The Line of the Week
Donner Summit
Speed Wing Flying on Donner
There’s only one answer that comes to mind when I get a call to photograph someone who wants to fly a speed wing. “Uh, yeah?!”
I wasn’t even really sure what a speed wing was. All I knew was that James MacDonald is hilarious guy and a bit of a madman. On a couple of occasions the two of us have teamed up for road gaps, ice climbing and other antics so this was a no-brainer.
The original plan was to meet up early, hike the summit and set up in a place where James could ski off a cliff and speed wing down Donner Summit. In my photographic mind it sounded pretty awesome!
So, we drove up the summit and low and behold the conditions were not there for the stunt. There were rocks popping up in the take offs, the winds were blasting and the snow was unpredictable. The overall scene was unsafe for both myself as a photographer and James as a speed winger.
As you can see in the images that was not the end. James just got a brand new Ozone Firefly wing and was determined to fly one way or another. The new plan…use the high winds and the features of James’ new wing to jump off a cliff and fly around the summit. With my feet firmly planted on the ground all I could do was watch and smile.
The wing was taken from a pack, James clipped in and with the flick of his arms and a gust of wind he was hoisted in the air. The winds were blowing in as he soared back and forth above my head and Donner Summit. He would float for 20 minutes, land, and head for the skies again.
It wasn’t hard to see that he was having the time of his life. After all, he was flying.
“This is the first time I’ve been able to soar at this site, in that kind of wind. The new wing is a great addition to my quiver. I’m now able to fly on otherwise crappy non flyable days. Psyched!!! “ – James MacDonald
To view more of Speed Wing Photography, check out:
http://ryansalmphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery/Speed-Wing/G0000FyVe5Cau4mU/
James’ flight POV:
The Line of the Week is a weekly photo piece by Ryan Salm featuring some of Tahoe’s finest athletes doing whatever we deem rad. We will be using the term “Line” loosely to describe anything resembling chutes, big airs, pointers or any general madness. All images are the property and copyright of Ryan Salm Photography. All images are only to be used in conjunction with the Line of the Week. Any other usage must be cleared in writing by Ryan Salm.
