#270 From the Czech Mountains to Kenyan Volcanoes: Jakub Rott’s Flying Journey

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Join us as Czech pilot and last year’s Czech hike and fly national champion Jakub Rott shares his journey through paragliding, speed flying, skydiving and hike and fly competitions across the globe. Discover insights on safety, training, and the joy of flying in diverse terrain, along with some fantastic tips for aspiring pilots.

Check out the Moravian Hike and Fly Challenge Jakub discusses in the show in the incredible Beskydy mountains.

Connect with Jakub here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flysport.cz/

Website: https://www.flysport.cz/home

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Key Topics:

Jakub Rott’s background and entry into paragliding
The Moravian Hike and Fly Challenge and its challenges
Safety lessons from accidents and how to learn from them
Training and becoming a paragliding instructor in Czech Republic
The thrill and risks of flying in Kenya’s Dune and Volcanoes
The importance of mindset and subconscious skills in flying
Favorite flying locations around the world and their unique features
The role of community and sharing knowledge in paragliding

Key Frameworks:

Subconscious Skill Development
Safety First Mentality
Enjoyment as a Priority

sound bites

“A broken line in my wing almost caused a crash.”
“The freedom and community keep me flying.”
“Speed flying is a mix of adrenaline and skill.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:38 — 53.7MB)

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#269 Navigating Doubts with Violeta Jimenez

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Violeta Jimenez has become one of the most elite competition paragliders in the world in a relatively short period of time. Her first World Cup was only 5 years ago in Aksaray, Turkey, flying a Zeno. Last year she was on the podium in the OVERALL, again in Turkey, this time in Çameli. But it’s been anything but easy. Violeta came to flying from a background in ballet and ultra running, and as Will Gadd says, coming to flying from non-gravity sports can be not just challenging but risky. In the early years Violeta had a number of incidents (reserves and tree landings, torn ACLs…) and one particularly violent accident in Mexico that required a long mental and physical rehab. This year at the Worlds in Brazil she took an unlucky tumble off launch which resulted in a badly broken ankle. But through it all Violeta has kept her passion for the sport, remained focused on her goals, and refused to quit. We cover a lot of ground in this one: the current safety debate in competitions, the recent proposed rule changes at CIVL, flow state theory, gender and inclusion in sports, mental health and recovery from accidents, and the pursuit of excellence. Enjoy!

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Key Topics

Violeta’s background in ultras and dance
Transition to paragliding and early challenges
Safety, risk, and accident management
Debate on competition safety and regulations
Impact of recent safety policies and decisions
Personal motivation and pursuit of excellence
Gender and size considerations in competition
Mental health and recovery from accidents

Key Frameworks

Risk Management in Sports
Flow State Theory
Safety Regulation Debate

Sound Bites

“We don’t have enough data on safety.”
“Flying in comps puts me in flow.”
“I’m building my own tower in the woods.”

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: Violeta’s Early Experiences
02:50 Overcoming Adversity: The Impact of Accidents
05:40 Competition vs. Free Flying: A Safety Debate
08:49 Understanding Risk: Data and Personal Biases
11:54 The Evolution of a Pilot: From Ultra Running to Paragliding
14:53 The Passion for Racing: Finding Flow in Competition
17:43 The Art of Flying: Building a Lifelong Passion
20:44 Navigating Doubts: The Reality of Competition
23:35 The Future of Flying: Community and Personal Growth
30:48 Building Personal Monuments
33:53 Navigating Competition and Regulations
41:38 The Impact of Gender and Inclusion in Sports
44:16 Personal Choices in Paragliding
51:42 Overcoming Fear and Injury
01:00:16 Looking Forward and Community Engagement

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:53 — 58.5MB)

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#268 Control Theory, Winning a PWC, and behind the scenes of X-Alps madness with Estefano Salgado

