South African Pilots Fly Colombia: Competition, Guiding, and Adventure in the Cauca Valley
In early 2025, South African pilots Francois de Villiers, Ruard de Bruyn, and Roland de Vries embarked on a month-and-a-half paragliding journey through Colombia’s spectacular Cauca Valley. What began as a high-level competition quickly turned into a rich and rewarding mix of racing, guiding, and exploring some of the world’s finest XC terrain.
Competing at the Copa de las Américas
The trip kicked off in Roldanillo, where the trio took part in the Copa de las Américas, held from February 16–22, 2025. The competition drew over 125 pilots from around the world and featured demanding tasks across classic Colombian terrain, with dynamic conditions that tested both skill and strategy.
The South African pilots delivered strong performances:
- Francois de Villiers – 24th overall, 6th in Serial Class (Zeno 2 + Genie Race 5, Cape Hope Paragliding)
- Ruard de Bruyn – 27th overall (Gambit + Genie Race 5, IndemniFly Logbook / Hi5 Paragliding)
- Roland de Vries – 40th overall (Guru + Impress 3)
Both Francois and Ruard earned enough points to be provisionally eligible for the 19th FAI World Paragliding Championships, scheduled for August 30 to September 12, 2025, in Castelo, Brazil. The number of South African pilots who can attend will depend on the country’s nation ranking, which is still being finalized. With Francois currently ranked #1 and Ruard #2 in South Africa, there’s strong hope that both will represent the country at the World Championships later this year.
The SAHPA Competition and Events Committee extended congratulations to all three pilots for their excellent results and for representing South Africa on the global stage with pride.
Switching Gears with Airbutlers
Following the competition, the trio shifted gears and joined Carlos Cordido and the Airbutlers team to guide a group of 12 American pilots on a cross-country tour of Colombia’s best flying sites.
The tour group brought a broad mix of experience levels and wing types—from low EN-Bs to two-liner C gliders—with some pilots newly exploring XC, and others returning to the air after time off. The South Africans adjusted their flying to match the pace of the group, offering support both in the air and on the ground. Roland was even backflying his CCC glider in thermals to stay connected with the slower climbs—just one of many small adjustments that kept the group flying together.
The terrain added a layer of excitement too. With forested valleys, tight landings, and plenty of powerlines, every task demanded attention. During one safety briefing, Carlos told the team with a completely serious face:
“If a client crashes into a tree, you crash next to them. That’s what Airbutlers do.”
The three South Africans looked at each other and giggled—“Sure, buddy.”
Despite the occasional “Where exactly are we landing?” moment and some creative field picks, the tour was a massive success. The American pilots brought great energy, asked thoughtful questions, and embraced the adventure fully. The camaraderie and shared experiences made it one of the most rewarding parts of the entire trip.
A Full-Circle Flying Journey
The tour began in Piedechinche, continued north to Ansermanuevo for spectacular mountain flying, and eventually returned to Roldanillo—a full-circle moment for the South Africans, having started their journey there weeks earlier during the competition.
Each of the three pilots logged between 50 and 60 hours of airtime, flying extensively across the Cauca Valley. Routes were carefully planned to avoid certain cartel-affected areas, which added an edge of adventure (and a few extra glide decisions). But overall, the flying was safe, scenic, and consistently world-class—offering everything from glassy morning climbs to big valley crossings under high cloudbase.
Looking Ahead
Colombia delivered an unforgettable paragliding experience—blending competition, mentorship, and cross-cultural connection into one incredible trip. Whether racing alongside top international pilots or guiding newcomers through XC progression, the journey reflected the depth and spirit of South African paragliding.
With two pilots provisionally qualified and strong national rankings heading into the World Championships, South Africa continues to build momentum on the international stage—ready for the next thermal, the next challenge, and the next opportunity to fly high.
