Julian Barthel

Freefly & Tunnel Coach / Canopy & Flocking

  • Skydives

    • 11,500+

    Tunnel Hours

    • 500+ hours

    • Experienced wind tunnel coach since 2017 with Class A instructor rating

    World Record Holder:

    • 14-way VFS 3-point Head Down Night Sequential (2021)

    European Record Holder:

    • Multiple VFS 2- and 3-point head down and head up records (2017–2021)

    German National Records:

    • 32-way & 38-way Head Down (2018)

    • 2-, 3-, and 4-point Sequential (2018)

    Public Speaking:

    • European Skydiving Symposium 2022

    • Spanish Skydiving Safety Symposium – SafeX 2022 and 2025

    Published Safety Author:

    • Articles in skydiving safety from 2017–2022 on topics like downsizing, aircraft emergencies, malfunctions, canopy collisions, etc.

    Competition:

    • 6th place in German Canopy Piloting Nationals (2019)

    Event Organizer:

    • Extensive list of vertical, tracking, and freefly camps from 2014–2024

    • USPA Coach (since 2010)

    • USPA Accelerated Freefall Instructor (AFF-I) (since 2011)

    • USPA Tandem Instructor (2012–2021)

    • USPA Coach Examiner (2014–2021)

    • USPA Tandem Instructor Examiner (2016–2020)

    • UPT/Sigma Examiner (2016–2020)

    • Wind Tunnel Class A Instructor (since 2017)

    • Flight-1 Sport/Military Instructor (2018–2023)

    • USPA D-License #D-31788, FAE D-17005

  • I’ve spent over a decade pushing my limits in the sky and the tunnel, and what I bring to coaching comes from that journey. For me, it’s not just about flying better- it’s about doing it safely, with awareness, and in a way that actually sticks. My background in sport science and years of teaching across different disciplines shaped how I approach flying: a mix of precision, progression, and fun.

    At the heart of it all is the personal relationship. Every flyer and every group has their own goals, challenges, and way of learning, and I make sure each session reflects that. With individuals, it’s about building trust, refining technique, and strengthening the mental game. helping people prepare, focus, and make decisions with clarity. With teams, it’s about understanding their dynamic, shaping decision-making together, and finding the path that helps them fly as one.

    Whether we’re in the tunnel or the sky, my aim is to create an environment where progress feels natural, mental resilience grows alongside skill, and discovery is part of the process- a journey we take together, step by step.

With more than 11,500 jumps, Julian brings a wealth of experience in angle flying, canopy flying, flocking, and tunnel flying. His expertise reflects decades of dedication to both freefall and canopy disciplines, always combining precision with creativity.

Among his most meaningful moments in the sky was taking his mother for a sunset tandem over Empuriabrava, a flight that combined family, passion, and perspective in a way that stays with him to this day.

What keeps Julian coming back to the sport is being a catalyst for others’ success. He is deeply committed to contributing to the growth of the sport and the community, while continually pushing his own limits in the disciplines he loves. Just as important, he embraces the mindset of always remaining a student, open to new lessons in every jump.

For Julian, being part of Fluid Dynamics means being part of a family of driven individuals- a group committed to growing together, setting an example, and pushing each other to be their best while building a lasting legacy within the sport.

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