In this conversation, American pilot and Adventurer Evan Bouchier shares his journey from extreme kayaking to paragliding, detailing his experiences and breakthroughs in the sport. He discusses the transition from intense paddling to flying, the importance of tandem flying in skill development, and the ups and downs of competition flying. Evan emphasizes the significance of flow, intuition, and visualization in enhancing performance, while also reflecting on the parallels between kayaking and paragliding. Evan shares his experiences and insights on paragliding, focusing on the mental aspects of flying, the importance of acro training for safety and mastery, and his future aspirations in cross-country flying. He discusses the challenges of performance lulls, the thrill of skiing compared to paragliding, and reflects on close calls in his flying career, emphasizing the need for resilience and mental fortitude in the sport.Takeaways* Evan started paragliding in 2008 after a background in kayaking.



* His experiences in Nepal were pivotal for his flying skills.



* Tandem flying helped him become a more well-rounded pilot.



* He emphasizes the importance of flow and intuition in flying.



* Evan’s journey includes both breakthroughs and setbacks in competition.



* He learned to trust his instincts over overanalyzing his performance.



* Visualization techniques have been beneficial for his confidence.



* Cross-country paragliding resembles expedition kayaking in many ways.



* The camaraderie and learning from other pilots at competitions are invaluable.



* Evan’s approach to flying has evolved through various experiences and challenges. Focusing on sensations rather than analysis can enhance performance.



* Breathing techniques are crucial for maintaining calm in flight.



* Acro training is valuable for mastering non-standard configurations.



* Team flying offers unique experiences and camaraderie.



* Performance lulls are common; resilience is key to overcoming them.



* Skiing brings joy, while paragliding feels more intense and serious.



* Building mental armor helps pilots cope with risks.



* Experiencing close calls can shatter confidence, requiring rebuilding.



* Maintaining a positive attitude is essential during tough times.



* The thrill of flying is deeply innate and fulfilling.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Evan’s Journey02:53 The Transition from Kayaking to Paragliding05:55 Experiences in Nepal and Breakthroughs in Flying08:50 The Evolution of Competitive Flying12:03 The Role of Tandem Flying in Skill Development15:12 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Progress17:57 The Importance of Flow and Intuition in Flying23:05 Finding Flow in Flight26:10 The Role of Acro in Safety and Mastery28:24 Future Aspirations in Cross-Country Flying32:06 Navigating Lulls in Performance37:07 Comparing the Thrills of Skiing and Paragliding41:13 Close Calls and Building Resilience