2024-04-29 12:00:00
The paraglider stuck in a tree in Cap-Santé this weekend says he went through a range of emotions on Saturday as he remained suspended some 200 feet above the ground for more than four hours before being rescued by helicopter .
“It was neither madness nor a lack of judgment, just a bad move. All’s well that ends well, but I still feel bad for having made all these people move,” says Alain Gauthier from the outset.
The latter explained to Journal that he encountered a problem when leaving the ground, which forced him to head directly into a tree where he remained stuck until the intervention of the Sûreté du Québec around 6:30 p.m.
The one who has been paragliding in Cap-Santé as well as in the four corners of the planet for several years adds that he still had a little scare, even though he knew that everything was under control.
“I had full confidence in my equipment, but I really couldn’t let it go. I still spent more than four hours suspended,” he said.
Rescue operation of the paraglider in Cap-Santé which took place successfully. Quebec, Saturday April 27, 2024. In the photo, we see the rescuers doing their work.
Marcel Tremblay / Agence QMI
To narrowly escape death
Even if he accumulates “thousands of hours of flight”, Alain Gauthier indicates that he is aware that his sport will always carry its share of risks.
The man is well placed to talk about it since he lost his right arm following a paragliding accident which could have cost him his life in January 2015. He also told his story in an episode of the series I came close to death broadcast on Canal D.
He explains how a normal outing ultimately turned into a nightmare after his paraglider became entangled in high-voltage electrical wires.
No question of stopping
Despite the “stupid incident” on Saturday, Mr. Gauthier does not plan to stop stealing anytime soon. However, this made him realize that he will have to be doubly careful since he remains limited due to his condition.
“It still makes you think. I only have one arm and when something happens to me I’m not able to get out of it alone, so I put everyone in a bit of trouble,” he says.
Until then, the enthusiast will set sail towards the old continent in the coming weeks, more mainly in France, in order to practice his favorite sport, hoping not to get stuck in a tree.
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