspire an airplane pilot to fly gliders" 😁

[@ryanlemons3255]

The propeller is only there to cool down the pilot

[@nassimsabba8922]

Awesome adventure. Very gutsy and exhilarating getting to look for ridge lift. BTW, what's up with the winglet? Wonder what people see from the ground?

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

Winglets reduce wingtip vortices, the twin tornados formed by the difference between the pressure on the upper surface of an airplane's wing and that on the lower surface. High pressure on the lower surface creates a natural airflow that makes its way to the wingtip and curls upward around it. When flow around the wingtips streams out behind the airplane, a vortex is formed. These twisters represent an energy loss and are strong enough to flip airplanes that blunder into them. Winglets produce an especially good performance boost for jets by reducing drag, and that reduction could translate into marginally higher cruise speed. But most operators take advantage of the drag reduction by throttling back to normal speed and pocketing the fuel savings.

[@mikeonlife2]

One of the best videos on gliding in N.Z

[@stevesoutham2492]

That west coast scenery is stunning. What a way to see it. You are amazing. How many flights was that filmed over? I see you went, at least from Muriwai, in the north, to Raglan in the south. Stunning.

[@pablochv34]

Muchas pero muchísimas gracias por compartir esas hermosas tomas desde el aire y hermosos paisajes que se potencian con el volar de tu nave!!!!

[@gilnemesis3547]

You made me fly very high ! Crazy high speed just above the waves, thanks you so much for this powerfull video beginning. Sorry, i'm a bit jalous again! Keep on This way, I love that kind of fly.👍👍👍😁😁😁

[@SteFly]

Thank you! Gliding is so powerfull without an engine ;)

[@blacksand357]

I love slope soaring my RC sailplanes when the wind is cranking and often imagine what it would be like ridge soaring in a real sailplane. Thanks for the video, I was smiling the whole way through, I'm ready for a trip to NZ...

[@micahwilliams4662]

Im From New Zealand really nice place to live

[@AlienPsyTing1]

Awesome video Stefan, thanks for posting, makes me kinda feel envious watching high perf gliders compared to the Slingsby Swallow I used to fly

[@titouangalea]

Most beautiful gliding video I ever seen

[@orhanabdurrahman3615]

Good job 👍👍👍

[@ogrebattle22763]

This looks like a lot of fun but also pretty scary.... I'd still love to do it though... Stefan just curious when you were doing the low level flying along the beach how fast were you going?

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Up to 250kmh....150mph.... enought to trade speed for altitude to get back into a lift situation at the crest of those hills....

[@watchfordpilot]

What a beautiful and exhilarating video, brill! Thanks.

[@SteFly]

Thank you!!

[@erikvaline35]

How do you relieve yourself in a glider, especially number two?

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Eat sparingly...poop on command prior to a flight???

[@exutiku]

Looks like you are flying out of Raglan as I can see Mt Karioi in the background, amazing to think that you can take off from Raglan and fly north over Piha and Muriwai. Ya gotta love the NZ west coast and the reliability of the NZ westerly lol

[@scrignolilorenzo7276]

one of the best gliding video ever . Congrats Stefan !

[@wadesaleeby2172]

Awesome!!! Awesome!!!

[@josephcooksley3219]

Yes NZ's Raglan's West Coast north and South is an amazing Gliding enviroment ...

[@Michael112233able]

Elegent sailplanes backed with Beautiful scenery....VERY NICE!

[@MorDarek]

WOW!! Awesome views! Great job! You are great pilot Sefan! I wish to fly on glider with you :)

[@SteFly]

Thank you!

[@cmck3267]

Brilliant!

[@jackmclane1826]

are the wind patters so predictable and constant there? I mean... at that altitude, there are no reserves for the slightest unforeseen event.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Very constant and strong wind off the sea when this flight was made....it's the prevailing wind...can be forecast with reasonable certainty...but is not always as strong or as consistent...

[@carnivaltym]

Stunning!

[@timallix4407]

My glider license lapsed 20 years ago, but this footage makes me want to take it up again!

[@davidnickisson2555]

Do it!

[@GregoryBrown6283]

Do it Tim !

[@deneskiss2248]

Szia Jóska , nem megyünk el egyszer New Zelandra ..? Gyönyörű hely lehet . Nem repülni szeretnék , hanem íjjal vadászni . Dénes

[@rhlchrs08]

This gives me chills😹.

[@frogturtle]

looks so fun. its like a kayak that flies or something lol

[@philipperobert-gorsse8084]

Fantastic video . The flight is magic and the videomounting is exceptional. You must have spent many many hours on this one ! Thank you

[@SteFly]

Thank you!! Yes, that took us 2 days of filming and some more for editing.

[@THEMADFLYER]

NICE! WISH I COULD DO THAT BEAUTIFUL

[@brucewaynefr]

My only question us dose it stay up forever? Until you want it to land?

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Usually human reasons are the cause of the "early" landings....."Where's the toilet?"

[@pedromatteo]

Amazing, dude!

[@knowledgebyte]

Brilliant flight. Just goes to show how much lift is prevalent next to a beach-head when the wind is at 90 degrees along the coastline. And what a high performance glider can do.

[@huto9606]

A flyed like a dream

[@thebikemike]

Das schaut echt schön, faszinierend und actionreich aus! Wie reagieren Wildtiere und Vögel auf die Segelflieger?

[@myhanslombard]

awesome!!

[@airgeoorg]

Totally awesome! Video quality and editing worth separate praise.

[@williamaylmer2194]

I was going to ask, what's the protocol for ditching a glider in the Southern Ocean 🤣 Awesome footage, thanks for sharing.

[@luish0808]

I'm moving to New Zealand this year and I would definitely love to try gliding and make it a hobby of mine.

[@baqaritoradze4866]

How you guys gain altitude and keep enough energy for flying, after low level flying? Is it because you use wind coming from the sea?

[@RussellWhiteGrob109]

Yes, it's called ridge lift. As the wind approaches the cliffs and dunes it's forced up. The gliders fly in the rising air. Same thing happens at many altitudes in difference circumstances. Wave soaring is similar, but rarely as spectacular or exhilarating. This is an exception: dropbears.com/australia/morning-glory/#:~:text=Spectacular%2C%20rare%2C%20and%20awesomely%20powerful,Glory%20arrives%20regularly%20each%20spring.

[@baqaritoradze4866]

@@RussellWhiteGrob109 Thank you for your reply. The pictures in the link are impressive. I have seen such clouds in my home town above the mountain ridge.