Victor Usanov of Paragliding EE is UP dealer in Estonia, and one of those people who have a pretty full bucket list when it comes to flying.
How did you get into paragliding?
My father is an ex-skydiver who took me flying with his paramotor all the time. That was back in May 1998 and since then I'm collecting air time. Around 2005 I switched to free flying and have been paragliding ever since.
What did your career path up to being UP dealer look like?
The first steps were hard and full of danger but somehow I survived. The more I was diving into free flying, the more I liked paragliding. At some point contacting manufacturers became obvious. I grew up watching VHS films such as "UP Escape" and "Larger Than Life", a video about the 1993 World Championships in Verbier - therefore getting in touch with UP was my priority.
Since when are you connected with UP?
I think 2007. I still remember visiting the UP office in Garmisch, Germany for the first time that summer and buying my first batch of UP gear.
What’s your focus in your business?
It's more like life in general than just a business focus: I really appreciate honesty and honest people. That's particularly why I love paragliding - no matter who you think you are or who you would like to be - being in "real" air will show the real you. Same in business with the wings. They all are quite different and I’d like people to try, buy and fly UP wings from their heart, because they like the handling and not because it was a random purchase for a good price.
What’s special and good to know about flying in Estonia?
Estonia is totally flat. We are winch towing for thermal flying and it's a skill on its own. Flying here is also quite technical because most of the country is covered by forests and swamps. You need to think very tactically and prepare transitions well to be able to fly long here.
What’s the best general advice regarding paragliding, you’ve ever been given?
Just fly - and do not forget to enjoy it.
What flying site is your favorite and why?
Bassano is my second (or maybe even the 1st ) paragliding home. I grew up there as a paragliding pilot. It is such a nice place to fly and you simply can not beat Italy as a vacation destination.
Got some general tips for pilots visiting your country?
What’s your plan for the next five years?
Volbiv crossing of the Alps, finishing my electrical self towing winch project, fly 300+ km in Estonia, competing in a World Cup would be nice, also a full season of the SRS… God knows what else. But I guess, you'll read about it right here.