Justin Watts

canada

Justin discovered paragliding in 2021, exploring the steep valleys and lakes around his home in Nelson, British Columbia on a BGD Magic. From the start he has been captivated by the mix of freedom, focus, and discovery that each flight brought. Now flying the Base 3, he has also discovered ski-fly and vol-biv. He co-founded the annual “Kootenagan,” a four-day self-supported vol-biv from Osoyoos to Nelson, and he has been steadily pioneering new routes, launches, and milestones, including his first 100 km XC. Beyond the hill, he is a software engineer working on AI systems and in his free time he builds weather stations for remote mountain areas, and is rolling out FANET ground-stations across BC. He also collaborates on VR paraglider simulators and is establishing a dedicated SIV site on Kootenay Lake. He is also pursuing instructor and tandem ratings so he can help new pilots progress and share the joy of free flight. His happiest hours are in the mountains, snowboarding, diving into cold lakes, and building community around the stoke of flight.

#Adventure, #Cross Country

• Age : 37
• Flying since : 2021
• Current kit : Base 3
• Top sites : Interior British Columbia Oregon Coast
• Gig : Distinguished Engineer @ TELUS
• Activities : Snowboarding, Split-boarding, Scuba Diving