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This episode features one of Valle De Bravo’s most loved and successful pilots, Estefano Salgado. Estefano is a world-class trained chef who supported the France 4 team of Tanguy Renoud-Goud in the 2025 Red Bull X-Alps, is one of (maybe the only?) North American pilots to win a World Cup in recent history, is an elite instructor/guide for ParaglidingGuides.com and is a wicked story-teller! In this episode Estefano discusses his experiences in competitive paragliding, putting control theory and his education with French coach Julien Garcia into use, team management, and the importance of training and mentorship in the sport. Gain insights into the mental strategies, team dynamics, and innovative training methods that drive success in high-level paragliding competitions and get some fun behind-the-scenes hysterical moments from the toughest adventure race on Earth, the Red Bull X-Alps. This one is a hoot- enjoy!

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key topics

Control theory in paragliding
Team management and logistics during competitions
Mental strategies for competition success

sound bites

“Winning is about mindset, not just skill.”
“Focus on process, not just results.”
“Discipline is the key to mastery.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Motivations
02:58 Insights from the X-Alps Experience
05:56 Team Management and Support Dynamics
09:05 Culinary Challenges and Team Nutrition
11:53 Surprises and Lessons from the X-Alps
14:52 Winning the World Cup in Brazil
17:49 Flying Techniques and Strategies
20:47 Mindset and Competition Dynamics
31:26 The Importance of Mental Control in Competition
32:12 Building a Strong Coaching Partnership
33:12 Chasing the Rabbit: Strategies in Paragliding
34:43 Team Dynamics and Collective Strategy
37:34 Adapting Strategies to Different Conditions
40:08 The Role of Emotional Control in Performance
42:29 Learning from Experience: The Value of Coaching
45:05 Analyzing Performance Objectively
48:19 Staying Present: The Key to Success
51:04 Understanding Individual Learning Styles
53:56 The Need for Structured Training Programs
56:32 Raising the Level of Competition
01:00:57 Nurturing the Next Generation of Pilots

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:11:51 — 65.8MB)

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#267 Bivvy and Adventure Flying by HANG GLIDER with Emi Carvalho

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Portuguese pilot Emi Carvalho got into hang gliding over a decade ago. Now living in Switzerland Emi is fully bi-wingual, and has instructed both hang gliding and paragliding. His passion these days is bivvy flying and depending on the weather will pick the kit that fits the mission, but more often than not the kit that fits the bill to have more fun is a short-pack hang glider. It’s a bit heavier (similar to a light-weight paragliding tandem set up) and a bit more bulky, but you get to fly prone! In this fun talk Emi shares his expertise with short pack hang gliders, their development, and their application in adventure flying and bivvy trips. Discover how this innovative gear (that isn’t really new, but is being newly utilized!) is potentially transforming the sport, making it more accessible and versatile for enthusiasts seeking new horizons and wicked adventures.

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key topics

Development of short pack hang gliders
Logistics and transport of hang gliders
Advantages for bivvy and adventure flying
Learning curve and safety considerations
Future potential of short pack hang gliding

sound bites

“Landing on slopes going up is an advanced technique”
“Top landing with a hang glider is more challenging”
“Short pack wings give more range and versatility”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hang Gliding and Bivvy Flying
06:27 The Evolution of Hang Gliders
09:28 Learning Curve: Hang Gliding vs. Paragliding
10:59 Safety and Risk in Hang Gliding
14:45 Landing Techniques and Challenges
21:46 Volbiv: The Art of Bivvy Flying with Hang Gliders
24:57 Planning and Logistics for Bivvy Adventures
27:44 Choosing the Right Gear for Conditions
29:51 Choosing Between Paragliding and Hang Gliding
33:56 The Advantages of Short Pack Hang Gliders
38:41 Learning to Fly Short Pack Gliders
42:06 Logistics and Gear for Hang Gliding
48:03 Reviving Interest in Hang Gliding
52:36 Reflections on the Journey and Future of Flying

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:57 — 54.0MB)

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#266 Serena Ronchi and the Comeback

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In this moving conversation, Swiss pilot Serena Ronchi shares her inspiring journey of recovery after a life-changing paragliding accident and her incredible ascension once again to the top of XContest in the Sport class this year. She discusses the challenges she faced during rehabilitation, her mental battles with fear, and the strategies she employed to regain her confidence in flying. Serena reflects on her experiences in Brazil’s Sertão, her participation in races, and her passion for teaching others about paragliding. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of addressing fear and finding joy in flying, while also contemplating the lessons learned from her accident.

