1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to paragliding?
My name is Hitomi, but people call me Hitomate, which means 'Tomato' in Spanish 🍅. I grew up in Tokyo, Japan till I was 20 years old, and have been living in San Diego for over 10 years.
Flying has been my lifelong dream since I was a child. I discovered hang gliding and paragliding in San Diego while I was in college. Since then, I've had many opportunities to make friends with pilots from around the world. Last year, I finally summoned the courage to make a phone call to Max!
2. Had you ever done any other adventure sports before trying paragliding?
Yes, I have gone skydiving a couple of times, bungee jumping, and experienced some tandem flights in hang gliding and paragliding. For my own hobbies, I have been enjoying surfing for a long time, and I am currently training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Paragliding Experience
3. What was your first paragliding lesson like?
I was excited but extremely nervous on the first day. I received a phone call during class about my grandmother in Japan passing away, which made me sad. However, Max took me on a tandem flight, and it was so beautiful. I felt as though my grandmother was telling me not to be sad and supporting me in pursuing my dream 💓. That day was how it was meant to be!
4. What has been the most exciting or memorable moment in your training so far?
The most memorable moment for me so far was the first time I flew for two hours at Soboba. I couldn't process everything happening around me and couldn’t believe it was real. I felt both terrified and incredibly happy!
5. What was the biggest challenge you faced while learning, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge for me was completing my P2 certification and no longer having Max by my side during launches and flight. I struggled with fear and self-doubt for several days. However, the support from other paragliders and increasing the number of solo launches eventually helped me overcome this challenge.
6. How has paragliding changed your perspective on adventure and risk-taking?
I always try to push myself out of my comfort zone for personal growth, so I believe I already have an adventurous perspective. However, risk-taking is something I'm continuously learning through paragliding. It has taught me to collect hard data and facts while balancing that information with softer, intuitive factors to assess risk.
Training & Progress
7. What’s one skill or technique you’ve recently improved on?
I believe I've started to develop a better understanding of wind direction and pressure with my wing. In another aspect, I feel like my wing and I are becoming better friends!
8. How would you describe your instructor and the training process?
Sensei Max is like a breezy wind; his spirit is free and light✨. The training is very relaxed, and I find his radio instructions to be quite meditative to listen to 🙏. While his calm attitude helped ease my nerves and fears, he also pays close attention to my movements to provide helpful feedback. I appreciate that he offers as many technical explanations as possible while also allowing me the space to learn on my own.
9. What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up paragliding?
If you can't stop thinking about it, just go for it! Your work, life, time, and finances will align once you take the first step—not the other way around.
Future Goals & Aspirations
10. Where do you see your paragliding journey going next? Any dream locations or competitions?
While I'd love to progress faster and explore more with paragliding, I am committed to being safe and taking solid, measured steps to improve my skills at my own pace.
11. Do you have any goals for improving your skills or advancing in the sport?
My goal is to be able to take my dog and my clients’ dogs on team flights with me 🎶🐶🐱🐹🐓🐰🐢.
Fun & Personal Touch
12. If you could paraglide anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to paraglide near Mt. Fuji in Japan because it is my homeland 💓.
13. Describe the feeling of your best flight in three words.
Unreal, Free, Empowered!
