Paragliding Community Unites for Juraj Koreň After Spinal Injury — Fundraiser Launches

The family of Slovak paraglider pilot and adventurer Juraj Koreň have launched an urgent fundraising appeal to support his recovery after he suffered severe spinal injuries in a flying accident on 26 June. Juraj, a two-time Red Bull X-Alps competitor and renowned alpine climber, experienced an asymmetric collapse at low altitude while flying in the Zillertal region of Austria. He deployed his reserve parachute, which likely saved his life, but the impact caused severe trauma to his spine. Doctors have told him recovery will take at least a year before he can walk again. His brother Cyprián is managing the fundraiser, explaining that insurance does not cover the specialized neuro-rehabilitation Juraj will need once he returns to Slovakia. The campaign is aiming to raise €85,000, broken down as follows: €30,000 — Immediate hospital costs €55,000 — First block of neuro-rehabilitation €30,000 — Long-term rehabilitation and income support

A Pilot at the Top of His Game

In the days leading up to his accident, Juraj had been flying at an extraordinary level. He was pushing hard to break the European FAI triangle world record:

• 19 June: 322km flight
• 22 June: 268km flight
• 24 June: 278km flight
• 25 June: 350.87km flight — just 8km short of the European record

On 26 June, just hours into his next flight attempt, the accident happened. Juraj described his experience on Instagram:

“I lived my dream. Cruising crazy kilometres days before, flying until sundown, enjoying summer and with plans for big things in the mountains I love. Now I am in hospital, lying with crazy lot of pain, my spine is bruised and my L2 is from titanium.”

A Career of Remarkable Achievements

Beyond the impressive distance flights, Juraj has twice competed in the Red Bull X-Alps, making it to goal in 2025. His climb-and-fly adventures are legendary — he has soloed the classic north faces of the Matterhorn, Eiger, and Grandes Jorasses, and completed climb-and-fly projects in the Indian Himalaya, Antarctica, and Greenland as part of a seven-continent challenge.

A Message of Hope

Cyprián shared an encouraging update: post-surgery, Juraj can already move his toes slightly. “It is a small but crucial glimmer of hope that his body and spinal cord are ready to fight,” he said. Juraj himself remains determined: “Doctors said in one year I can walk and be back. Now I am moving with my toes a bit. I am asking for help with all humility. I need the best technologies to get me back up.”

Safety Reminder for All Pilots

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of proper safety equipment and preparation. Every pilot should regularly check their reserve deployment techniques and ensure their gear is in top condition. The Paragliding Map from YowFly is a great resource for understanding terrain and planning safe routes. There are three essential types of insurance every pilot should consider:

1. Rescue insurance — covers mountain or wilderness extraction
2. Medical and travel insurance — covers hospital bills and repatriation
3. Life/income insurance — covers loss of income and long-term support after life-changing injury

Always check the small print — many policies have exemptions for competitions, work-related flying, or specific regions.

How to Help

The Juraj Koreň fundraiser is live and every contribution makes a difference. Donate via the official campaign page: Juraj Koreň Way to Walk and Fly — Support the Cause Please also share this article to help spread the word. If you’re looking for quality paragliding gear to fly safely, check out YowFly’s range of equipment and gifts — every purchase supports the global paragliding community.