Pilot & Instructor - Willy Rens

Native of Westerlo, Belgium, Willy moved to Clearwater in 2002 with his wife Sigi.

Together they started flying in 1993 and after numerous paragliding journeys in Europe, North America, and Asia, they felt it was time to give back to the free flight community. So Willy and Sigi developed El Nido! A flying site in their hometown of Clearwater BC Canada where they welcome anyone who has the desire to soar with the eagles.

Willy strongly believes that paragliding is the answer to a happier life. With 32 years combined background of ski instructing, heli-ski guiding and flying paragliders, Willy has developed grand instructing skills and a meticulous way for assessing safe flying conditions.

With over 1750 flights on both solo and tandem wings, Willy is certified by the Hang and Paragliding Association of Canada (HPAC) as an instructor and tandem pilot

Hanging out (literally) with Willy you will be sure to smile, laugh, and hear at least 2 quotable inspirational thoughts. With such a huge range of life experiences the conversation is never dry. The only time Willy is serious is when it comes to safety, an area he is incredibly passionate about. The way that Willy explains the whole process, and checks everything over, you know you are in safe hands.

“I come to life when I’m outdoors!” beams Willy Rens. 

To say that Willy is an outdoor enthusiast is more than an understatement. This is a man who has built his career doing what he loves and collecting adventures!

Soaring the thermals on a paraglider, kayaking with Orcas, helicopter-ski guiding British Columbia’s legendary deep powder in winter, cruising dirt roads on his enduro motorbike, and sharing the wonders of western Canada that have long inspired him.

“We didn’t emigrate to Canada to get rich. We came for the love of the outdoors and to work with people, sharing experiences they don’t have in Europe (or wherever they come from). For me, that’s as good as money. I will never become a millionaire doing this, but having a lot of fun, meet a lot of interesting people and make plenty of friends. That makes for a very rich life, indeed.”

Meeting new people, sharing his love of the outdoors, and showcasing western Canada’s magnificent scenery is what motivates Willy to get more and more gliders out every year!! 

What do you think? Come hang out with Willy and let’s go flying!!

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