When and why did you start paragliding?
On a whim, my brother Jared invited me to take a paragliding lesson at Point of the Mountain, Utah. After one lesson, I was hooked and have been flying every chance I can since 2018.
Why have you applied to participate in the X-Pyr?
On even years, it’s the greatest hike and fly race in the world! Not only does it draw some of the best talent in the world, its line across the Pyrenees is one of the most beautiful lines imaginable.
Why are you attracted to hike & fly?
Hike and fly is pure adventure. The unknown of how far you’ll fly one day and the countless new vistas you’ll experience along the way is pure magic. And funny how some of my fondest memories are the long walks out rather than the skyed out cloud flying. It’s the full package.
What is your greatest sporting success (flying or not flying)?
Until I found paragliding, my fellow partners and I skied our brains out in southcentral Alaska, including Denali (the high one). I’m super proud and grateful for the deep lines and linkups we were able to experience by human power.
What excites you most about participating in the X-Pyr?
Racing with the Legends!
Flying new lines across the Pyrenees. This is what dreams are made of!
What is your best result in a H&F competition so far?
Hatcher Hike and Fly 2023 – 1st Place – 3 day self supported Vol Biv race at Hatcher Pass, Alaska
Have you flown in the Pyrenees before? Do you have a favourite area?
First timer! Looking forward to the adventure!
What does your typical training week consist of?
8-12 hours a week of running, hike and fly, weighted carries on the stairmaster, and some gym time. Sometimes longer if I don’t make it back to the car.
What worries you the most about the event?
Injuring myself with training before even getting started.
Losing my bags on the flight over.
Personally, how do you feel differently when you participate in H & F races in comparison to XC competitions?
Ask me when I do my first race to goal comp. That’s way too much parawaiting, when you could be ground pounding all day! And those guys would just smoke me anyway!
How do you know your supporter? And have your worked as athlete/supporter before?
How cool is it that my big brother and trainer said yes to supporting me at X-Pyr this year! We’ve had a lot of sufferfest adventures together, which have brought about some of the greatest memories. Time to see how this one ranks up there.
What advice would you ask of the race veterans?
What forecasting tool or model do you trust?
Where’s the best food stops on route?
What rookie mistake should I avoid most this race?
What airspace do I really need to avoid? Where I come from, I just worry about staying below 18k and not stepping on a rattlesnake.
Anything else you like to comment?
My greatest achievement and joy are my wife and three kids. Time to invoke dad strength!
I speak Spanish, or I used to. I served a church mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for two years in Nicaragua. If I bomb out deep, at least I’ll enjoy talking to the locals.
Really looking forward to this race and trip of a lifetime. Thanks for having me!
