Matias Borba
Hometown: Salto, Uruguay
Profession: Athlete, adventurer, coach
First flight: I started in 2009
When and how did you start to fly paramotor?
I started flying paramotor in 2009, after returning from a trip to Argentina where I saw paragliding for the first time. I did some research and about 100km from my house there was a pioneering school where I learned me how to fly. I haven't stopped ever since. Every flight is a new adventure for me.
Tell us your favourite…
- Wing: Freeride2, I'm in love with it. I've discovered a new way to fly with it. I can fly fast, can fly really low, take lines that I couldn't before. It's precise, ideal for adventure, and SATs are amazing, as well as dynamic tricks like wingovers, loopings and rocket loops.
- Motor: Moster185 and Atom 80
- Place to fly: My favorite spot is 10 minutes away from home, at the Salto Grande Dam, in the Uruguay River. Also, the Queguay islands, the Lunarejo Valley in Rivera, the hills in Minas, and the Atlantic coast in the east. I also love visiting Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Spain, Italy, France and Switzerland.
What other passions do you have, or activities do you enjoy?
I do kitesurfing, kayaking, wildlife spotting, and I'm also a weather observer.
Tell us the best advice you have on:
- Learning to fly: Flying is amazing. When you learn to fly, you are filled with new sensations, from the first contacts with the wing, when you learn to ground handle in the field and you begin to take control, it completely captivates you. The learning process is beautiful, it's fun, it comes with adventure and unforgettable experiences. The sport is incredible, but remember that it requires focus and discipline. It's important to train safely with instructors who will teach you how to get ready to enjoy the sky and to avoid taking extra risks.
- The gear: It's very important to have your gear in perfect conditions. Don't forget to have all the necessary accessories according to the occasion. Having the right gear makes the difference, from choosing your beginner glider and those you'll fly with in the future. If you choose the right glider, your progression is guaranteed. Don't forget that it's a sport for life and going step by step will help you create a safer path. Nowadays, there's a wide range of gliders for every occasion. Choosing your next glider will depend on the area, your skills, your goals and what stage you are at.
- Progressing your skills and overcoming challenges: Enjoy the process and every second of flying. Always seek to fly more, I think that's the key: train more and have a clear goal in mind. Ask for advice, exchange ideas, having the right gear is essential because it gives you extra confidence. Know all the details of your emergency system and your flying gear. Don't push if you feel tired, there will be always another chance, and the sum of many moments will bring the results.
Please tell us more about the current … that you’re working on:
- Mission/project: I am currently training with the Freeride2, flying in the most beautiful scenarios of my country and combining it with the acrobatics that Freeride2 allows me to do. I do acrobatic aerial shows and I want to do all the tricks I can in it; fly between clouds, and see the wildest places in my country.
- Goal: Do the rocketloop, the latest trick. Continue to grow in the sport, fly more hours, new places and challenge myself.
Why is flying important to you, and what does flying mean to you?
Flying is truly what I love the most. I have such a good time! I love the discipline around flying, the lifestyle, the feeling of freedom, the possibilities it gives me to see the world from another perspective. Being able to fly means a lot to me. It's not only a sport, but it makes you learn many things like meteorology, aerodynamics, mechanics, among others. It connects you with nature, places, people. I feel like I'm fulfilling my life purpose, it's where I like to be! It makes me feel fulfilled; I like it more every day. Flying is infinite for me.
Flying accomplishments (competitions, projects, records, airshows, etc.):
- Creator of the "dynamic flip" in 2015
- 2nd place Acro South America 2016
- 6th place Spanish Cup 2017
- 1st place Uruguay Cross Country Cup 2018 and 2019
- 6th place synchro Acrobatics World Championships 2021 and 12th solo
- Acro shows in Uruguay and Argentina
Do you have any goals, dreams or plans for the next 1-2 years that you want to share?
I want to fly in more countries, fly more hours, do a rocketloop and I'm planning a trip around South America flying through the most beautiful places, snow, jungles, deserts, rivers and mountains. I've been preparing this trip from Patagonia to the Atacama for a year now!
