S2:E5 The rise of an acro world champion - Luke de Weert

We are back for another season of the paragliding debrief and what a way to start. We have Alex Schweig and Tommy Schwartzer two paragliding legends in their own right. We talk Peru and the birth of paragliding in South America with some very funny stories and a useful insight into what it takes to be at the top level of the sport.

Join Lee Tryhorn as he chats with acro paragliding legend, Theo de Blic. Explore the journey of a champion who's not only clinched numerous titles but has also redefined the sport with groundbreaking tricks. From his first flights to the birth of his signature maneuvers, Theo provides a captivating glimpse into the heart of aerial acrobatics. Whether you're a paragliding enthusiast or just curious, this episode offers a unique dive into the world of sky-high innovation.

In this high-flying episode of the Paragliding Debrief, Lee Tryhorn is joined by none other than the Acro World Tour 2023 champion, Luke de Weert. Fresh from his exhilarating win, Luke gives listeners an inside look into the dedication, technique, and fearlessness required to reach the top in the acrobatic paragliding arena.Check out the first podcast episode with Luke here: https://www.spreaker.com/user/leetryhorn/luke-de-weert

Bruce gives a candid interview into his life of free flight starting with hang gliding, before paragliders were even invented. He also gives some golden tips for pilots wanting to improve their flying.

Join us for a candid sit down with Russ Ogden (MBE) and hear about how he has been a driving force in the development of paragliding. From the early years of the sport in the UK, inventing the spin landing, to recently becoming British and World champion in racing.A key test pilot at Ozone, hear his views on the development of paragliding equipment.Recently awarded an MBE (Order of the British Empire), he has firmly cemented his place in paragliding history. Listen in and enjoy!

Richard is one of the up and coming stars of paramotoring in the UK. Having worked in the paramotor industry, he has since embarked on multiple adventures including flying over the egyptian pyramids at night, paramotoring across Australia and is the first British pilot to perform the new 'rocket loop' aerobatic trick.In this episode we learn more about Richard and his epic guiness world record attempt to fly 5,000km unsupported from the west to east coast of Australia with his mate Andrew Twitty.

Meet the RISE team and find out about their attitude and approach to SIV and acro paragliding training.Get under the hood of this already successful, 3 year old company as they discuss exciting future plans to help paraglider pilots become safer and explore flying locations across the world.

Living in Holland you might think that paragliding would be the last sport that Luke would have taken up! But having just turned 21 years old, Luke is one of the new up and coming acrobatic pilots and is competing at the highest level.In this episode find out about Luke's early beginnings, motivations to start flying and his rapid rise up the international competition scene. Get into the mind of a future champion and find out about the cutting edge of acro paragliding, the latest tricks and how the scene is right now.

This episode Lee has the pleasure of chatting to a legend of the paragliding world.Pal Takats has been a huge name in the sport. In that time he has won the title of acro world cup champion multiple times in solo and syncro, invented ground-breaking new tricks, produced the popular Master Acro video series, smashed XC records in Brazil and competed in the gruelling Red Bull X-alps finishing 8th. He is sponsored by Ozone and previously Red Bull and has even flown paramotor displays at the international Red Bull Air Race.In this candid interview you will get to know the man behind the name like never before. Tune in!

In this episode Lee Tryhorn from the Free Flight Academy talks to paraglider pilot and Junior Engineering Officer Flight Lieutenant Ben Ireland about his roll with the Iconic Red Arrows and how he mixes his paragliding life with his professional life working with one of the worlds most respected aerobatic display teams. This Candid interview gives you a real taste of what life is like for the modern day Red Arrows team especially during the Covid 19 Pandemic.