PREVIEW

Austrian adventurer and paraglider Paul Guschlbauer achieved another milestone by conquering Augustine Volcano, one of Alaska's most active volcanoes, on 13 June 2024.
Known for his outstanding performances in the Red Bull X-Alps and his knack for discovering extraordinary locations, Guschlbauer’s latest feat sets a new benchmark in the world of paragliding - and has now been documented.
Located 284 kilometres from Anchorage, Augustine Volcano sits on an uninhabited island off Alaska’s southern coast in Cook Inlet. Part of the Aleutian volcanic arc, this 1,252-metre stratovolcano is known for its explosive eruptions, it produces pyroclastic flows, ash clouds, and lava domes.
Guschlbauer first spotted Augustine Volcano during a trip to Alaska, envisioning a landing on its shoreline with a small aircraft.
“I saw the mountain from the mainland and thought it would be incredible to fly there and land on the beach,” he recalls. Despite his local friends' uncertainty about landing spots, Guschlbauer was confident in his paragliding abilities.
His journey required years of meticulous planning and an in-depth understanding of flying and paragliding under challenging conditions. Despite the remote location and unpredictable wind patterns, his expertise allowed him to wait for the perfect moment to catch the rising currents of warm air needed for altitude gain.
“My plan was to fly as high as possible with the plane, then conquer the mountain and fly down,” Guschlbauer explains. After finding a suitable landing spot and climbing an additional 100 metres, changing thermal conditions enabled him to paraglide from the summit. “Circling up and flying thermally from the volcano, surrounded by the sea, was an unparalleled experience. Landing on the summit was beyond my imagination, but the opportunity was there, and I was ready. It was simply spectacular!”
He even had to prepare for the remote possibility of an eruption. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) continuously monitors Augustine Volcano using seismographs, satellite imagery, and other geophysical instruments, providing early warnings to ensure safety. Its volatility is well-documented with significant eruptions in 1883, 1935, 1963-64, 1976, 1986, and most recently in 2006.
Guschlbauer also had to identify a safe landing zone on the rugged volcanic island. Using tools like Google Earth for initial scouting, he and his team conducted exploratory flights to finalise their approach. The unpredictable wind patterns demanded precise timing for safe and effective paragliding.
Having completed the challenge, Guschlbauer’s sponsors at Red Bull believe his latest feat showcases the relentless spirit of adventure and discovery that drives human nature forward.