# 8 Reasons A Newbie Pilot Should Do The Icarus X

> The Icarus X series was conceived as the ‘gateway-drug’ to long distance paramotor adventures such as The Icarus Trophy. Like most pilots, The Adventurists own Simon Walker was hooked from the beginning as a rookie. Here he gives his top eight reasons why everyone should consider entering this…

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The Icarus X series was conceived as the ‘gateway-drug’ to long distance paramotor adventures such as The Icarus Trophy. Like most pilots, The Adventurists own Simon Walker was hooked from the beginning as a rookie. Here he gives his top eight reasons why everyone should consider entering this year.

You can still [sign up for this year's X Series](https://xseries.icarustrophy.com/united-kingdom/), kicking off on 21st June.

**1. Do at your own pace**

The whole point of the Icarus X Series is to introduce people into cross country paramotoring adventures. With Adventure and Race Classes, you can choose how much of a challenge you want – with most newbies like me in Adventure Class. Whatever you do, you will have a blast.

**2. Get stretched**

Having a reason to fly a little later in the day and in thermic conditions, or to an unknown field, assessing its suitability to land is perfect to develop your skills as a pilot. It pushes you and is totally nerve-wracking, but all the pilots I know greatly appreciated the experience. The next cross country flight you do with a mate will seem so much easier.

**3. You are tracked**

Being tracked by satellite is hugely reassuring – both for you and your flying chums and for friends, family and sponsors following along online.

![DEM1oTVXkAAb6HM.jpg](https://pub-b73d7bbed2e6422cb2c490e05ca5db55.r2.dev/media/1/3108bb5b-943e-43c2-a0be-1a5e9847a05a.webp?format=1000w)

**4. Everyone wants to help**

People worry about landing in the middle of nowhere – but everyone we bumped in to really wanted to help. It’s amazing the effect that a smile, a handshake and wearing a strange contraption can have when you bump into the natives. I have been lent fuel, a landrover and a bed in a caravan on previous editions!

**5. Learn from the masters of the sky**

There will be some old hands in Race Class – and there is much to learn from them. Their motor set up, approach to fuel efficiency and insights into the weather for one. It's like a fly-in on steroids for talking para-bollox.

**6. Full bragging rights**

Having a pilot profile, in-event coverage, a live tracker trail and a grinning finishing picture looks great on Facebook and other social media channels.

**7. Win a free place on the Icarus Trophy**

If you happen to win in Race Class, then you'll win yourself a free place for the full Icarus Trophy next year, worth £1200. Africa anyone?

**8. Serious silverware**

Need I say more?

Andy Bexx – Adventure class winner 2017. Read about it [here.](http://www.challowparamotorclub.co.uk/index.php/members-menu/flying-diaries/137-icarusx-2017)

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