This is Serena’s second visit to the podcast, we had her on the show back in March of 2022 just months after the accident.

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Takeaways

Serena experienced a severe paragliding accident in 2021 that led to significant physical injuries.
She underwent extensive rehabilitation, learning to walk and regain sensitivity in her legs.
Flying is a source of joy and freedom for Serena, motivating her to return to the sport.
Fear became a major challenge for Serena after her accident, particularly in turbulent conditions.
Ground handling and visualization techniques helped Serena regain confidence in the air.
Serena enjoys participating in hike and fly races, finding them less stressful than cross-country competitions. Her experiences in Brazil’s Sertão have been transformative, allowing her to fly long distances.
Serena emphasizes the importance of community and support in her flying journey.
She balances her passion for flying with her career as a part-time school teacher.
Serena encourages others facing fear in sports to seek professional help and take gradual steps towards recovery.

Sound Bites

“I knew I wanted to fly again.”
“I did a lot of ground handling.”
“I still struggle with fear.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
02:21 The Accident: A Life-Changing Experience
07:53 Rehabilitation and the Road to Recovery
09:52 Facing Fear: The Mental Battle
18:09 Building Confidence: Strategies and Techniques
21:57 Racing and Adventure: Embracing the Challenge
23:36 Flying in Brazil: The Sertão Experience
30:19 Reflections on Flight: Memorable Experiences
33:10 Goals and Community: The Future Ahead
36:25 Teaching and Sharing Passion
40:07 Advice for Overcoming Fear
44:28 Lessons Learned: Reflections on the Accident

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:06 — 47.7MB)

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#265 – 8 years of Tandem bivvy’s with Dad across the entire Alps to Solo big air adventures at 16 with Martin Rejmanek

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Martin Rejmanek and his father Honza, a veteran 5-time Red Bull X-Alps competitor completed the full length of the 2003 Red Bull X-Alps course from the Dachstein to Monaco by tandem bivvy using only their wing and their feet this last year. Father and son completed the amazing journey in different segments over the course of eight summers, starting when Martin was just 8 years old. Martin is now seventeen and graduated to flying solo last year, taking on the full breadth of cross country flying, SIV training and becoming a completely independent pilot. He’s flown solo from Annecy to Chamonix over the Aravis chain. He’s flown at over 17,000 feet over Mt Whitney in the Sierras. And that’s just the beginning. Martin discusses his experiences in the Alps, the importance of patience and learning in flying, and how he balances his passion for adventure with his aspirations in nursing and launching into adult life. The conversation highlights the significance of family support, the thrill of cross-country flying, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the air. This is one of the most inspirational feel-good stories ever told on the Mayhem, you can’t help but come away with a smile and a desire to attack life with a little more…zest.

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Takeaways

Martin transitioned from tandem flying with his dad to solo flying.
He started kiting at a young age and progressed to solo flights.
The importance of patience and awareness in flying is emphasized.
Martin’s adventures in the Alps have shaped his flying skills.
He values the nature aspect of flying over competition.
Nursing offers a fulfilling career that allows for adventure.
Planning and preparation are crucial for successful flying trips.
Technology plays a role in navigation and safety during flights.
Mistakes in flying can lead to valuable lessons and stories.
Encouraging the next generation to embrace adventure is important.

