As a young child, I grew up in Johannesburg. When I was in Standard 5, we moved to Belville in the Cape where I attended Belville Technical High School. Once I had completed school, I then served one year military service in Pretoria.

My interest in hot air ballooning, started a long time ago when my father took me on my first ballooning experience at the age of four years old. From that day onwards, I grew up in a basket, finding a small space to fit into whenever I could. One would say that I am a bit of a basket case.

This eventually led me to becoming a hot air balloon pilot. Today I hold a South African and Nigerian balloon license as well as a British Commercial License. It was in Johannesburg where I learnt how to fly a hot air balloon but my love for this form of flying led me to flying in Germany and the UK.

I am honored to have been able to fly for Virgin Balloons in the UK for 5 years, where I was lucky enough to pilot some well known figures. My journey also allowed me to meet some extraordinary people along the way, some of which were TV personalities, cancer patients and people with disabilities. This was a great opportunity and certainly opened my eyes and made me realise how lucky I was to be doing a job that I love so very much.

Having flown in 14 countries over the period of 15 years, I have now added balloon instructor to my qualifications. With the experience I have gained with hot air balloons, I also build and maintain them.

I have developed a keen interest in kite surfing and para- motoring. My love for the sea however is only a close second to my love for hot air ballooning.

I am married with two children. My wife’s name is Georgina and our children’s names are Wesley (4) and Wayne (3). I also have two other children from a previous marriage. They are Jonathan (12) and Shawn (6.)

Travelling is something that is close to my heart as I have travelled most of Europe and just about every little town around South Africa. Some of my favorite foreign visits have been to Portugal and Scotland, where I flew hot air balloons for two years.

I feel privileged to have such a great job but where it really pays off is when people who I have flown in the past, approach me and remind me of their unforgettable hot air ballooning experience.