Franzi Riegel

I’ve always had a strong connection with the mountains. But funnily enough, it wasn’t my idea to start flying, it was my brother’s. At first, I wasn’t too enthusiastic about it, but everything changed when I discovered hike and fly. The idea of not having to walk back down after a challenging high alpine tour or multi pitch climbing route sounded absolutely perfect to me.

I started flying with my school glider, but soon began exploring new take-offs around where I live in Switzerland. I still remember when my friend Christin tried a Hook 6 P and told me: “Franzi, today I flew your next wing.” And she was right. That’s how I started flying with Niviuk. Since then, I’ve kept improving step by step: I learned thermalling, practise manoeuvres, and this year I’ve moved up to the EN B+ category with the Ikuma 3 P and the Arrow P — a wing that has really helped me progress as a pilot.

With it, I achieved one of my proudest results: 5th place at the X-Race in Austria, and also top woman in the competition. That result gave me a huge boost to keep taking part in hike and fly events and continue growing as a pilot.

I also have a very special memory from my first vol-biv adventure with Christin and a Bi Skin 2 P. We hiked for hours through my beloved Wetterstein mountains near Garmisch, but couldn’t find a suitable take-off. In the end, we managed a tricky lee glide down to the valley. I was overexcited, taking lots of pictures, until Christin brought me back to reality: “Google the nearest pizzeria, I need to know where to land!” That pizza tasted better than any meal before, and that night we fell asleep happily wrapped up in the wing.

Today, I’m still living that dream of freedom that hike and fly gives me: reaching new summits, discovering new places and enjoying every single flight. Niviuk gear accompanies me on every adventure: perfectly designed, exceptional quality, and it has truly supported my progress as a pilot.

I’m really proud to be part of the Niviuk family. Even though I see myself as an average pilot, I love the people behind the brand — you’re a great team… We’re a great team!