• What is your paragliding specialization, and what drew you to focus on this particular aspect of the sport?
I'm a professional Tandem Pilot. Because I live close to the coast, I am dedicated to soaring with every wind condition, from light wind to very strong winds and proximity flying. As I got more and more experienced flying on strong coastal winds with my Zoe 13 m, I also increased my wind limits for tandem flights. More recently, I'm flying Fujin 25m -my flights are safer now, even with stronger winds than any other solo glider.
• Which wing do you fly, and what makes it special to you? How does it enhance your flying experience?
ZOE 13 m
This glider is my best friend for very strong winds. Very resistant to collapse and very fast due to trimmers and speedbar, this glider allows me to fly when no one else is flying.
EXOS M, XL
My Exos gliders have a lot of speed and glide. They allow me to fly, soaring on very light to normal winds with amazing performance, and also are my travel companions due to light weight and performance. The bigger size allows me to fly thermals on very light thermal days, making it possible to stay up all day.
KOOKY 18m
My companion for soaring when the wind is too strong for Exos M but not strong enough for Zoe 13 m. This glider requires precise handling and full focus. It's very responsive and fun pushing my limits as a Pilot.
METIS 4
This Glider is a work machine. I can take off and top-land one after the other without any stress. Easy to handle in flight has a good behaiviour all round even when wind starts to pickup do to very efective trimmers and easy to use big ears system. Also, it is the best work tool for light wind takeoff on challenging locations like Arrábida.
FUJIN (soon to be launched)
The ultimate tandem glider for strong winds. It had been a great adventure to learn and explore new limits with this mini Tandem. Amazed at how much wind it handles safely and with its fun factor on proximity fun flying. Easy cobra takeoff and controlability on big ears are the highlights for this glider.
• How long have you been flying and where do fly the most?
I started paragliding in 2016, and it immediately became my hobby of choice, having moved house last year to live close to Bicas Beach, Sesimbra. Near my house, I have four flying locations that allow me to fly with different wind directions, making it possible to fly almost every day of the year.
• What is your best flight so far?
I remember three very special flights. A 100km flight with Exos when I still had little XC experience. This flight on a very strong thermal day was very difficult and challenging. It forced me to believe in my abilities and dedicate myself to managing the different situations that arose. In the end, the satisfaction was immense, and I really wanted to do it again. Another flight I remember was my first flight in the Swiss Alps with the Skyparagliders family for an Apollo 3 photo shoot. The place was simply wonderful (Fiesh), and the weight of responsibility was very great. It was an unforgettable experience. Lastly, I remember a Tandem flight with Lara in San Francisco with the Apollo Bi 39. That day, the conditions were demanding, with very lateral winds at take-off. It was a very difficult take-off that forced Lara to climb part of the slope with the Wing in the air. When we finally manage to climb up we could enjoy a fantastic view of the city and Golden Gate bridge.
• Can you share a memorable experience you've had while flying?
My biggest challenge as a tandem pilot is dealing with passengers' fear. My biggest reward is receiving the trust of my passengers and their positive feedback at the end of the flight. Although paragliding as a hobby is not a sport for everyone, I think that tandem paragliding should be done by everyone, and I dedicate myself 100% to ensuring that all my passengers love the experience. It is very gratifying to see some of my passengers dedicate themselves to the sport and become autonomous pilots.
• Where do you see your paragliding career taking you in the future, and what are your ultimate goals or aspirations within the sport?
I intend to continue to inspire young people to start the sport through Tandem Flights. I also intend to continue collaborating with skyparagliders in developing new ideas to make paragliding a safer and more fun sport with each passing day, as well as collaborating in promoting the brand's equipment and showing other pilots what is possible with this equipment. I like sharing my knowledge, so I would like to collaborate with schools in workshops dedicated to Speedsoaring proximity.
• What do your family and close friends think about your paragliding career, and how do they support or influence your journey?
My father, Carlos, was the one who taught me how to fly. I share this passion with him. It is one of the main themes of our conversations that last for hours. We discussed the most diverse technical issues related to flying. My wife Lara loves flying tandem with me. Lara always accompanies me to flight locations and helps me with whatever I need, namely taking videos and photos for publicity. My closest friends have also all flown with me (some repeat it whenever they can) and admire and support my passion.
• How do you perceive the risks involved in paragliding, and how do you manage them during your flights?
Paragliding, when practiced with the appropriate equipment for the weather conditions and at the pilot's level, is a very safe activity. I have different equipment that adapts to different conditions, including wind intensity. Choosing the correct equipment is essential to flying safely. When I have doubts, I opt for a small wing and fly alone to test the conditions. Knowledge of local conditions, the study of weather forecasts and constant careful observation of changing conditions are also essential to avoid complicated situations. If conditions deteriorate during the flight, the best option is to land and wait. No matter how great the desire to fly, it is important to know our limits and identify the days when it is best not to take off.
