Karen Skinner, a British pilot who has lived in Spain for nearly three decades, is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in international paramotoring. Flying since 2004, she has built an exceptional career defined by competition success, world-class records, and a lifelong passion for adventure flight.

Karen’s competitive achievements are extensive. She was Female Champion of Spain in Classic Paramotor competitions from 2005 to 2015 and Female Champion of Spain in Slalom from 2013 to 2018. She represented Spain as a member of the Spanish National Paramotor Team from 2005 through 2021, earning numerous international podium finishes including Bronze Female & Silver Team at the 2012 World Classic Championships, Bronze Female & Bronze Team at the 2013 Slalom World Championships, and Silver Female Medal- Vice World Champion- in the 2014 World Classic Championships in Hungary. Her results also include medals at the World Air Games and European Championships, confirming her long-standing presence at the highest level of competition.

Beyond competition, Karen is an eight-time world record holder whose achievements have been recognized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). She has twice received the prestigious FAI Ann Welch Diploma- first in 2015 for her 6,250-meter paramotor altitude world record, and again in 2020 for completing a 309.93 km closed-circuit distance flight without landing. She has also set records in straight-line distance and time-to-climb disciplines, demonstrating exceptional technical skill, endurance, and precision.

Karen’s passion for aviation began at just eight years old during a microlight flight with her uncle in the UK- a formative experience that inspired her dream of becoming a pilot. That dream became reality in Spain when she discovered paramotoring, drawn by its accessibility and freedom. Since then, she has evolved into a competition pilot, record chaser, cross-country specialist, and dedicated adventure flyer.

Her flying has taken her across the globe. Karen regularly travels with her paramotor to explore new landscapes, with notable expeditions including extended trips through Mexico, Guatemala, Thailand, Iceland, and Dubai for the FAI World Air Games. She has also flown extensively across Europe and North Africa, including the UK, France, Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, Egypt, and beyond. Among her more ambitious adventures, she successfully crossed the sea between Menorca and Mallorca with boat support. Throughout her journeys, Karen documents her experiences through photography and previously shared her insights with the community as a regular contributor to Cross Country magazine’s paramotor edition.

Karen is also a passionate advocate for the growth of female participation in the sport. She played an instrumental role in pushing for the creation of a dedicated female competition category within paramotoring- an initiative that has helped increase opportunities, visibility, and progression for women in international competition.

Karen has flown with Helix Propellers since the early days of her career and became an official sponsored pilot in 2014. Her current equipment includes engines such as the Polini 202 and 250, Vitorazzi 185, and the upcoming PAP Safari 125. For Karen, propeller efficiency is critical to achieving the altitude and distance required for record attempts. She credits Helix with providing the performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency needed to push boundaries, noting that their support has been instrumental throughout her journey- from early competitions to world-record flights.

A record chaser at heart, as well as an adventure pilot and photographer, Karen continues to pursue new challenges, participate in major international events, and inspire pilots worldwide through her achievements and dedication.