About

Thomas was born in Cusco, Peru. From a young age, he spent much of his time enjoying outdoor sports with his family, climbing the towering peaks of the Peruvian Andes. However, it was at the age of 18 that he discovered his true passion for paragliding, inspired by his father, a pioneer of the sport in Peru. From the moment he experienced his first flight, Thomas dreamed of taking off from the 6,000-metre summits near his home and soaring across countries around the world.

Interview

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST FLIGHT? HOW WAS IT?

My father is the one who introduced me to the art of flying from a quaint hillock near our home in Peru. I recall that during my first flight, the sensation was overwhelmingly profound. I experienced neither fear nor a sense of peril; instead, there was a unique and indescribable feeling that enveloped me. It was this exhilarating experience that ultimately led me to fall deeply in love with this sport.

WHAT MOMENTS MAKE FLYING WORTHWHILE?

The enchanting aspect of paragliding is the myriad of possibilities it offers. I can wander for hours, take off, and be home in mere minutes, traversing great distances without the reliance on fuel or electricity, only aided by nature itself. I am continually amazed by what can be accomplished with an object so lightweight that I can easily carry it on my back. Above all, it grants me the luxurious opportunity to observe the world from a unique and privileged perspective.

YOUR THREE TOP FLYING AREAS?

At a young age, I had the opportunity to explore many flying sites, including some of the most renowned in the world. Each location has its unique and special qualities; however, my favorite places are Baixo Guandu in Brazil, the Sertão in the northeastern region of Brazil, where I have achieved flights exceeding 300 and 400 kilometers, and, most importantly, my home. Although the conditions here can be demanding, soaring over the mountains that witnessed my upbringing is a beautiful experience. Additionally, I have the chance to scale peaks over 6,000 meters and glide down while enjoying breathtaking views of Incan ruins and other extraordinary sites around the world.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON A DAY THAT IS NOT FLYABLE?

When the conditions are not favorable, I must fulfill certain obligations, such as studying and working. However, I can't help but think and plan my next adventure on Google Earth, contemplating whether I can take off from a particular mountain or not, cleaning my equipment.

MOST IMPORTANT PARAGLIDING SUCCESSES?

If we talk about cross-country flights, I would have to mention my experiences flying over the Sertão region of Brazil. The most notable was a remarkable journey of 433 km in 10 hours with the SIGMA DLS and the IMPRESS 4, alongside several flights exceeding 300 km with both the SIGMA and the IOTA DLS. In Peru, my most significant accomplishments include taking off from locations that had never been attempted before, such as launching from the summit of Ausangate at 6,384 meters with my father, as well as from the peak of Yayamari at 6,000 meters, not to mention several other summits that surpass these elevations.

WHY DO YOU FLY FOR ADVANCE?

For me ADVANCE signifies quality, trust, and performance. In order to fly long distances or launch from the highest mountains, it is essential to know that I have the best equipment on the market, not only for excellent takeoff, flight, and landing performance, but also for safety in case any issues arise in the air. Over the years, I have flown various ADVANCE models in diverse locations around the globe, on snow, sand, earth, rocks, and forests and I have never experienced any incidents with the materials of the wings and harnesses.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD?

Without doubt, Peruvian cuisine is my favourite. Peru is rich in culture, boasting a wide array of ecosystems and diverse regions, which contribute to a gastronomy that is both extensive and filled with unique regional products. However, I also take pleasure in exploring other countries, appreciating not only their landscapes from the air but also their culinary offerings, cultures, and traditions.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE IN LIFE?

The phrase that resonates with me the most is this: “This is how birds must feel all the time.” Since childhood, I have always said that my favorite animal was the condor, unknowingly paving the way for my future as a paraglider, soaring through thermals alongside them.