![OKA MANUEL](https://supair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/20191026_123749-2048x1536.jpeg)
Portrait – Oka Manuel
OKA MANUEL
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
OM: I had been fascinated by all things flying since I was little and always wanted to be in command as a pilot someday. Some 30-odd years later I made it happen by picking up paragliding and never looked back. On the ground I am an architect and photographer in Munich.
![OKA MANUEL](https://supair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/20191026_123749-768x576.jpeg)
When and how did you learn paragliding ?
OM: After spending many years in various cities around the world I eventually ended up back in my birthplace Munich in 2014. The following year I decided to finally realize my dream of flying and went to a paragliding school. I immediately followed up my training with a few guided paragliding trips and an SIV, which let me progress quite quickly. The SIV then laid the founding stone for an interest in acro.
![Oka Manuel en SAVAGE](https://supair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/picsart_08-08-02.05.41-768x1024.jpg)
What is your kind of paragliding ?
OM: I try to dip my toes into all the kinds of paragliding that I come across. So far, I have participated in a few beginner competitions, chased some big lines (for me) across the alps, gone on a few short bivvies, soared coasts and dunes, and made some progress with acrobatics. All of these disciplines inform and profit from each other so I usually pick whichever is most promising for any given situation.
![Oka Manuel au décollage](https://supair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/20200903_132120-768x576.jpg)
Could you share an interesting paragliding memory with us ?
OM: My most cherished memories aren’t necessarily of my longest but often of the technically more demanding flights. Returning from a flight with a low cloudbase or strong headwind, taking off from a tight spot after a long hike or pushing far into the snow-covered mountains early in the season come to mind. My most recent such flight happened in the Dolomites where I managed a challenging top-landing and take-off and then really pushed myself to complete a triangle against strong headwind.
![Oka Manuel](https://supair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/20220308_065827-768x1024.jpg)
What are your upcoming projects ?
OM: I am preparing for a crossing of the alps or just a longer vol-biv somewhere in the mountains next year. Also, the list of maneuvers to learn in acro is still pretty long.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suboptimus/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-SbS6ayzWDXm_CF98mC8SA