Profile – Hendrik Korbe
Hendrik Korbe
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
HK: I was born in 1985 in a small village in Eastern Hesse. Sports have always been important to me; I tried many different things, but I hadn't thought about paragliding at the time. I became a track and field athlete and competed in the pole vault.
When and how did you learn to paraglide?
HK: In 2014, I moved to Bavaria, to the Ammergau Alps, for work. As I was exploring my new home and the local mountain, two paragliders flew overhead. That was the moment I said to myself, “You try that!”
In 2015, I learned a bit more about paragliding and discovered the Red Bull XAlps, which really captivated me. In August 2015, I began my paragliding training.
What kind of paragliding do you enjoy?
HK: Because of my job, I'm often abroad for several months and can't fly as much as I'd like, but when I'm home, you can often find me hiking (skiing) and flying at my local spot, Hörnle.
Could you share an interesting paragliding memory with us?
HK: My first solo flight in late fall after training. The sun is already low in the sky in the afternoon; you take off, fly away from the mountain, and enjoy the silence. At some point, you realize that the little voice in your ear on the radio isn't going to tell you what to do, so you just keep enjoying the flight.
What are your upcoming projects?
HK: For now, I hope to fly more often often. Explore the area through cross-country flying, try bivouac flying, and participate in a few hike-and-fly events—not to be among the best there, but to gain experience and exchange ideas.
You can find me on Instagram @hendrikkoerbe
