Red Bull New Zealand

Known to have his head literally up in the clouds, Queensland based hang glider Jon Durand has come a long way since his first independent hang gliding experience at 14 years of age. Over a decade later, and following some strong results all over the world, Durand is the first Australian to make it to number one in the World Hang Gliding Rankings.

Durand grew up with his supportive family in just a stone’s throw from one of the best hang-gliding sites in Australia, at Beechmont, Queensland.

Overall, Durand has consistently performed well and his star continues to rise. He was ranked first in the world in 2006 and has had a top-five ranking for the past couple of years; he has held the title of Australian champion since 2002 and was the spot landing winner in last year’s world championships in Texas.

Jon has even set a few impressive world records including the Australian Distance Record in March 2008, flying 517km from Jon’s backyard in Beechmont to Muckadilla.

Jon’s impressive results have captured the attention of Red Bull, who is now one of his major sponsors. “Upon signing with Red Bull my travels have increased and my performance has enhanced with their help and networks,” says Durand.

When he’s up in the air, Durand says he isn’t checking out the view, but has his mind on the game. “When you’re up there, you’re thinking about lots of different things. It’s like a game of chess, you’re planning your next five moves, watching things changing, watching the other pilots and looking where to go.”

And for this pilot with 3,500 hours of airtime, the sky is always the limit. Durand says he is always looking up, up and away. “I generally don’t ever think I’m landing until both feet are on the ground,” he says.