World Record Encampment Weather Channel Documentary

[lplehmann]

This year's revived (and likely last) Zapata World Record Encampment (WRE) took place because Aussie pilot Jonny Durand persuaded his Red Bull sponsors to open theirdeep pockets to give him a shot at attaining the absolute hang gliding world distance record. In 2012 Jonny narrowly missed the record when Dustin Martin flew 475 miles, with Jonny coming up three miles short. In addition to obtaining Red Bull's money and support, Jonny also arranged for the Weather Channel to send a camera crew to record the attempt, viewing it from the perspective of the macro and micro meteorology that enable the enormous distances flown there over fifteen years. The resulting video focusing on Jonny is to appear on the Weather Channel this coming Sunday, July 24 at 10pm EDT.

For anyone who has wondered what the WRE and Zapata has been about, this should be a worthwhile, professional look at something that has been an extraordinary chapter in hang gliding history. This year's sub-par conditions produced only one record, Ben Herring's rigid wing 100 km speed triangle, however there have been literally dozens of World Records set there by flex and rigid wing hang gliders, paragliders, Swifts, and various ultralight sailplanes. And let's not forget the only 200+ plus mile Falcon flight by Davis Straub.

Pete Lehmann

[John Simon]

Hey Pete,
Just saw most of the show. Johnny is a good ambassador for our sport really, might not let my sister date him... But he's sharp and personable and does a great job conveying our enthusiasm. We are fortunate. Thanks for the heads up and hope to see you soon.

Hasta,

John

[krryerson]

Agree, Great show and thanks Pete for letting us know... .
Knut

[mcgowantk]

I would love to see it but don't get the Weather Channel. Let me know if you find a link to the story. Thanks

Tom McGowan

[Danny Brotto]

Watching it now on DVR. Really good plubicity for HR. Nicely done.

Danny Brotto

[Ward Odenwald]

Tom,
It's not the Weather Channel Doc., but the following is also good.

From the Oz Report: http://www.redbull.com/us/en/adventure/ ... rd-attempt

[mcgowantk]

Thanks Ward. That was a great film. If you have not already seen it, you can watch Jonny's movie of his 475 mile flight a few years ago.
I believe this the link.

Tom McGowan

http://jonnydurand.blogspot.com

[Ward Odenwald]

Yes, it's one of the best examples of what's possible, and for Jonny to record it - amazing! The New York Times also had a great article about Dustin's and Jonny's flight but I can't find a link to it.