2021 – Athletes
Pilot rated Paragliding 5 years, from a background of competitive kiteboarding. Keen Hike and Fly Pilot from Malvern Hang Gliding Club, living in the heart of the Cotswolds. Winner X lakes 1 day 2020 Stepping up to 2 day event for 2021 focusing on ground work, navigating trails and fitness. Flying semi-light setup; GIN GTO2, WV GTO Light 2, Gin UL reserve
I like to make films about flying adventures, and the X-Lakes is a highlight of the year! I enjoy sharing my knowledge and connecting with pilots on Fly With Greg. I've been an instructor since 1994 but I'm still learning from the sky.
I Left school in 1980 joined the Royal Marine Commandos, followed by a long carrier in Crime Scene Investigation. I am currently a guest speaker on CSI courses at Hull University. I started Paragliding in 2000 in the Peak District and from there paragliding has taken me all over Europe. I currently fly with the Sir George Cayley Sailwing Club wherever and whenever I can
Started flying March 2015 and qualified August of the same year. Passed Pilots rating March 2016 and coaching course Feb 2017. Attended SIV course Sept 2017 location Turkey. Veteran of the 2019 and 2020 X Lakes H and F, best position 4th, winners of the team event. Veteran of the 2020 Dragon H and F Position 2nd. Veteran of the Lakes Charity Classic 2017, 2018, 2019 best position 1st. Veteran of the North South Cup 2019 and 2020 best position winners.
I love the hike and fly, vol-biv adventure side of this sport. It's a real pleasure being able to carry your wing and your tent on your back and see where the day and the weather takes you. I've been flying for nearly 5 years now and taken part in a number of hike and fly competitions and the Lake District always provides the most amazing backdrop for any adventure.
10 years of trying to defy gravity. 2020 X-lakes Team and Plot Win, 3 Cumbria league wins 2016, 2018, 2020. Dragon H and F 2020 3rd. Multiple CSC site record holder. N/S Cup two comps both in goal. LCC 2019 2nd place. Love the adventure of xc and no better way to enjoy it by combining with vol biv. Wing Zeolite.
I woke up one morning and decided I would give Hike and Fly racing a go. I've discovered that the training and journey to the race is the biggest reward for me. I've been flying for 12 years and not running for 25 years. 3 Abergavenny three peaks challenges 2 Welsh Dragons 1 Xlakes
I'm 37 year old Lancashire lad and I've been flying for about 15 years having first learned with Active Edge, then learning some more as a member of Thames Valley and Pennine. I've ticked off a few of the flying meccas abroad and have tried some friendly comps like the BCC, Buttermere Bash and Gin Wide Open. Along the same timeframe I was a rower, did an Ironman tri, a few charity cycling expeditions, and spent as much time as possible hiking or running in the lakes, peaks and dales. Jack of all trades master of none but I've always wanted to do the X-Lakes ever since I first heard about it. It seems the perfect combination of adventure, fun, flying and fitness, with a bit of stunning familiar scenery thrown in.
With experience in skydiving and nearly 1000 jumps, I then got into competitive hill running around the hills in central Scotland. Put the two together and you get Hike and Fly! A good day for me is just running in the hills, but a superb day is running and then flying!
I've been flying for 4 years now. Hike and fly from day 1, mainly in the Alps. Flying has become a natural partner to my other mountain passions! This is my first competition event. Excited to take part.
Jason is a chief tow coach and safety officer in Norfolk a very different contrast to the terrain in the lakes. He has Been Paragliding since the late 90's where he trained on the south downs and chose to compete in the x-lakes as a personal challenge and to get him away from the flatlands !
John learnt to fly so he didn’t have to walk downhill. His first inquiry about paragliding was “Can this get me back to my car” His favourite method of going uphill, without assistance, is by using all fours. Should be better at XC than he is.
Take two on X-Lakes
I have been paragliding for 30 years. An XC pilot and passionate VolBiv adventurer, this will be my first year competing in Hike and Fly races. I have only flown in The Lake District during the North South Cup in 2019 so very excited to be returning.
Enjoy long runs in the mountains and flying cross country so thought it’s about time I combined them and take part in my first hike and fly competition. Always worth a weekend of suffering for a beer and craic on a Sunday night.
Old local pilot. Enjoys walking, flying and having a good time. Allowed out on weekends.
Been flying a while and previously done some running, first hike and fly event, looking forward to a good weekend
Looking forward to a new challenge for my flying (and fitness) with my first hike and fly adventure. I’m a keen pilot, mountain biker, skier and a not-so-keen runner. I’m looking forward to getting out there, challenging myself, learning from others and having fun while I’m doing it. Canadian born, Brighton based.
Competitor in the Dragon Hike and fly twice, have Vol bivved up the Alps to Switzerland in 2019. Flown the British Opens for 10 years and been safety officer on the British Paragliding Comps panel.
6 years a soldier, 20 years a vicar. and now first time X-Lakes pilot
Love flying and mountains.
Learnt to fly in India 11 years ago and I've been addicted ever since. My idea of a good time is to spend the weekend charging around the Lakes on a paraglider so here I am again for the Xlakes 2021. Bring it on.
Frightened to fly scared to death not too.
I just like to run and fly.
My first foray into Hike and Fly or any kind of Paragliding event for that matter, always looking for a challenge and development opportunities, both of which I’m sure the X-Lakes will provide in spades.
Qualified in 2019, done a bit since then, this my first hike and fly and perhaps too advanced for me. Just the way I like it!
Went out for my first training hike last night with another competitor. 11km on the South Downs (tiny hills!) with a 15kg pack. Last half was in darkness with headtorch and most of the time it was raining - strangely loved every second!! Have met with quite a few of the other peeps in the Southern club who are competing - we're going to all try and train together when we can, share info etc, the fun has already started!
Desperate for big climbs and epic xc!
I'm a pilot based in Snowdonia and love flying and exploring the mountains. I've previously been for leisurely volbivs in Snowdonia and across the Alps, but this year will be my first attempt at racing. Hopefully I can keep up and not get lost!
