Paragliding Accident on Table Mountain

Flo and I decided to fly off Table Mountain in a light south westerly on the southern face by the Fountain Ledges.

I attempted to launch a minture after Flo got off. My first attempt didn't have enough pressure to get off safely and I aborted. My second pullup dragged me up the mountain and as I ran towards my glider my shin snapped on its weak spot where a non-union case struggled to heal. I've had numerous operations and bone grafts done on this leg, plates external fixes, it's not as strong as it ought to be.

Back to the drawing board...

[MuraKun]

I hope you have a fast recovery. That's one tricky launch site.

[shreekantwaphare]

on your first launch, when the glider goes up, the wind pushes the glider from the right. When its overhead there is a asymmetric collapse on the left side, indicating a gust from left. On the second launch attempt the glider goes up and to the right first and then to the left, again indicating two crosswinds are fighting. There is no windsock for any info on the wind. With my skillset I would have aborted. At least get a ribbon to understand the wind direction.
Maybe you are holding the rear risers but let go in that moment. Understandable. But then you keep pulling the A lines all the way till 1:10. So thats tricky. Maybe more kiting practice?
Also, did you feel pressured to take off because so many people were watching? Coz the conditions in that particular moment arent good for any level of skillset imo.
Glad you're okay though.

[panther-xc]

Very poor choice of launch, but hey we all are learning. Always remember 'Strong wind means Strong Turbulence'. The location where the pilot was trying to launch was in the smack middle of the venturie. The wing was dancing like a snake yawing and rolling from side to side. Also remember that what the wing does on the ground is a precursor to what is going to happen in the air when you've launched. (Bruce Goldsmith has a 5 video serie on YouTube I highly suggest you watch that). The whole launch attempt was an accident waiting to happen. Do lots of ground handling and learn a bit of Meteorology.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Stay safe my dear friend wishing you quick recovery!

[peacockhorsepower]

As a beginner I would stay away from that launch area. To advanced for me.

[sinan_akdeniz]

Wing was talking to you but yiu did NOT LISTEN

[maxboonkittypoison]

You didn't lose your cool when you broke a leg. Hope you recovered well. Greetings, , Kitty.

[markwillies]

As far as announcements go " O shit I think i may have broken my leg" is pretty understated.
We South Africans are a pretty undramatic lot.
I've done one static line parachute jump at Stellenbosch as a student years ago.No desire to do this.
My brother in law had his canopy collapse and he landed on a house in Camps Bay badly injuring his back.
Hope you recovered.
Been a spate on injuries and deaths in Cape Town early 2021

[RowOfMushyTiT]

When your wing says no, you must listen. Launching is ground handling with an optional take off.

[jasras]

can this have been avoided? like.... can the best paragliders in the world avoided this? And how?

[peteypops]

Doesn’t a rough surface predict a turbulent windflow?

Thank you for sharing your experience, so we can learn! Hope you are back in business by now! All the best!

[jamiefly]

Poor choices being made at every stage.. get well soon and pick your launch site and conditions..

[rotamzparaglinding]

I am very sorry for your foot, hope it will get up soon and fly again As far as I watch, your pilotage does not look very good, and the place where you lay the wing is left behind If you had a flight, it would be inevitable to face more troubled problem a good analysis before the flight especially the region suitable for your level wind especially the hill for takeoff take care and always fly in good weather buddy

[franksarre]

I feel sorry about your accident. But, hey, invest time into ground handling and judgement!!! It's essential. You have to have good skills for such tricky launch sites. No experiments in the future, please!

[modanganchannel]

Prioritizing safety greetings from paragliding at Modangan beach Malang, East Java, Indonesia

[pkspidermonkey]

Sounds like a helpful dutch lady helping to pack in your aerofoil
Hopefully you have recovered ok

[andrewcraig]

I hope you tipped her for repacking your wing! Sorry about the leg.

[shanesmith]

Oh dude! Watch your keywords - not necessarily positive SEO. Best recovery xx

[legion]

maybe you should not fly in an unprepared place? and in a strong wind. or likes in an insagram are worth your life and health?