Forbes Flatlands Hang Gliding Championships soars into town

Taking place from Friday December 29 to January 5 the championships have been running for 28 years.

The championships have attracted more than 60 pilots from Australia and across the globe.

Competition Organiser Vicki Cain said, “We are very excited to host our 12th consecutive Forbes Flatlands Hang Gliding Championships.

“This will be the 24th Championships held at Forbes over the last 28 years and we are expecting in excess of 60 pilots from all over the world, including pilots from China, Canada, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Russia and the UK,” Ms Cain said.

The eight day long championship will be taking place at ‘Bill’s Paddock’ which is located north of the Forbes Aerodrome.

Ms Cain said the championship attracts pilots due to the consistently good flying conditions as well as the hospitality of the local community.

In 2016, the championship set the longest task in a hang gliding competition which saw 26 pilots completing the 368km task from Forbes to Walgett.

Ms Cain said they are looking forward to setting more record breaking tasks this season.

Of the 60 pilots taking part in the championships, almost 30 of them are Australian including number one pre-world cup winner Jonny Durand Jnr. 

Mr Durand said this event is one of his favourite competitions due to the consistently good weather and racing conditions.

“This year the flying could be some of the best we have ever seen and I’m hoping we can break our record flight of 368kms set a couple of years ago,” Mr Durand said.

“This is the biggest competition on the Australian circuit and plays host to many of the world’s best pilots who travel far to fly in what is considered one of the best competitions.”

Ms Cain said they would like to thank the Forbes Shire Council and the New South Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (NSWHPA) for their support.