Hi Jack, tell the Cosmic community what you do?
I guess the title if you can call it that is ‘air-sports Athlete’. In real terms, I just fell in love with anything that flies from a young age. That has turned me into someone who uses a job to justify an addiction to: Paragliding, skydiving, BASE jumping & plane flying. I just do stuff in the air! One moment you can find me developing & testing the latest acrobatic paraglider, then the next you can find me on set of the latest Bear Grylls show where I am his air-sports coordinator. Bear Hunt on Netflix was one of the latest projects I worked on. It’s a varied and chaotic job but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Where did it all begin for you in the air?
My Dad! He started paragliding in the 90’s and then he started taking me in the air with him as soon as he could, around aged 2. Getting to hang out with my Dad & go paragliding just become a normal day after school or weekend activity which naturally turned into my profession as the years went on!
What Cosmic Ears products are you currently using, and why are they so important in your line of work?
I currently use the Custom Hearing Protection (CHP) with the 15dB filters in and they rarely leave my pocket. Every day will consist of being in the air in some form, whether I’m paragliding, paramotoring, flying planes or jumping out of them. They’re all noisy! It gives me great comfort knowing that I’m taking care of my ears on a daily basis and the reduction in noise even helps me think more clearly. I developed tinnitus at a young age and it’s not something that is widely talked about. So, I am always trying to share the importance of wearing hearing protection.
A question you’re probably always asked – have you had any situations that have endangered your life? And how did you navigate the situation?
There have been a few, unfortunately. The most recent one was just last summer. I was practising an acrobatic manoeuvre on my paraglider and I made the wrong split second decision. Moments later, I found myself thrown inside the canopy itself, entangled in the lines and falling like a stone. Wrapped in the lines, I was able to claw my way out and use my only free arm to use my emergency round parachute.
At this point, I was falling so fast, like a skydiver wrapped in a duvet, that when I used my emergency parachute, a couple of the lines exploded on opening. The parachutes we use aren’t usually opened at terminal velocity. Thankfully it was still functional, and I crashed into some trees. Just cuts, bruises and a sprained ankle but it could have been quite dfferent. I will always say that the air-sports I do are inherently dangerous but precautions can be taken to enjoy a long & fruitful career in the air.
Favourite artists, bands, DJs?
I have an eclectic music taste handed down to me from my parents, so I love all kinds and will constantly travel with 3 or 4 different pairs of headphones for fear of not having a soundtrack to my life. I listen to everything from Bob Dylan, The Prodigy, Jungle to more rap & grime artists. Ocean Wisdom & Songer being in my everyday rotation for the last few years.
What have you got planned for 2025, any exciting projects you can talk about, or competitions?
I’m currently finishing a personal filming project in which a takeaway delivery driver breaks down on his scooter and then uses various air-sports including paramotoring, skydiving & plane flying to make the food delivery. A fun & light hearted project which I’ve enjoyed working on. The rest of the year you’ll find me in the mountains with our camper van and creating content!
And finally, and words of wisdom for anyone looking to take up air sports?
There is so much I could say here! These sports require commitment and dedication to be safe. Start with commitment, dedication, take things slow and keep learning! The world of air-sports can be a very challenging set of hobbies yet some of the most rewarding. The experience will change your life!
YouTube: youtube.com/@JackPimblett
Instagram: instagram.com/jackpimblett
Rise Paragliding: riseparagliding.com
Facebook: facebook.com/jackpimblett14
