Gegenwind (1986)

One of the very first paragliding films – a true piece of pioneering history. Shot more than 35 years ago, Gegenwind captures the beginnings of a sport that today inspires people worldwide.

Filmed on 16 mm in the classic 4:3 TV format, using camera equipment weighing almost 15 kg, it delivers striking images that document the dawn of a new era in free flight.

Running time: 10 minutes – digitally restored and awarded the German Film Board’s distinction “Prädikat wertvoll” (rated ‘of special merit’).
A collector’s item for everyone who wants to experience the roots of paragliding.

Language: German narration with English subtitles

STREAMEN

OPEN WINDOW
Dual World Championship Kössen–Fiesch 1989

Two Skies, One Turning Point

In 1989, two world championships took place side by side – paragliding in Kössen (Austria) and hang gliding in Fiesch (Switzerland). Many hang glider pilots still smiled at the newcomers with their simple fabric wings, unaware that these “rag flyers” would soon redefine the future of free flight.Only a few – like John Pendry and Robbie Whittall – recognized the great potential of paragliding. Yet, as favorites, they chose to compete in Fiesch.

My film captures this pivotal moment of transition – the last major, superbly organized hang-gliding world championship before paragliding took over the skies. Two world championships in one film – a story that helped pave the way for the acceptance of paragliding and marked the beginning of a new era of free flight.
Digitally restored from original 16 mm footage

Running time: 40 minutes
Language: German with optional English Subs

STREAMEN

Thermik – The Art of Flying (1989)

A paragliding/hanggliding classic – newly digitized and restored.

With breathtaking footage from the Alps, castle Neuschwanstein and the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, this film captures the birth of a new flying culture. Featuring legends John Pendry, Robbie Whittall, and Toni Bender – pioneers who redefined the art of free flight with courage, grace, and passion.

A timeless document of adventure, beauty, and the spirit of freedom in the sky.

STREAMEN

Parasol – Paragliding World Championship France 1991

The skies over southern France – the stage for the second, groundbreaking Paragliding World Championship.

Even the opening show set new standards.

Pilots from around the world competed in the legendary thermals of Digne-les-Bains, Moustiers, and above the gorges of the Verdon for the world title. Among them: Robbie Whittall, Andy Hediger, Ernst Strobl, and Uli Wiesmeier – names that made history.
Parasol captures the atmosphere of these early competition years, explains the demanding tasks, and reveals the pioneering spirit, rivalry, and fascination of free flight.
Running time: 50 minutes.
Language: English

STREAMEN

Cloudbusters

Cloudbusters is a beautifully filmed journey into the Alpine skies – inspiring for beginners, cross-country pilots, and anyone passionate about real flight.
The film clearly explains the basics of paraglider launching before exploring thermals, weather patterns, and XC strategies. It follows two young female pilots on their first big soaring flight, illustrating the strengths and weaknesses of different launch techniques.
Later, the story moves to Garmisch and Pinzgau, where experts like John Pendry, Ernst Strobl, Burkhardt Martens, and Jo Bathmann share their experience. Stunning aerial footage, precise graphics, and time-lapse shots of Alpine clouds make the technical insights vivid and engaging.
An inspiring film that captures the spirit of free flight – educational, atmospheric, and visually spectacular.

Skywings magazine wrote: The latest work from Henry Hauck, veteran free flight film-maker, shows all his usual trademarks: superb photography, technical accuracy, great graphics and useful educational content.
Running time: 50 minutes.
Language: German with English subs

STREAMEN