Norrøna Ambassador Michael “Bird” Shaffer is finally learning to fly, practicing his first controlled takeoffs and landings from the home nest in Washington state, USA, in a period of thin conditions during the recent holidays. Read the bird’s words, and watch the video for a bird’s eye view on learning to fly:
“As a small child, I looked up in the sky and waved at planes that flew over. My father is a pilot and I thought he might be flying over. I remember jumping out of a tree with a super hero cape and tearfully explaining to my mom, as she patched up my knees and hands, “ But my dad can fly? ”
It has always been my dream to fly, to soar as a bird, and it was not long before I was on skis and flying off jumps, which began my love of skiing.
In Chamonix I was first introduced to the real freedom of flying as a bird through a tandem paraglide with one of the French masters. After many years of dreaming, i made the commitment and now have a real taste of the sky. The powder cycle of November, and early December was over, and we were waiting for new snow. Being super spoiled with normal winter powder, conditions were throwing Washington skiers into alcoholic states and many started doubting hanging around in a black energy funk. This Bird needed an outlet. Why not finally learn to fly. After all you don’t need much snow for Speed Riding.
No longer a penguin, I can soar through the sky. After practicing take offs and a few seconds of air, my first solid flight with the speed wing was recorded. My family watched on Xmas day as I left the ground and made my first successful flight, bringing happy tears to the ex fighter pilot Papa Bird.
All through the holiday, I practiced and circled farther out. Though the take off was a super rush every time, I was able to relax and enjoy the whole flight even more. I learned to sit back in my harness allowing big turns on one side or the other and then made controlled landings.
Now, after the New Year, the powder has returned and I fly again on skis.
My first love will always be skiing, to watch the weather, train, and slide that perfect descent. With speed riding, I can fly when snow is sparse, and it is another way to study and grow in nature. Now, the sky is the limit, giving Bird, a birds eye view.”