Sound bites

“I want to keep flying for the nature side.”
“I was able to get up and stay high.”
“I want to develop the love for it.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adventure Flying
03:00 Transitioning to Solo Flying
04:31 Learning and Growth in Paragliding
06:55 Experiences in the Alps
09:23 Navigating Challenges in Cross-Country Flying
11:38 The Importance of Patience and Strategy
14:17 Future Aspirations in Flying and Nursing
15:37 Combining Passions: Flying and Skiing
17:34 Reflections on Past Adventures
20:25 The Role of Family in Adventure
22:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:07 — 55.1MB)

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#264 – A Monster record downwind wave flight across the US with Gordon Boettger

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In this conversation Gordon Boettger discusses an extraordinary gliding adventure that took he and his copilot Bruce Campbell across the Rockies in mountain wave in an Arcus glider from Minden, Nevada to Dodge City, Kansas- 1112 miles on December 19th, 2025. Gordon shares his lifelong dream of soaring high (max altitude was near 28,000 feet!) and downwind in mountain wave and the technical aspects of his wild flight, including the use of night vision goggles (they took off at 0300) and the importance of very specific weather conditions to pull it off. They delve into the planning and preparation required for such an epic journey, the use of skysight, the wicked cold, the experience of flying at night, and the role of technology in enhancing their gliding experience. The conversation also touches on the emotional highs and lows of the 11+ hour flight and the sense of community within the aviation world. This was a 40 year dream come true for Gordon, tuck in, you won’t believe it! Check out his flight track and data here.

Iced up cockpit
Capital Reef National Park
Not a lot of handout options!
LONG final glide!
Sunset in Dodge City, KS
Zonal Flow pattern

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Takeaways

Gordon has been pursuing his dream of soaring high for over 40 years.
The use of night vision goggles allows for flying at any time of the year.
Weather conditions play a crucial role in planning long-distance flights.
The flight from Minden to Garden City was a significant achievement.
Technology like SkySight aids in navigation and understanding weather patterns.
Flying at night presents unique challenges and requires careful preparation.
The emotional journey of flying includes both highs and lows.
support is vital in the gliding experience.
Gordon’s flight was the longest downwind wave flight in the Northern Hemisphere.
The adventure of gliding is both exhilarating and humbling.

Sound Bites

“I had the opportunity to go after it.”
“I was very patient with the slow climbs.”
“It’s a long ways, it’s a long ways.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup for the Flight
02:46 The Dream of Long-Distance Gliding
05:49 Flight Planning and Preparation
08:47 Conditions for the Flight
11:40 The Unique Weather Patterns
14:58 Navigating the Rockies
17:46 The Experience of Night Flying
20:38 Challenges Faced During the Flight
23:44 Post-Flight Reflections and Insights
28:35 Navigating the Wave: Flight Dynamics and Strategies
31:52 Communication in the Skies: Interactions with ATC and Other Pilots
34:11 The Role of Technology: SkySight and Modern Gliding
37:42 Exploring Geographic Limitations: Ideal Locations for Wave Flying
41:39 Record-Breaking Flights: Achievements and Future Goals
46:38 Reflections on the Journey: Emotional and Physical Challenges

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:10 — 52.4MB)

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#263 Training, Wing testing, Hike and Fly Racing, Competitions, Acro, 2 Liners, Flow, Family and more with Michael Maurer

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In this wide-ranging conversation with Advance test pilot and former Swiss Champion Michael Maurer we discuss various aspects of paragliding, including the challenges and dangers of being a test pilot, the influence of family on flying careers, the importance of competition, and the pursuit of flow in flying. We also touch on advancements in paragliding technology, the future of the sport in Switzerland and across the world, and the significance of training and preparation for competitions. Michael shares personal anecdotes about his experiences and reflections on his career, emphasizing the balance between risk and learning in the sport. Michael also reflects on what he’s learned watching his brother compete nine times in the Red Bull XAlps and growing up with Chrigel’s tutelage and encouragement, and how his own journey in the sport could impact how he prepares his three sons for their own adventures in flying. There’s a lot here, enjoy and Happy New Year!

