Victor Pierrel

My passion for flying started long before I discovered paragliding. From the age of 10, I flew model gliders and, at around 16, I made the leap to sailplanes. Aviation has always been part of my life and, although it took me almost twenty years to discover paragliding, living in the Alps made it feel like the next logical step.

I owe a large part of my development as a pilot to my club, Les Indiens de Montlambert, a community of flying enthusiasts that has allowed me to learn surrounded by experienced, generous pilots who are always willing to help. Their support has been especially important at take-off and in helping me progress flight after flight.

Before paragliding, sport already played a major role in my life. I was a Paralympic alpine skier, and one of the moments I am most proud of is winning a silver medal at the Para Alpine Skiing World Championships in Lillehammer. In the air, one of the memories I know will always stay with me is my first 70 km FAI triangle from Saint-Hilaire.

My first steps in paragliding were unusual, to say the least. I started flying with a friend from the French Para Alpine Skiing team who is missing a hand. It was just the two of us at take-off and, looking back, I now realise just how daring we were.

My goal is to keep progressing, fly longer distances and enjoy everything cross-country flying has to offer. Reaching the 100 km mark is one of the next challenges I have in mind.
My connection with Niviuk was immediate. I was coming from a low EN B wing when I tried the Ikuma 3, and it won me over from the very first flight. Its handling, the noticeable improvement in glide and, above all, how fun and playful it feels during wingovers left me with no doubts. And, of course, there is one other essential detail: its magnificent pink colour!

I have only been flying paragliders for three summers, but one thing is already very clear to me: this is only the beginning.