FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scott Mason takes Parahawking to Alicante, Spain from May to October 2011
Scott Mason, the pioneer and only one to offer tandem paragliding flights with his trained birds of prey, will this summer team up with Doyouwanna in Alicante, Spain and offer Parahawking flights from May to
October 2011.
Scott Mason 39, a falconer since he was 11, and the pioneer of this new adventure sport has been developing and running Parahawking in Pokhara, Nepal for the past since 2001. Initially just an experiment and an innovative way of flying with the raptors at his Himalayan Raptor Rescue Centre, Parahawking has now grown in popularity and gained international recognition. It is listed in The Lonely Planet’s: “Best in
Travel 2010” guidebook and features prominently on many travellers’ “Bucket Lists”.
Parahawking is a paragliding flight with a trained bird of prey. The birds are trained to fly with the paragliders, guide them to the best lift and even perform aerobatic manoeuvres. Not only an unforgettable experience, it provides a unique opportunity to understand these magnificent raptors better and interact with them in their own environment, to truly see the world through their eyes. Scott Mason is closely involved with bird of prey conservation in Nepal. Asia has lost up to 99% of several of their vulture species in the last 15 years, due to a veterinary drug called Diclofenac. In his own words: “These birds play an important role in our eco-system and their potential loss has profound ecological and social consequences.
Parahawking raise not only awareness of the vulture’s plight but also vital funds for their conservation. We hope that our operation in Spain can further support our work in Nepal.”
The move to Alicante contrasts perfectly with the big, thermal mountain flying in the Himalayas during the winter months. Alicante is known for its consistent flying weather and lovely coastal soaring sites, ideal conditions for the two Harris Hawks: Heckle and Jeckle, the stars of the Spanish Parahawking team “We'll be flying at a number of different locations including the famous coastal site of Cabo Santa Pola plus a variety of inland sites, depending on the wind and weather on the day. One things we can ensure,
Parahawking in Alicante will be of the same quality and standard that we are known for.” promises Scott.
The raptor will fly with the glider until given the signal to land on the passenger’s gloved hand for a reward.
The impressive hawk will then take-off and rise on the sea breeze - and the glider will follow. Their agility and speed in the air is mesmerising as you fly with them over the stunning ridges and seascapes below.
Parahawking is far from a new sport for adrenaline hungry young men. In fact it attracts a target group whose first priority are the birds and the special opportunity Parahawking affords them to see these raptors at close quarters in the air. “In the last 5 years I have flown tandem with a bird enthusiastic 10 year old girl and an 80 year old man on his birthday. He told me that flying with our birds was the best thing he had ever done...it doesn’t get any better than that!” smiles Scott Mason.
Keep your eyes open for news of the new Parahawking movie: “Flight for Survival” due to be released on
DVD soon. “Flight for Survival” has been selected as a finalist in two categories at The Missoula 34th
International Wildlife Film Festival, final judgement to take place 21-27 March 2011.
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Scott Mason
Email: info@parahawking.com www.parahawking.com www.facebook.com/parahawking www.flightforsurvival.com www.facebook.com/flightforsurvival