Benoît Brunet-Poirier
| Disciplines | Hike & fly competition |
|---|---|
| nationality | Canadian |
| city | Québec, Canada |
| Birth date | 1988 |
| Gin team since | 2026 |
Know more about Benoît
Biography
Benoît has been flying for more than 10 years. He is very passionate about sharing his love of the air with everyone around him. His philosophy is that every flight is a wonderful learning opportunity, no matter how small. His goal is to continuously challenge himself and be the best pilot he can be.
Interview
What’s your job or profession?:
I am a lighting designer for theatre and also work in construction
I am a lighting designer for theatre and also work in construction
Do you have any hobbies besides paragliding?:
So many! Woodworking, gardening, hiking, climbing, camping, art, theatre, lighting, DIY, etc.
So many! Woodworking, gardening, hiking, climbing, camping, art, theatre, lighting, DIY, etc.
When and what inspired you to start paragliding?:
It was pure coincidence. I stopped on the side of the road and there was a sign that said “paragliding course, 500m ->”
It was pure coincidence. I stopped on the side of the road and there was a sign that said “paragliding course, 500m ->”
What are your favorite flying spots?:
Valle de Cauca in Colombia has my heart, but I hope to go back to Kyrgyzstan
Valle de Cauca in Colombia has my heart, but I hope to go back to Kyrgyzstan
What is your best flight or adventure?
Hard to choose! I rally loved the tandem vol-biv expedition I just did in Chile, bringing along my girlfriend for the first month and my best friend for the second month
Hard to choose! I rally loved the tandem vol-biv expedition I just did in Chile, bringing along my girlfriend for the first month and my best friend for the second month
Could you share a link to your best flight track? (e.g., XContest or similar)
xcontest.org/world/en/flights/detail:BenoitBP/15.10.2025/10:23
xcontest.org/world/en/flights/detail:BenoitBP/15.10.2025/10:23
What do you like most about flying?:
The unexpected beauty we get to see from a point of view no one else has.
The unexpected beauty we get to see from a point of view no one else has.
Why do you want to be part of the GIN team?:
The brand GIN has a long tradition of excellence, in all wing categories. I’m very excited to see the brand push towards high level hike and fly! To be a part of this effort is a great privilege and I see a lot of potential for the future.
The brand GIN has a long tradition of excellence, in all wing categories. I’m very excited to see the brand push towards high level hike and fly! To be a part of this effort is a great privilege and I see a lot of potential for the future.
What are your objectives for the next two years?:
I plan to apply for X-Alps 2027. That being said, entry is quite difficult, perhaps even more so for a Canadian. No matter, I will be planning adventures: I want to push my vol-biv further and there are so many places to discover. I also need to reclaim my Canadian record as it was beaten by 2km…So many things to do!!!
I plan to apply for X-Alps 2027. That being said, entry is quite difficult, perhaps even more so for a Canadian. No matter, I will be planning adventures: I want to push my vol-biv further and there are so many places to discover. I also need to reclaim my Canadian record as it was beaten by 2km…So many things to do!!!
What advice would you give to new pilots?
Paragliding long term relies on a strange balance of confidence and humility. You need to be confident in your abilities in any given moment, yet, humble enough to admit when you’re in over your head. I see too many pilots whose confidence turns into ego and they no longer seek help, push too hard, then get hurt. There will always be someone better than you – this is also true for me – ask for help!
Paragliding long term relies on a strange balance of confidence and humility. You need to be confident in your abilities in any given moment, yet, humble enough to admit when you’re in over your head. I see too many pilots whose confidence turns into ego and they no longer seek help, push too hard, then get hurt. There will always be someone better than you – this is also true for me – ask for help!
Achievements
1st
Kyrgyzstan record
2023
record
20th
X-Pyr
2024
Overall
450
km
km
450 free distance
2025
free distance
2 month tandem volbiv
2026
Adventure
