Profile – Kinga Masztalerz
KINGA TABLE
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
KM: My name is Kinga. I was born in Poland, and I live in New Zealand. I spend my time there from November through April, and when spring arrives in the northern hemisphere, I move to the European Alps, where I live in my van, chasing the weather. Then, when autumn comes to Europe, it’s time for the Indian Himalayas, and after that, I return to New Zealand, where spring is just beginning. I have a degree in physics, and these days I grow tropical water lilies and teach other pilots the art of vol-bivouac.
When and how did you learn to paraglide?
KM: I started flying 5.5 years ago. Back then, I was a very avid rock climber. One day, I fell off a boulder problem in an unfortunate way and tore some tendons in my elbow. It wasn’t super serious, but I couldn’t climb for 6 months. So I signed up for a paragliding course, and basically from the moment I made my first tiny flight—like a chicken hopping off a perch—I was totally hooked. I’ve never touched a rock again! The idea that you can hike up a hill with a backpack, pull out this piece of fabric, and actually fly on it blew my mind. I still think it’s pure magic. And especially when I caught my first thermal in Bassano del Grappa, Italy—it was such a transcendent experience. I landed with tears in my eyes and a firm resolve: from now on, I’m going to fly—nothing else matters. I quit my job and left city life behind, moving first to Semonzo del Grappa, then to Saint Hilaire, and I’ve been chasing this passion ever since.
What's your favorite way to fly?
KM: Solo backpacking trips through remote mountains are when I feel most connected and truly alive.
Do you have a special memory related to flying (good or bad) that you'd like to share with us?
KM: I especially cherish adventures that push me far outside my comfort zone; they’re always challenging, but they also help me grow as a pilot and as a person.
My first major solo bivouac flight through the Southern Alps of New Zealand was just like that—challenging and incredibly rewarding. And, of course, the Red Bull X-Alps.
What can you tell us about your experience in the X-Alps?
KM: When I qualified, I had only been flying for four years, and of course, I wasn’t quite ready, but still, I’m so glad I went for it. This race was the steepest learning curve I could imagine. It was incredibly inspiring to learn from some of the best athletes in the world. I made so many mistakes, and afterward, it took me a few weeks to process it all, but then when I finally got back into the swing of things, I noticed I was flying in a different, more mature, confident, and calmer way—so X-Alps definitely made me a better pilot. I can’t wait to do it again!
What are your upcoming projects in paragliding and outside of paragliding?
KM: This summer I had planned the X-Pyr race, a fly-in, bivouac race in the Alps, followed by a fly-in, bivouac race in Tajikistan, and a trip to the Indian Himalayas in the fall. Unfortunately, all these adventures will have to wait.
In the meantime, I love woodworking, so now I’m building a deck in the backyard and some huge planters. I’m also growing vegetables, practicing yoga, and riding a mountain bike. New Zealand’s airspace, which has been closed for three weeks, should reopen in a few days, so I’ll start flying again—I’ve already missed it!
