Ep. 023 Jake Long

21/11/2025 2h 54min Temporada 1 Episodio 23
Ep. 023 Jake Long

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Episode Synopsis

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Jake Long shares his journey into the world of speed flying, discussing the importance of community, the evolution of flying content, and the lessons learned from personal experiences and injuries. The discussion emphasizes the need for open dialogue about safety, the role of ego in extreme sports, and the value of storytelling in the flying community. Jake also shares insights on training his dog to fly and the balance between quantity and quality in flying experiences, all while connecting his background in welding to his passion for flying. In this episode, the hosts delve into the evolution of risk in adventure sports, particularly speed flying. They discuss how experience influences risk-taking behavior, the importance of mentorship and proper instruction, and the psychological impact of accidents on pilots. The conversation also highlights the low barriers to entry in speed flying and the necessity of understanding weather and terrain for safe flying. Additionally, they explore the vibrant community of extreme sports enthusiasts in Alaska, emphasizing the support and camaraderie that fosters growth in the sport. In this engaging conversation, Jake Long shares insights into the Alaskan paragliding community, emphasizing the importance of safety, community support, and the unique challenges faced by pilots in the region. He discusses his aspirations to become an instructor and the significance of wing sizing in relation to a pilot's experience and weight. The conversation also touches on the balance between seeking thrills in speed flying and maintaining safety, as well as the evolving nature of the sport and its equipment.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Community Impact05:53 Personal Experiences and Learning from Mistakes11:52 The Importance of Sharing Experiences18:02 Near Misses and Learning from Close Calls23:57 Welding and Its Connection to Adventure Sports37:01 The Joy of Building and Flying45:30 The Journey to Flying with Pickles50:33 The Transition from Paragliding to Speed Flying55:55 The Impact of Personal Life on Flying01:00:54 The Evolution of Risk Awareness in Flying01:08:30 Kiting and the Importance of Gear Selection01:14:22 Navigating the Community: Responsibility and Mentorship01:20:13 The Importance of Instruction and Ground School01:25:10 Tailoring Your Flying Journey01:33:41 The Complexity of Risk and Reward01:41:01 The Need for Foundational Knowledge in Speed Flying01:46:58 Alaska: A Hub for Extreme Sports01:53:55 Skiing and Snow Conditions in Alaska01:59:05 Community and Responsibility in Paragliding02:09:15 Future Aspirations in Flying02:16:37 Promoting Paragliding Through Social Media02:21:51 Overcoming Fear in Paragliding02:27:26 The Importance of Wing Selection02:38:18 Realistic Expectations in Downsizing Wings