• What is your paragliding specialization and what drew you to focus on this particular aspect of the sport?
Acro is definitely my thing! There's something about the precision and control of it that just clicked with me. It's like dancing in the sky, but with a glider. The challenge of mastering new manoeuvres and linking them together is incredibly rewarding.
• Which wing do you fly, and what makes it special to you? How does it enhance your flying experience?
I fly the kooky 2 pro, It's got the perfect balance of safety and playfulness. A true weapon for Acro paragliding! It allows me to fly all the existing manoeuvres, and to connect them with a good flow. Every tiny adjustment makes a difference, which gives me so much control and lets me really fine-tune my flying.
• How long have you been flying and where do fly the most?
I've been hooked on paragliding for 12 years now! You'll usually find me flying around my home spots in Verel and Saint-Hilaire. That's where I learned everything, from my first shaky wingovers to the more advanced acro manoeuvres. I try to get out there every weekend the weather cooperates.
• Have you faced any fears or significant challenges while flying, and how did you overcome them?
Definitely! Every pilot faces challenges, and for me, the MacTwist was a big one. It's a complex maneuver, and I won't lie, I was nervous. It's a trick where things can go wrong if you're not careful – stopping the rotation too early can lead to some nasty twists, and not stalling the glider enough can create a low-energy tumbling entry, which could result in a big collapse. So, I did my homework! I talked to experienced pilots, grilled them about the risks and common mistakes, and watched tons of videos. Then, I started practicing in a safe space with plenty of altitude. The key was patience and gradual progression. I didn't rush things, and slowly built my confidence. Even after I started getting the hang of it, I made sure not to get overconfident. Now, it's one of my favourite moves – that feeling of the rotation, especially when it's twisted, is incredible!
• Do you have any specific routines or rituals that you follow before taking off?
First things first, I always double-check my two rescue parachutes. Then, after getting into my harness, I like to visualize the tricks I will perform. I run through them in my head, almost like a mental rehearsal, so I'm ready to go when I take off.
• What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your paragliding career?
Safety first, always! I've learned that it's crucial to be really aware of the conditions and to always give yourself plenty of margin. It's much better to miss a flight than to be caught out in bad weather.
• What inspired you to become a part of the Sky Squadron team, and how does the brand's vision align with your personal goals as a pilot?
I'm so stoked to be part of the Sky Paragliders family! The passion everyone has for paragliding is infectious. They're all about pushing the boundaries of quality and performance, which is something I really admire. Plus, everyone I've met at Sky is super friendly and supportive. They've always been cheering me on, which means a lot.
• What do your family and close friends think about your paragliding career, and how do they support or influence your journey?
My family and friends are incredibly supportive. They keep me motivated and sometimes even come to watch me compete or do demos. Of course, my mom and girlfriend get a little nervous, so they always remind me to be careful and fly safe.
• How do you perceive the risks involved in paragliding, and how do you manage them during your flights?
Paragliding definitely has its risks, but I believe that if you're aware of them, you can manage them effectively and enjoy flying safely. For me, the biggest risks often come down to pilot decisions, especially before the flight. Things like choosing whether or not to fly based on the conditions, and also being honest about your own physical and mental state. When I'm training acro, I always fly within a defined area so I have a safe landing option if I need to use a reserve parachute. I also always keep an eye on my altitude and if I’m in a bad position a bit too low I don’t hesitate to pull my rescue.
