Riley Ferre
| Disciplines | Test pilot | Cross competition | Hike 'n fly |
|---|---|
| nationality | USA |
| city | Oregon |
| Birth date | 2001 |
| Gin team since | 2025 |
Know more about Riley
Biography
Originally from the USA, Riley lives half of the year in Colombia where she works as an XC guide and trains hiking & flying throughout the Colombian Andes. At just 24 years old, she is a motivated competition pilot and is constantly planning new ways to explore the mountains via hike & fly.
Interview
What’s your job or profession?:
I am a flying tour guide in Colombia and a test pilot for Gin.
I am a flying tour guide in Colombia and a test pilot for Gin.
Do you have any hobbies besides paragliding?:
When I am not paragliding, find me trail running, doing yoga, hiking, or painting watercolors!
When I am not paragliding, find me trail running, doing yoga, hiking, or painting watercolors!
When and what inspired you to start paragliding?:
I started to fly in 2019 when I was 18 years old. My mom had already been flying for about 3 years and is the reason I was originally introduced to the sport. Once I first started practicing, I was immediately hooked and haven’t stopped since!
I started to fly in 2019 when I was 18 years old. My mom had already been flying for about 3 years and is the reason I was originally introduced to the sport. Once I first started practicing, I was immediately hooked and haven’t stopped since!
What are your favorite flying spots?:
This is hard as each one is so unique. I love flying in the mountains of Antioquia, Colombia. From the dense jungle to the steep terrain to the locals shouting to you from their mountain homes, it’s hard to beat.
This is hard as each one is so unique. I love flying in the mountains of Antioquia, Colombia. From the dense jungle to the steep terrain to the locals shouting to you from their mountain homes, it’s hard to beat.
What is your longest flight?:
120 km
120 km
Could you share a link to your longest flight track? (e.g., XContest or similar):
XContest username: rileyferre (I do not upload all my flights to XContest, but can start doing so)
XContest username: rileyferre (I do not upload all my flights to XContest, but can start doing so)
What do you like most about flying?:
Flying offers us a perspective of the world that is only accessible from the air. It provides us with the opportunity to play in a space unknown to most people. I love the freedom, the intense focus and the connection it provides. We are literally flowing with the air and it is almost impossible to not be completely present while doing so.
Flying offers us a perspective of the world that is only accessible from the air. It provides us with the opportunity to play in a space unknown to most people. I love the freedom, the intense focus and the connection it provides. We are literally flowing with the air and it is almost impossible to not be completely present while doing so.
Why do you want to be part of the GIN team?:
I would like to fly in the Gin team because I am impressed by the products that Gin has recently released on the market and enjoy the community of pilots that are already part of the team. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the development of hike & fly products and compete for the Gin team in the Sports Racing Class series.
I would like to fly in the Gin team because I am impressed by the products that Gin has recently released on the market and enjoy the community of pilots that are already part of the team. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the development of hike & fly products and compete for the Gin team in the Sports Racing Class series.
What are your objectives for the next two years?:
To compete in as many XC competitions and hike & fly races as possible. Ideally, I would compete in at least 3 of each per year. I aim to prioritize being on the overall podium, not just the female podium. I also plan on embarking on unique hike & fly expeditions in Colombia and Europe, outside of competitions.
To compete in as many XC competitions and hike & fly races as possible. Ideally, I would compete in at least 3 of each per year. I aim to prioritize being on the overall podium, not just the female podium. I also plan on embarking on unique hike & fly expeditions in Colombia and Europe, outside of competitions.
What advice would you give to new pilots?
Fly as much as possible. Even if it is just a sled ride on a cold day, anything is better than nothing.
Fly as much as possible. Even if it is just a sled ride on a cold day, anything is better than nothing.
Achievements
1st
SRS Ozone Edition
2025
Female
5th
SRS Ozone Edition
2025
Overall
1st
SRS Gin Edition
2025
Female
1st
Bornes to Fly Prologue
2025
Female
