What began as a simple pilots’ briefing for an early-morning flight in the Boquerón area turned into a full day of flying—and the setting of new national records for distance flown in Paramotor in a single day. Specifically, we’re talking about the aerial adventures of Darwin Hernández and Edgardo Rivera. Let’s break it down…
Early Morning Flights in Boquerón, Cabo Rojo
Early in the morning, the pilots Edgardo Rivera, Sam Travis, Darwin Hernández, Anthony Green, and Luis Ruiz arrived in Boquerón, Cabo Rojo. All highly skilled pilots, and as expected, everyone launched early, heading toward Lajas and its morning mist, Guánica, Sabana Grande, San Germán, and the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse.
The weather was excellent, allowing most of the pilots to remain airborne for over an hour and a half without landing.
Edgardo took off alongside with Sam, flying toward the towns of Sabana Grande and San Germán. Meanwhile, Luis Ruiz chose to fly through the misty skies of Lajas, where he met up with Anthony and Darwin in the air. From there, Anthony and Darwin continued their adventure toward the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse. Below, we share some videos from these flights…
Villa Pesquera, Isabela — Plans for a Round-Trip Flight to Dorado?
After wrapping up the morning flights in Lajas, the pilots—Darwin, Anthony, Sam, Luis, and Edgardo—moved on to continue flying activities at Villa Pesquera in Isabela, where they were met by the local pilots Nixon Porrata, Scott Sansone, Fio López and Randy Kester, plus the international pilots, visiting the island, Scott Baxter (from Midwest Parajet), Freddy and Kevin, from Chicago, Illinois. WE HAVE A FULL HOUSE OF PILOTS AND GREAT WEATHER!!!
Despite already having flown all morning, the group began coordinating a BIG cross-country flight. The plan was to depart from Isabela, fly all the way to La Poza del Obispo in Arecibo for refueling if necessary, then, continue on to “El Único” Beach in Dorado, and then return to Isabela. ALL the Fly during the afternoon. Easily more than 100 miles+. On the return leg, they would be joined by the pilots Pedro Agostini and Enrique González, who had recently returned to the island.
The pilots set for the adventure were Darwin Hernández and Edgardo Rivera. Also, Nixon Porrata was also supposed to participate, but due to plan communication issues, he was unable to make the flight and returned at Guajataca, Quebradillas. In other flights, Anthony was flying together with Scott Baxter, taking more promo photos and videos of the BGD Typhoon.
Takeoff and a Unexpected Problem…
The moment for the cross arrived. Nixon, Darwin, and Sam launched first (Sam had already indicated he would not complete the full cross-country). Everyone waiting for Edgardo to take off, but Edgardo failed the launch and damaged his Ozone paraglider… SO… he was out of the Cross?…
Quickly stepping in, Luis Ruiz resolved the situation by providing him a Flow RPM2 17-meter paraglider, allowing Edgardo to join the pilots already in the air. Meanwhile. Luis who was planning to join the fly at least to Arecibo, finally conducted a last minute Tandem introductory flight.
History—and a Record—in the Making
With the weather fully cooperating, Darwin and Edgardo reached Arecibo, where Pedro Agostini was waiting for them with fuel. On this stop, only Darwin needed to refuel in order to continue to Dorado.
Time was becoming a factor—any unexpected delays could jeopardize the return before sunset. Fortunately, they reached Dorado without any delay, and quickly prepared for the flight back to Isabela. It was 4:30 PM, and if they wanted to arrive before dark, there was no time to waste.
Departing back to Isabela were Pedro, Enrique, Darwin, and Edgardo. Also, near Arecibo, the pilot Jesús Rivera briefly joined them along the route. Back in Isabela, Luis Ruiz, Scott, and others were waiting for their arrival.
The Record !!!
The pilots arrived back in Isabela before 6:00 PM, aided by strong tailwinds at altitude that allowed them to complete the return leg in less than an hour and a half. This is undoubtedly a record that will be very difficult to surpass—early-morning flights in Boquerón followed by the entire north coast in the afternoon. Congratulations!
Our utmost respect to Edgardo Rivera and Darwin Hernández.
Distance Fly in the Day (National Record)!!!
The total distance of Fly from Edgardo and Darwin in the Day. NATIONAL RECORD!!! – 54.3 + 58 + 58 = 170.3 miles!!!
Extra Video(s)…
