Fly smarter rather than walk harder 🙂
David Chen
TEAMS
David Chen
PILOT
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NationalityChina
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Age31
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OccupationSelf-employed in finance sector
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ResidenceSalt Lake City (United States of America)
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ExperienceRookie
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GliderOZONE Zeolite 2
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HarnessOZONE Sublite
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HelmetDUETTO Grevial
Alyse Little
ASSISTANT
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NationalityUSA
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ResidenceEvergreen (United States)
Team details
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Website
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When and why did you start paragliding?
Started flying when I was 19! Got into it because all I wanted to do, is to fly from alpine peaks to increase the efficiency in the mountains.
Why have you applied to participate in the X-Pyr?
I’ve applied to participate in the X-Pyr because I’m looking for a challenge that truly reflects the level of commitment, preparation, and mental resilience I strive for in my training and personal goals. This isn’t just another race — it’s one of the purest tests of endurance, strategy, and decision-making in our sport.
Why are you attracted to hike & fly?
I like the element of risk management.
What is your greatest sporting success (flying or not flying)?
Flying off from the highest peak in New Zealand.
First place in the X Red Rocks 2025
What excites you most about participating in the X-Pyr?
I’m excited by the mental aspect as much as the physical one: making smart route decisions, reading conditions, managing energy, and staying composed when things don’t go to plan. The unpredictability is part of the appeal — it forces you to stay present and perform consistently under pressure.
What is your best result in a H&F competition so far?
Won first place in X-Red Rocks 2025.
Have you flown in the Pyrenees before? Do you have a favourite area?
No, I’ve never been to the Pyrenees. So the unknown excites me.
What does your typical training week consist of?
A lot of Zone 2 running with a little bit of Zone 5 Sprints. Of course some XC flying as well.
What worries you the most about the event?
The unfamiliarity of the range and the heat.
Personally, how do you feel differently when you participate in H & F races in comparison to XC competitions?
When I participate in hike & fly races, I feel more raw and instinct-driven. It’s just me, my gear, the terrain, and the conditions — every decision feels immediate and personal. The physical effort is constant, and there’s something deeply satisfying about earning every meter, both on foot and in the air. It feels adventurous, exposed, and very pure.
In XC competitions, I feel more tactical and calculated. The focus shifts more toward optimising glide, reading the sky with precision, and making strategic decisions relative to other pilots. It’s still intense, but in a different way — more structured and performance-focused.
How do you know your supporter? And have your worked as athlete/supporter before?
I’ve met my supporter in a pub after a long flying day. I have also worked as a supporter for Sebrand in the Red Bull X-alps 2025.
What advice would you ask of the race veterans?
What’s the one mistake everyone makes that they swear they won’t make… and then make anyway? I’d love to skip at least one classic rookie error.
A funny one: Is there a polite way to beg the mountains for mercy, or do we just pretend we enjoy Type 2 fun until it becomes a good story later? lol
Anything else you like to comment?
Beyond competition, what really drives me is curiosity — about weather, terrain, performance, and my own limits. I’m constantly trying to refine not just my flying, but my decision-making and mindset. For me, progression isn’t only about results; it’s about becoming more consistent, more aware, and more adaptable in the mountains.
I’m deeply motivated by the balance between risk and responsibility that our sport demands. Flying teaches humility. The mountains don’t care about ambition — they respond to preparation, patience, and respect. That perspective has shaped how I train and how I approach challenges in general.
I also value the community around this sport. The shared passion, the early morning launches, the debriefs after long days — those moments matter just as much as the distances flown. If people follow my journey, I hope they see not just performance, but authenticity: the highs, the setbacks, the learning curves, and the commitment behind the scenes.
At the end of the day, I’m here because I love the process — the preparation, the uncertainty, and the opportunity to discover what’s possible when you fully commit.



