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Takeaways

Paragliding is inherently dangerous, especially in testing.
Step-by-step learning is crucial for safety.
Family influence can shape a flying career significantly.
Brotherly dynamics can provide both support and competition.
Finding flow is essential for performance in flying.
Setting small goals can help maintain motivation.
Experience is key to navigating risks in paragliding.
Advancements in technology are shaping the future of the sport.
Training and preparation are vital for success in competitions.
The joy of flying often comes from shared experiences.

Sound Bites

“I learned to go step by step.”
“I was bored and watching TV a lot.”
“I have a living user manual.”

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Greetings and Weather Reflections
02:54 The Life of a Test Pilot
05:37 Understanding the Risks of Paragliding
08:38 Influence of Family in Flying Career
11:41 Brotherly Dynamics in Paragliding
14:20 Competition and Personal Growth
17:16 The Psychology of Risk in Extreme Sports
20:28 Reflections on Recent Competitions
23:20 Finding Flow in Paragliding
26:17 Navigating Challenges in Test Flying
28:52 The Evolution of Paragliding Equipment
36:17 The Evolution of Paragliding Technology
37:39 Family and Flying: A Personal Journey
41:22 Reflections on a Flying Career
43:26 Navigating Risks in Paragliding
46:13 Goals and Aspirations for the Future
49:02 Training and Competitions: The Path Ahead
50:02 SIV Training and Wing Management
56:09 The Impact of Competition Wings on Technology
59:41 Memorable Flights and Special Moments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:11:58 — 65.9MB)

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#262 Into the Deepness with Keith Forsyth

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Keith Forsyth began his flying journey with skydiving, then speed flying and wing suit base jumping but the lack of margin in speed flying and base lead him to XC Paragliding, where he’s been drawing lines across the Pacific Northwest with what can only be described as a magical and inspired paintbrush. If you haven’t been to the Pacific Northwest think alpine rain forest and big, jagged glaciated mountains. Rain, lots and lots of rain. DENSE impenetrable forest, deep gorges, few roads, lots of bugs, and very few places to land. Keith has been laying down bivvy lines across the Cascade and Olympic ranges of Washington and Oregon and Coast Ranges of British Colombia the last few years that are ambitious, bold, and absolutely breathtaking. Keith waits for a good forecast, packs up to 7 days of food, sometimes adds a packraft and takes to the skies. Sometimes the mission involves some pretty memorable bushwacking, other times a glorious paddle out and some fishing along the way, other times he’ll find himself top landing an alpine meadow and sharing some space with a black bear. But each mission just inspires the next. What’s possible is only hemmed in by a lack of imagination. Need a little jolt for ideas this flying season? Tuck in.

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If you like what you hear, please consider becoming a subscriber to ensure our high-quality content continues. You can also help contribute to a healthier, greener planet through our partnership with Our Forest. See our donation and subscription options here.

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Takeaways

Keith transitioned from speed flying to paragliding for safety and exploration.
Thermal flying opened up new possibilities in the mountains.
Planning for XC flights involves understanding landing zones and safety margins.
Scouting landing areas on foot is crucial for safe flying.
The Olympics offer unique flying challenges and opportunities.
Packing for multi-day trips requires careful consideration of food and gear.
Weather patterns significantly influence flying plans in the Cascades.
Community interactions enhance the outdoor experience.
Pack rafting adds versatility to mountain adventures.
Close calls in flying highlight the importance of planning and awareness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:04 Transitioning from Speed Flying to Paragliding
05:49 Exploring the Cascades: XC Progression
08:37 Planning and Safety in Paragliding
11:34 Flying the Olympics: Challenges and Strategies
14:27 Approach to Long-Distance Flying
17:23 Packing and Preparing for Bivvy Trips
20:05 Gear and Nutrition for Extended Flights
22:33 Exploring the Cascades and Coast Mountains
27:41 The Art of Pack Rafting
29:47 Future Adventures and Aspirations
31:13 Learning from SIV Clinics
33:30 Memorable Outdoor Experiences
37:25 Close Calls and Lessons Learned
40:14 Finding Purity in Adventure

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:18 — 45.1MB)

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