What does flying mean to you?
It’s about feeling the air, how the glider moves, and connecting with the energy. There’s always opportunities to improve. The birds are always teaching us.
How did you get into flying?
I had such great luck. I was taught hang gliding by my father and two brothers in 1978. I was 11 years old. I progressed with a Rogallo wing on a gentle slope, and was flying Valle de Bravo within a year.
What early experiences got you hooked?
In 1982, I had my first experiences in international competition at the Owens Valley Classic and Owens Open. I was 14 years old, and that’s when I learned to fly big air. I flew my first 150km. The Owens Valley is still the best flying arena in the world, I think. In 1985, I went to my first World Championships in Kössen, Austria, with 250 pilots competing. That’s when I realised that I wanted to make a living out of hang gliding.
What has flying given you so far?
The opportunity to...
