Kirsty Cameron in goal at the Paragliding World Championships 2015. Photo: James Pagram
Before the Paragliding World Championships started in Roldanillo we interviewed a few of the pilots in a bid to get to know them better. We’ll be running a few of those interviews here on XCmag.com during the competition.
Here we catch up with the women’s winner of Task 8, Kirsty Cameron, 43.
What’s your job? Software Programmer
Where are you from? England. United Kingdom
Any sponsors? Fly Sussex sponsor me with glider, harness and other kit.
Online at? www.facebook.com/groups/britishteampara
What gear are you flying?
Wing: Ozone Enzo 2
Harness: Gin Genie Race 3
Technology: Flytec 6030; Flymaster Nav; Spot
Years flying? 1997, 17 years
Where did you learn? UK. Uncle used to fly hang gliders.
When did you do your first competition?
2006 Chabre Open, Laragne, France. 1st Woman. 2nd Overall DHV 1/2 class.
Achievements
2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, British Female Champion
2012, UK Female XC Distance Record, 233km
2012, 2nd Female, European Championships
2013, UK XC Declared Goal Distance Record, 208km
2014, UK XC Declared Goal Distance Record, 214km
2014, 1st Female, Paragliding World Cup, France
2014, 3rd Overall (and 1st Female), British Open, Italy
2014, 3rd Overall (and 1st Female), British Open, Ager
2014, 3rd Overall, British Championships
Personal best?
233km from Milk Hill, Wiltshire, UK to Great Dunham, Norfolk, UK 13/05/2012. British Female Record and at the time was the second longest UK flight ever.
Best moments in paragliding?
Flying the second longest flight in the UK in 2012, it was only the third time anyone had flown 200km+ in the UK.
Breaking the UK Declared Goal Record in 2013/2014, meaning the UK female record is also the UK record!
Finishing on the overall podium at both rounds of the British Open 2014 and the British Championships 2014.
Any low points?
In 2013, whilst competing at the British Open in Portugal, I crashed minutes after taking off, on day 2 of the competition. I was very lucky not to kill myself, or paralyse myself. Miraculously I sustained only major bruising and did not break any bones.
What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you in paragliding?
Trying to fly after drinking too much. I did it once and will never do it again. Very weird.
And the scariest?
Crashing in 2013.
Who’s going to win at Roldanillo 2015?
Who knows. There will be lots of very good pilots competing, many of whom have a chance of winning.
How would you describe yourself as a pilot in 10 words or less…?
Modest.
And how do you think your friends would describe you as a pilot?
Determined, focused and resilient.
What are you looking forward to about flying in Roldanillo?
Everything. It will be my first time in Colombia and South America ☺
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