MANILLA will host two back-to-back international paragliding competitions over the next two weeks.
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More than 120 pilots from 15 nations will gather at Mount Borah from Saturday, January 30, to Sunday, February 14 for the annual XC Camp, which will be followed by the Kiwi Open.
The XC Camp uses an open-distance format, where pilots try to fly as far as possible for each of the eight days.
The Kiwi Open is a traditional race-to-goal event, with pilots flying a pre-set route.
Event organiser Godfrey Wenness said the flying conditions looked good despite a few weeks of stormy weather.
“Pilots are expecting some great distances to be covered in the XC Camp and some fast racing in the Kiwi Open,” Mr Wenness said.
“Already this season, pilots have flown as far as Burren Junction, Goondiwindi and Ebor.”
Mr Wenness said along with local pilots, there were competitors from New Zealand, New Caledonia, United Kingdom, the USA and a large team from Japan.
Spectators are welcome, and the best time to see the action is between 10am and 2pm each day.
“The 880-metre-high Mount Borah launch site provides a great vantage point for spectators to see the colourful gliders take to the air around midday daily, and offers panoramic views over the Manilla, Namoi and Peel river valleys,” Mr Wenness said.
