• What is your paragliding specialization and what drew you to focus on this particular aspect of the sport?
I'm an Acro pilot, and what initially attracted me to this discipline was the motivation to develop my wing control skills within a great group of friends.
• Which wing do you fly, and what makes it special to you? How does it enhance your flying experience?
Since 2024, I’ve been flying the Kooky 2 Pro (14 sqm). I first got into this wing through a good friend of mine. At the beginning, I struggled quite a bit, but over time, I really started to enjoy and love it. This wing is also special to me because many of the recent changes in its design were influenced by a close friend, so it’s been super interesting to see how it developed over time.
• What was your first contact with paragliding?
Compared to most of my friends in the scene, I started quite late. I got into paragliding during the last years of my studies and earned my license in 2020. After that, I did my first SIV course, followed by a trip to Organya with Vincent in the spring of 2021.
• How long have you been flying, and where do you fly the most?
I’ve been flying since 2020, and my home spot is Vercorin, Switzerland. Nowadays, I spend most of my airtime in Organya, Spain.
• Do you have any specific routines or rituals that you follow before takeoff?
I don’t have any special routine. I always get ready the same way and clip into my harness the same way, but there’s not much to it.
For competitions, it’s a bit different. I think everyone has their own way of dealing with the pressure in order to focus and perform well. Personally, I need to calm down with music and make sure I don’t waste too much energy while waiting for takeoff.
• What is the most valuable lesson you've learned during your paragliding career?
There are no shortcuts. Dedication and hard work are what will ultimately help you achieve your goals.
• Who or what inspires you to keep pushing boundaries in paragliding?
Throughout my flying career, I’ve had many different sources of inspiration. In the beginning, I looked up to the big names like Théo, Luke, Bicho, and others. However, on a more personal level, I would say my friend Vince, with whom I’ve been flying since the very start.
• Can you share a memorable experience you've had while flying?
A recent memorable experience was my trip to India at the end of 2024. It was an amazing experience to explore a new country, meet local pilots, and share it all with a special group of friends. It was truly an unforgettable time.
• Where do you see your paragliding career leading you in the future?
My main goal has always been to reach the AWT, which I was super happy to achieve last season. Now, I’m really looking forward to competing with the best pilots in the world this season.
On a national level, I placed second in 2024, so this year, I want to improve and aim for the Swiss Champion title.
• What do your family and close friends think about your paragliding career, and how do they support or influence your journey?
It’s not always easy, mainly because of the risks associated with our sport. This can be difficult for a lot of people to understand. Unlike some pilots, I wasn’t born into a "flying family," so I’ve had to explain a lot of things many times. However, my family sees how much joy and passion this sport brings me, and in the end, they are happy for me which is the most important thing.
• How do you perceive the risks involved in paragliding, and how do you manage them during your flights?
Paragliding always involves some level of risk, no matter your skill level. However, what matters most to me is minimizing those risks as much as possible. This can be done in several ways:
Equipment: Always check that your gear is in perfect condition and that all necessary inspections are done (wing, harness, reserves, etc.).
Mental and physical readiness: Always make sure you feel ready to fly. Mental state has a huge impact. Fatigue, for example, can influence decision-making. It’s important to know your body and listen to your instincts. Sometimes, you just don’t feel like flying, and in those moments, it’s essential to respect that feeling.
