US Paragliding Team - Kari Castle

Pilot Profile: Kari Castle

Height: 5'10"

Birthplace: Royal Oak, Michigan

Current Residence: Bishop, California

Marital Status: Single

Occuupation: Flying Bum & Competition Pilot/Coach/Flight Instructor/Guide

Home flying site: Flynn's, Owens Valley

First altitude flight: Owens Valley 1984, Walt's Point

Total reserve deployments: 2, both on hang gliders

Where and when: 1st - 1988 in Owens Valley, White Mts., over the Barcroft research center. Broken ankle, tailbone, back and tooth. Walked/ carried out. 2nd - 2004 in Greifenberg Austria, during the World Championships flying in strong north winds in the Alps. Tumbled 5 times before getting the chute out. Landed unharmed. Helicopter long-line rescue& FUN!!!

Longest flights: HG 436 km, PG 129 km, and Tandem PG 156 km

My sponsors: Red Bull, Windtech, Airplay, Eagle PG, Flytec, Oakley, Teva

Secrets to being a top competition pilot: Be passionate about what you do. The rest falls into place. Buy the best equipment that suits your size, style and skill level, and get totally dialed into your gear before entering the competition.

Pro tips: Be organized before, during and after each competition day. Have your gear in perfect working order. Know how to use your instruments inside and out. Dress properly for comfort during flight. Be mentally and physically prepared.

Life Philosophy: Live life to its fullest, one moment at a time.

Top 5 comp results:

3-time HG World Champion
14-time U.S. HG National Champion
5-time U.S. PG National Champion
1st Place overall 1993 Sandia Classic HG
1st Place overall 1995 Canadian National Champion HG

For more information about the US Paragliding Team, visit

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US Paragliding Competition

Pilot Profile: Kari Castle

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