The skies of Castelo, Espírito Santo, Brazil, were a vibrant canvas of color and competition from August 31 to September 13, 2025, as the world’s top paragliders gathered for the 19th FAI World Paragliding Championship. This prestigious event, organized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), brought together 129 pilots from 52 nations for an intense series of cross-country tasks over stunning mountainous terrain. With eight valid tasks completed amidst challenging conditions, the championship showcased the pinnacle of skill, strategy, and endurance in paragliding.
South Africa was proudly represented by two talented pilots: Francois de Villiers and Ruard de Bruyn. These athletes, selected through their strong performances in qualifying events like the Pre-PWC in Colombia earlier in the year, embodied the spirit of SAHPA (South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) on the global stage. Their participation not only highlighted the growing prowess of South African paragliding but also inspired the local community back home.
Francois de Villiers, a seasoned competitor with a family legacy in the sport, has been pushing boundaries in paragliding for years. Known for his precision and adaptability, Francois tackled the demanding Brazilian thermals with determination.
“Representing South Africa at the Paragliding World Championships was the fulfilment of a childhood dream. Growing up watching my father compete, I always aspired to earn my Protea colors. Flying alongside legends like Honorin and Maxime, and observing the dedication of the French team, was both humbling and immensely inspiring. I quickly realized that reaching the world stage requires relentless commitment, some of these pilots log 800 hours a year, while I managed just over 200. That stark reality has given me a new and powerful drive. I’m deeply grateful for the experience, and I’m excited to keep improving and push for the chance to represent South Africa again in Serbia.” – Francois de Villiers
Ruard de Bruyn, equally accomplished, brought his experience from various international competitions to the event. Flying with focus and resilience, Ruard navigated the complex tasks that tested pilots’ abilities to read the air and make split-second decisions.
“At the Paragliding World Championships in Castelo, conditions proved exceptionally demanding, with strong surface winds, turbulent low-level terrain, and a series of incidents, including one fatality and multiple hard landings. On the first task, I briefly got lost in a cloud 5 minutes before the start, and towards the end of that task I faced some of the roughest flying I’ve experienced. As the event progressed, the focus shifted from performance to personal safety. By the final task, I recognized that I was no longer in the right mental state to fly safely and made the difficult but important decision to step back rather than risk injury. This championship pushed me harder than any event before. In the end, choosing not to fly the last task wasn’t quitting — it was respecting my limits and valuing the fact that I want to keep flying for many years to come.” – Ruard de Bruyn
The competition was fierce, with France dominating the podium. Baptiste Lambert claimed gold with a total score of 5734.6 points, followed closely by compatriot Honorin Hamard at 5706.6, and Spain’s Marcelo Sanchez Vilchez securing bronze with 5692.1. In the women’s category, Constance Mettetal of France led with 5262.1 points (overall rank 42), ahead of Alexia Fischer (USA) and Keiko Hiraki (Japan). Team honors went to France (15,074.1 points), Spain, and Italy.
Our South African stars held their own in this elite field. Francois de Villiers finished in a respectable 66th place with 4854.8 points, demonstrating consistent performance across the tasks. Ruard de Bruyn placed 115th with 3255.1 points, gaining valuable experience against the best in the world. While the results reflect the high level of competition, their efforts underscore the potential of South African pilots to climb higher in future events.
Behind the scenes, the 19th FAI World Paragliding Championship wasn’t always destined for Castelo. Originally slated for Andradas in Minas Gerais, Brazil, the venue was abruptly shifted in March 2025 following discussions between the Brazilian Aerosports Committee (CAB), the Brazilian Free Flight Organization (CBVL), and the CIVL. While the official reason cited was to “ensure the highest quality event for all pilots,” the late-notice change sparked frustration among the paragliding community, with pilots venting on social media about disrupted travel plans, booked flights, and the perceived unprofessionalism of the decision. Despite the pre-event controversies surrounding the venue change, the championship in Castelo proceeded amid high tensions, only to be overshadowed by a tragic accident that underscored the inherent risks of the sport.
On September 9, 2025, during the event, Bram Declercq, an experienced Belgian pilot, was approaching the landing field after completing a 71km task. While flying low above ground level, his wing fully collapsed, and he was unable to regain control before impacting the ground.
This tragedy was one of several serious incidents at the 2025 Worlds, contributing to the ongoing #CIVLRESIGN controversy over safety protocols, glider regulations, and risk management in elite competitions. The FAI’s pause on major Category 1 events for a safety review remains in effect as of now, with calls for CIVL board resignations still active from pilots and federations like the FFVL. On behalf of SAHPA and the entire South African paragliding community, we offer our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Bram Declercq in this time of profound loss.
SAHPA extends heartfelt congratulations to Francois and Ruard for representing our nation with pride. Their journey to Brazil, supported by the South African paragliding community, is a testament to the dedication and passion that drives our sport forward. As we look ahead, events like this fuel inspiration for aspiring pilots across South Africa to take to the skies.
As we reflect on the exhilarating performances at the 19th FAI World Paragliding Championship in Castelo, Brazil, our sights are already set on the horizon—the 20th edition in 2027. Announced earlier this year, the event will take place in Niš, Serbia, from July 26 to August 7. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of southern Serbia, Niš offers a mix of rolling hills, thermal-rich valleys, and challenging cross-country routes that promise to test pilots’ skills in new and exciting ways. With its rich history and vibrant culture, the venue will not only provide a competitive arena but also an unforgettable cultural experience for participants and spectators alike.
For SAHPA and the South African paragliding community, the 2027 championship represents a key milestone in our growth. Building on the solid foundation laid by Francois de Villiers and Ruard de Bruyn in Brazil—where they competed against the world’s elite and gained invaluable insights—we aspire to field a full team of four pilots. This ambition aligns with FAI regulations, which allow top-ranked nations to send larger squads based on World Pilot Ranking System (WPRS) points and national performance. Currently, with our pilots consistently improving in international Pre-PWC events and local competitions, we’re focused on elevating South Africa’s standing to secure those additional spots.
Imagine a full South African contingent soaring over the Serbian skies, competing for podium spots and inspiring the next generation back home. Francois and Ruard have shown us it’s possible; now, let’s aim higher!
