Brett Janaway
| Disciplines | Cross competition |
|---|---|
| nationality | British |
| city | Sorica, Slovenia |
| Birth date | 1968 |
| Gin team since | 2025 |
Know more about Brett
Biography
Based in Sorica, Slovenia, Brett Janaway is a British pilot who has been flying since 1995 and has become one of the key figures in modern competition paragliding. With decades of cross-country experience, he has organised more than 50 events worldwide and played a major role in making competitive flying more accessible to everyday pilots. In 2013 he founded the Gin Wide Open, laying the groundwork for a new era of inclusive racing, and later launched the Sports Class Racing Series, now one of the most popular competition formats internationally.
Interview
What’s your job or profession?:
Originally I was a Test Engineer in Electronics. But I have worked professionally in paragliding since 2003 and since 2013 I have been exclusively organising competitions. My most satisfying achievement has to be starting the revolution to more accessible competition flying for pilots, which started with the Gin Wide Open, in 2013. That has cumulated in the SRS series of present. But organising the Naviter Open is also a passion each season.
Originally I was a Test Engineer in Electronics. But I have worked professionally in paragliding since 2003 and since 2013 I have been exclusively organising competitions. My most satisfying achievement has to be starting the revolution to more accessible competition flying for pilots, which started with the Gin Wide Open, in 2013. That has cumulated in the SRS series of present. But organising the Naviter Open is also a passion each season.
Do you have any hobbies besides paragliding?:
Being at home, cutting the grass. A rare thing as I spend so much time travelling thew world flying.
Being at home, cutting the grass. A rare thing as I spend so much time travelling thew world flying.
When and what inspired you to start paragliding?:
I started paragliding in 1995, having grown up in an aviation family. My father used to hang glide in the 80’s and he did some paragliding around 1989.
I started paragliding in 1995, having grown up in an aviation family. My father used to hang glide in the 80’s and he did some paragliding around 1989.
What are your favorite flying spots?:
Sorica, in Slovenia. A beautiful 200km flight through the mountains.
Sorica, in Slovenia. A beautiful 200km flight through the mountains.
What is your longest flight?:
Solo, around 260km. Tandem XC, around 220km. Tandems are my passion.
Solo, around 260km. Tandem XC, around 220km. Tandems are my passion.
Could you share a link to your longest flight track? (e.g., XContest or similar):
World record: xcglobe.com/pilots#show-flight/1275295/
World record: xcglobe.com/pilots#show-flight/1275295/
What do you like most about flying?:
The race. I love a good competition against friends and strangers. The thrill of trying not to make a mistake. To be the best I can be.
The race. I love a good competition against friends and strangers. The thrill of trying not to make a mistake. To be the best I can be.
Why do you want to be part of the GIN team?:
Most of my flying in the last 20 years has been on Gin wings. I love the handling they give, great feedback and always a balance of performance to safety. But mostly, I just love seeing Mr Gin’s smile when we have a great adventure on them. The Gin family is the most welcoming and friendly team in the sport.
Most of my flying in the last 20 years has been on Gin wings. I love the handling they give, great feedback and always a balance of performance to safety. But mostly, I just love seeing Mr Gin’s smile when we have a great adventure on them. The Gin family is the most welcoming and friendly team in the sport.
What are your objectives for the next two years?:
I am planning to set one more tandem World record. On a new Gin wing, of course.
I am planning to set one more tandem World record. On a new Gin wing, of course.
What advice would you give to new pilots?
I would just say, don’t rush. Enjoy the journey. Be honest about the wing you are currently suited to.
I would just say, don’t rush. Enjoy the journey. Be honest about the wing you are currently suited to.
Achievements
210
km
km
World record
2013
Tandem
SRS Series Founder
2023
Naviter Open Founder
2017
Gin Wide Open Founder
2013
