Despite acrophobia, Norwegian couple sets new paragliding record with 84.2km flight
Mari Botten and her partner Sigbjørn Kvannli have set a new Norwegian record in paragliding, despite Botten’s fear of heights. The couple flew 84.2 kilometers from Kvassberget in Ringebu to Lom, a journey that took three hours and 43 minutes. At their highest point, they were 2,600 meters above sea level, with a view of Jotunheimen, Trollheimen, and Rondane. The previous tandem record was 74 kilometers, set between Heidal and Hunderfossen in 2017. Botten claims that her fear of flying has lessened since she began paragliding, but her acrophobia is still present.
Heights have always given Botten a thrill, and not the good kind. However, when paragliding with her partner, she throws herself off the cliff without hesitation. She states that it’s all about being present in the moment.
It was Kvannli who encouraged Botten to try paragliding at the start of their relationship about two and a half years ago during a mountain trip to Åndalsnes. Since then, the couple has completed over thirty tandem tours together.
Botten and Kvannli flew 84.2 kilometers on their paraglider from Kvassberget in Ringebu to Lom, setting a new record in Norway. At the highest point, they were 2,600 meters above sea level which is higher than Galdhøpiggen, the tallest mountain in Norway. From that height, they had a view of Jotunheimen, Trollheimen, and Rondane.
Despite chasing heights to travel as far as possible, Botten emphasizes that safety is always their priority. If they can’t find any lift or rising air, they start thinking about where they would need to land. After their flight, the couple was greeted with applause from tourists. However, despite reaching their destination, they didn’t get to enjoy any fresh buns as they had to quickly catch a bus back to Otta.