ABOUT

With 8 participations, Tom de Dorlodot is one of the absolute X-Alps veterans. In recent years, the Belgian has also undertaken countless VolBiv expeditions to Pakistan and founded the Search Project. He travels around the world with his sailboat and visits exceptional paragliding spots.

https://www.searchprojects.net
http://www.thomasdedorlodot.com

INTERVIEW

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST FLIGHT?

I do, it was a very short flight with my friend’s EPSILON 2 on a small hill in Belgium. When my feet left the ground I directly knew I wanted to learn to fly. I was 14 years old. I have been flying since then…

WHAT MOMENTS MAKE FLYING WORTHWHILE?

There is so many moments. Flying a new spot, discovering a new line, reaching new altitudes, braking personal best, exploring possibilities, learning new Acro tricks… But mostly for me it’s all about sharing and learning. Spending time in nature with friends and searching for my personal limits. There is nothing like a good bivy trip. Crossing a mountain range only hiking and flying without support is really something special.

YOUR THREE TOP FLYING AREAS?

The Baltoro glacier in Pakistan, the Southern Alps in New Zealand, the Alps in Europe. But there is so much more to discover still. ;-)

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

I love to sail, free dive, go ski touring, kite surf, spend time with my family.

MOST IMPORTANT PARAGLIDING SUCCESSES?

I participated 8 times at the Red Bull X-Alps. I led a lot of big expeditions to fly all around the world. The SEARCH Projects took us to Africa, South America, Asia… We did many « premiere » during those adventures. My speciality are hike and fly / bivouac adventures. I crossed the Pyrenees alone, the Alps many times, the New Zealand Southern Alps, I flew long lines in Pakistan and reached altitude above 7400 meters. For me and the team the most important is to share our experiences through films, photos, stories. My biggest successes is when we can inspire other pilot to go out there for their own adventures. I enjoy competing but adventure is my thing.

WHY DO YOU FLY FOR ADVANCE?

My first glider was a second hand yellow EPSILON 3 I got for a really good price. I made a bit of money with aerial photography and two years later I could buy a SIGMA 6. I was actually flying Advance until my first X-Alps. I always loved the brand and I was inspired by pilots like Andy Hediger, Ramon Morillas, Steve Cox and many others. I always look at the ADVANCE team with admiration. The Swiss quality, the philosophy, the crew… It’s a real honor for me to be part of the family besides pilots like Chrigel, Aaron, Eliot, Bicho and all the others.

What is your favourite food?

My father is a farmer and I since a kid I really like anything that I can grow myself. Some fresh veggies from the greenhouse with a good fish that I caught spear fishing on the grill is my number one choice…

What is your favourite quote in life?

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone… I really like being out there in nature. I like adventures. I think it’s where I belong. ;-)