Tandem Paragliding in Queenstown

Ever wondered what it would be like to be a bird, to soar hundreds of feet above the ground, take in the view and get that feeling that you can actually fly? Well, paragliding experience can help you fulfil that fantasy.

Very recently, I had an opportunity to experience the exhilarating Tandem Paragliding flight from the top of the Skyline Gondola in Queenstown, New Zealand. The Skyline sight also allows friends and families to enjoy this event with you, offering other facilities at the top of the gondola such as bar, restaurant and coffee shop, also viewing platforms and a luge ride for anyone needing more time to build up the courage.

About Queenstown Tandem Paraglide
Queenstwon Tandem Paraglide was the first paragliding company in Queenstown established in 1991. QTP has 15 local and international pilots working all year round. They are all NZHGPA registered and have many years of experience, and they have been taking people for the flight of their life since 1991.

The flight takes you over a pine forest, practically skimming the top of the tall pine trees, the ground then drops dramatically away exposing you to 2100 feet of breath-taking views beneath you. Your flight can be a smooth, tranquil sightseeing experience or a thrilling adrenalin rush; the choice is entirely yours.

About my Flight
I took a ride up the top of the Skyline Gondola (Cost 20 Bucks) and headed to their office behind the Cafe. I met the Pilot their, paid the fee (around $150) and was ready to go. I was walking up through the scenic pine forests to the launching area where I was given a simple briefing on take off and landing. It was that simple – absolutely no experience necessary. As soon as we took off, my heart was pounding heavily (may be because it was my first time). After sometime, I was enjoying it very much and had a bit of adventure while landing. Here is a short video of my first Paraglide flight.

Tips for aspiring Gliders
Please dress appropriately for the conditions, specially footwear. A reasonable level of fitness is required as there is an uphill walk to the launch site and a brief run is required to inflate the glider and take off.

Tandem Paragliding experience is your way to get as close as you possibly can to the ultimate dream of free flight.

Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump

I had booked myself onto the AJ Hackett Bungy Jump and to my surprise I survived the 43 Metre Bungy Jump from Karawau Bridge. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is home to the original 43 Metre Bungy Jump and is the first commercial Bungy site in the world. If you've heard of Bungy, you've heard of Kawarau. It is located 25 KMs outside Queenstown (New Zealand) in a picturesque valley overlooking the crystal clear Kawarau River.

Introduction
Kawarau is the place to go for New Zealand's only bungy simulator as well as a real jump from the bridge. Kawarau Bridge Bungy is also the only Bungy in Queenstown where you can choose to bob above the water, touch it, or be fully immersed. You can also choose from a number of options; topple over backwards, forwards, with another person, spin or somersault. Spectator areas are perfectly positioned for viewing the frantic and funny facial expressions and body language of the real jumpers. It’s a user-friendly site in superb surroundings - the perfect setting for a memorable ground rush. As they say 'Be There or be Square’.



My Jump
When I was planning the Trip for New Zealand, the first thing that came to my mind was Bungy Jumping. I like watching adventurous and extreme sports and this time, it was a perfect opportunity for me to experience it via Bungy Jump. Despite the inherent danger of jumping from a great height, I was pumped up and ready for this personal challenge. Well, I knew its not that easy as it seems on TV.

Ok, here we go. I was on the Kawarau Bridge and the Guys put all the Gears on me. I took a deep breath, looked down, and Guys started counting and when they got the counting to one I was still standing there. The Bungy Guy asked me as what happened and I said that I was expecting a Push from him. Ha Ha Ha!! Sounds Funny. To be very honest I got scared of the height and the fact that my Legs were tied up. Anyways, the Bungy Guy asked me to take a deep breathe, look straight ahead and not hold the side railing. Second time, I just jumped. Yeah, it was a jump and not dive as you would do in a pool. Here is a short video of my first bungy jump.



Tips for Aspiring Bungy Jumpers
I think an important point is to not look down once you are set and the counting starts. If you look down during the count then you will have a second guess and hesitate. Your body would scream "This is not right!!!!" and you have to fight it. If you don't look down it helps to fool those internal survival instincts. The guys at AJ Hackett Site were very friendly and they are there to make sure that you have a good time, whether a bungy virgin, or veteran.

Final Words
If you have never tried Bungy jumping, I highly recommend it. The thrill is unbelievable. As you go through life you become less and less exposed to new and exciting events that push your senses to their limits. Your first Bungy jump will do that.

Cyborg Name

Have you ever wondered what your name would mean if you were a Cyborg? This is my name or may be the meaning of my name from the Cyborg Name Generator

O.M.B.H.A.K.A.R.
Operational Mechanical Being Hardwired for Assassination, Killing and Acute Repair.

OK, I thought it was going to be something stupid, but its not that bad.

Cyborg Name Generator is a fun program that asks for your name and let you choose an Avatar and then it creates a robotic acronym from your name. It also gives you the HTML code of your custom Cyborg Name image which you can add to your MySpace, Orkut, Blog or other Web page.

So, What are you waiting for? Have fun and Get your Cyborg Name today.

My First Blog

This is my first blog entry and I do want to become a regular blogger, dealing with topics such as web technology, Hosting, Technical Tips, Useful applications, Media, Economy, Entertainment, Life and other topics that may be of interest.

Blogs of David Wang, Guy Kawasaki, Amit Agarwal, John Agno and many others has influenced me and I am inspired to publish the rambling thoughts I may have. The purpose of this blog is to communicate and share some of my experiences, thoughts, issues faced and the solutions found with others. I hope to talk about what I’ve been doing, reading and learning from Work and Life, and pass on tips and tricks regarding technology & life. Looking forward to learning from you too.

Thanks for reading and I hope all my time and effort is helpful (at least useful) to someone.