I feel that I need to take the time to write my thoughts... and express my sorrow over the loss of another paragliding friend.

Mathias and I first met in Brazil... than a year later in Taiwan... With Amir, the three of us travelled by car and bus to explore the land when we could not fly, sharing laughter, music, and stories about flying... we had a great time watching Mathias win every category and go home with a huge sum of money.  Mathias was a fantastic pilot... and an inspiration to me.  I will never forget his smile and his love of everything.  I will never forget watching him soar high abovet the clouds when the rest of us rested on launch.  I will never forget Gin trying to get Mathias to give him some of his winnings....

Two years later Mathias and I met up in Switzerland... we flew together... he had left Gin and begun doing much more acro and speed flying.  He was good.... but he loved to push himself.  We had so much fun together.. Once I was in the air for three hours and was talking to Mathias from the air... he said he was on his fifth acro flight... he loved it so much.  We spent several days enjoying life and the flying around us.  We shared stories of the flying in Taiwan and our adventures there.  He was at home in Switzerland and he talked wtih satisfaction over his choice to fly faster smaller wings.

Amir, has just emailed me to let me know that Mathias has passed away.  While flying in Switzerland last weekend.  I will miss him very very much.  I spoke to Mathias about a month ago... he wanted to come to Canada and do an SIV clinic. 

I cant help but wonder about this sport.  I have now lost so many friends...

Charles, Chris, Reese, Norman, Jimmy, and now Mathias

Please fly safe everyone

and rest in peace Mathias.

xo