Here is Rods film of the first wingsuit world record in Cochstedt, Germany in 2006. It was the first time Wingsuiters from around the world had got together. At the time Rod was a test pilot for Jii Wings based out of South Africa.‘Thundercat racer off Manly beach momentarily forgets the advice on the back of his motor – Get In, Sit Down, Shut Up and Hang On!’ Rod is the Co-Pilot up in the air. You can see the tension in the rope his leg has caught hold of by the spray of water emanating from it. Rod racing Gemini Thundercats off Manly Beach with Wally Dobrow, Sydney’96. Although it was a challenging start we won that race. Photo – Sports Unlimited mag.Although Rod came second in the overall competition to living wingsuit legend James Boole, he set a new world record for the longest flight time for 1000 meters in one of the heats. 58.7 seconds in 2006. Photo Australian Parachutist mag 2006.As a member of 1 Commando Company, Sydney 1984 to 88, then here as a recruit Instructor until 91. Rod then became an Infantry Officer for 2nd/17th Infantry unit. That unit was full of former Commandos.Rod ran the Unarmed Combat display for 1 Commando Company’s Birthday 1986
Rod designed the World’s first harness designed specifically for forward (Aussie) Abseiling. Here’s Adrian testing it out at Clovelly.Aussie Abseiling with legendary Stuntman Judd Wild off a 50-meter ledge at Diamond Bay, Sydney.Rod was officially invited by the South African Defence Force to participate in Exercise Southern Cross in 1996. Rod became the first Foreign Officer to command South African troops since Nelson Mandela became President. He was also made an honorary member of the Durban Light Infantry, Australian Defender Mag ’96Just hangin’ aroundNot every day you get your pasty white backside in colour on the front page!
