XC Mag publishes a profile of Christian Fernández del Valle: over 30,000 tandem flights
Today we received news that genuinely excites us: Cross Country Magazine (XC Mag)—the most influential international paragliding magazine—has published a profile of Christian Fernández del Valle in its Pilots and profiles section.
The article is titled “On Launch With: Christian Fernandez” and is written by Tarquin Cooper, with photography by Ole Dalen.
Key takeaways from the article (and why it matters)
In the public excerpt, Christian sums up an uncommon trajectory: born in Mexico, now holding a Spanish passport, and based in Gran Canaria for 17 years. He also describes a tandem operation that’s difficult to match: in winter he typically flies 15 to 20 tandems in a single day, averaging 2,500 flights per year, and estimating more than 30,000 flights in total.
These numbers aren’t just “impressive”: in paragliding they translate into real exposure to a wide range of conditions, repeated procedures, refined judgement, and a professional standard that only comes from thousands of well-executed launches, flights, and landings.
What this means for you if you want to fly in Gran Canaria
If you’re thinking about experiencing your first paragliding flight in Gran Canaria, the most important thing isn’t simply “doing it”—it’s doing it with a team that operates with a method: a clear briefing, conservative decision-making, and an absolute focus on safety.
- Real tandem experience (daily operations, not occasional flights).
- Sound judgement: knowing when to fly—and when not to.
- Procedures: consistency in checks, launch, flight, and landing.
The fact that a publication like XC Mag dedicates a profile to Christian isn’t just recognition—it’s a clear signal of the professional level you can expect when you fly with us.
Where to read the full article
The full article is part of XC Mag’s premium content.
Frequently asked questions
What is XC Mag / Cross Country Magazine?
Cross Country Magazine (XC Mag) is one of the most recognized international publications in paragliding and free flight, featuring reports, pilot profiles, and technical content.
How much tandem experience does Christian Fernández del Valle have?
In the public excerpt of the article, Christian states that he averages 2,500 flights per year and estimates more than 30,000 flights in total. This very likely places Christian Fernandez del Valle among the most active commercial tandem pilots in the world.
Do I need any previous experience to fly tandem in Gran Canaria?
No. A tandem flight is designed for passengers with no prior experience: you’ll get a simple briefing before takeoff, and the pilot handles the entire flight operation.