• What is your paragliding specialisation, and what drew you to focus on this particular aspect of the sport?
I do acro and cross-country flying. While acro has always fascinated me with its artistry and adrenaline, cross-country holds a deep place in my heart, especially the competitive spirit of racing. My father was the one who truly opened the doors to the XC world. In 2011 and 2012, he took me to the vast skies of the Sertão and Cerrado in Brazil, where I experienced long-distance flights and the raw challenge of reading the terrain and atmosphere. Those early flights weren’t just about distance — they taught me strategy, patience, and respect for nature. Today, my love for XC and racing is stronger than ever, and I’m driven by the desire to keep improving, learning, and flying further.
• Which wing do you fly, and what makes it special to you? How does it enhance your flying experience?
I fly the MERLIN, a wing that stands out in the Sport Class. What I love most about the Merlin is how it blends performance and comfort — it's fast, precise, and inspires confidence even in challenging conditions. It allows me to push hard in races and still feel completely connected to the air. The Merlin gives me the perfect platform to evolve as a pilot in XC competitions and long adventure flights, delivering stability and glide that make every decision in the sky count.
• What was your first contact with paragliding?
My first contact with paragliding was in March 1997, before I was even 2 years old. My parents, both pilots, took me on a triple tandem flight. That moment planted the seed for a life deeply connected to the sky.
• How long have you been flying, and where do you fly the most?
I’ve been flying solo since 2009, when I was 14. I’m based between Atibaia and Andradas, two of the most iconic flying sites in Brazil. Atibaia is where I built my foundation, and Andradas is where I reconnected with XC flying and now teach my own cross-country course.
•What is your best flight so far?
One of the most significant flights in my career was completing the Transcapixaba, Brazil’s biggest hike & fly race. After my serious accident in 2019, doctors said I might face lasting limitations. Completing this challenge was not just a flight — it was a powerful message that I was still capable of achieving anything through paragliding.
• Have you faced any fears or significant challenges while flying, and how did you overcome them?
Yes. My 2019 accident tested every part of me. The recovery was long, but flying helped me rebuild confidence, strength, and belief in myself. Returning to the sky gave me purpose and proved that I could turn fear into fuel.
• How do you perceive the risks involved in paragliding, and how do you manage them during your flights?
I see risk as something that needs to be respected, not feared. I manage it through preparation, self-awareness, and staying within my limits. Flying is a privilege, and with that comes responsibility.
• Do you have any specific routines or rituals that you follow before taking off?
Always. I take a few moments to breathe deeply, connect with the site, check my equipment thoroughly, and mentally visualise the flight. It centres me and reminds me why I fly — with intention, respect, and passion.
• . What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your paragliding career?
The most important lesson is humility. The sky teaches us constantly about patience, precision, and letting go. Trust, respect, and a willingness to learn have been essential in every step of my journey.
• Who or what inspires you to keep pushing boundaries in paragliding?
My parents were my first and eternal inspiration. Today, I’m also inspired by my students, by other passionate pilots, and by every new mountain or cloud base that challenges me. The sky never stops offering new horizons.
• 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?
Joining Sky Paragliders is a huge honour. Their commitment to innovation, pilot development, and pure passion for flight aligns perfectly with my own values. I owe a special thanks to Benito, the Brazilian representative of SKY, who believed in me and made this partnership possible. His support and vision are a big part of what brought me here.
• Can you share a memorable experience you've had while flying?
Completing the Transcapixaba was a turning point. It was more than a race — it was a statement of resilience. After everything I’d gone through, finishing that course reminded me that I am still capable of doing incredible things in the air and on foot.
• Where do you see your paragliding career taking you in the future, and what are your ultimate goals or aspirations within the sport?
My biggest aspiration is to inspire others while continuing to challenge myself. I want to take on epic hike & fly expeditions, create educational and cinematic content, and give back to the sport through mentoring and teaching.
• What do your family and close friends think about your paragliding career, and how do they support or influence your journey?
They’ve been with me since day one — literally. Their support has been unwavering. My parents’ experience and love for the sport shaped me, and my friends constantly encourage and uplift me. They are the base of everything I do.
