About

Sebrand has always been drawn to the sky. As a kid, he leaped off rooftops with a blanket, convinced he’d figure out how to fly. Now, over a thousand hours in the air, podium finishes in elite hike-and-fly and XC races, and a relentless drive for adventure, he continues to push the limits of what’s possible in the mountains. Whether navigating remote alpine routes over Yosemite or competing in the world’s toughest races, Sebrand flies with a balance of skill, curiosity, and a deep respect for the sport.

Interview

Do you remember your first flight? How was it?

My first real flight was in the Owens River Valley in August. I spent 30 minutes at sunset blasting off to 2000m in 25km wind on my light weight A wing. I landed and my brain was totally melted - in a good way. As I drove back to my camping spot, watching the sunset through my smashed windshield - I accidentally top landed on my car the day before - I felt more like myself than ever before. I felt alive.

What moments make flying worthwhile?

I could write so many songs about this. There’s nature, community, thrill, peace, great views. I’ll leave you with a poem. 

It’s the whisper of the wind as it breaths life into my sail.
It’s the weight of the world dissolving beneath my feet.
It’s the simple freedom of drifting with the clouds.
It’s exploring the invisible rhythm of the air.
It’s the heartbeat of adventure pacing into the unknown.
It’s the moments of stillness in utter chaos.
It’s bending reality to find that next thermal.
It’s flying along side the crows over San Francisco.
It’s the feeling of being not just above the world, but part of it.

Your three top flying areas?

• Wijk An Zee: I grew up playing in the brisk windy sand of the Dutch coast. And I learned to fly at The Dumps in San Francisco. I’ll always be a dune rat at heart. Kicking tall grass and making endless swoops in laminar air never get’s old. 
• Moucherotte: Just a 3 hour hike from my apartment in Grenoble, it’s an incredible starting point for vol biv, big XC, speed flying, or sunset soaring.
• Leavenworth: This is where I flew my first 100K out and back. It’s not the most consistent flying, but when it’s on you can be over The Enchantments within 20 minutes. Truly some of the most beautiful mountains and lakes on earth. 

This was a very hard list to distill. Other contenders are: The Point of the Mountain, Oludeniz, the Dolomites, Chamonix, Bir Billing, and Twin Peaks

What are you doing on a day that is not flyable?

I love to rock climb, bike, ski mountaineer, and write songs on my guitar. 

Most important paragliding successes?

I was the first person to cross Yosemite National Park on a paraglider.
For me it was a really big deal to finish the XPyr. So far it’s the race I trained the most for and to complete it was very special for me. I never imagined myself as someone who would cry at the end of big project. But I definitely cried at the summit of the mountain above Port de la Selva. I beat Tanguy to the 3rd place podium position at the XRedRocks in 2024. I hope he doesn’t read this ;)
Every time I share a tandem with someone and they say it changed their life.

Why do you fly for ADVANCE?

I trust the OMEGA ULS to carry me safely through the Alps even when I’m 11 days into the X-Alps. As a designer myself (for software) I have a deep appreciation and respect for ADVANCE’s focus on making incremental improvements on their existing products rather than constantly pushing out new ones. 

What is your favourite food?

Spaghetti Gorgonzola. My mom always called in Spaghetti Carbonara growing up so I was always really disappointed when I would order it at restaurants. Still, my mom makes it best. 

What is your favourite quote in life?

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” - Henry David Thoreau