Ranimiro Lotufo is an example of improvement and professionalism. He has a production company with his wife, where they make videos for companies, capturing what the client wants and needs. They advertise their services on the Internet and create catalogs so that users know the advantages of choosing that company and not another.
Throughout a life in which he has worked in different sectors, as opposite as fashion and production, he has enjoyed practicing numerous adventure sports , such as paragliding (his great passion), climbing, MTB or horse riding. He has more than 100 videos posted on YouTube, so anyone who wants can get to know Ranimiro in its purest form.
During the interview it was possible to see how sincere, close and enthusiastic he is, giving a great example of how anyone who wants to can practice sports, without impediments of any kind.
Yumping.- I know that you are very well known in Brazil, your native country, but so that our readers know more about you, tell me, what is Ranimiro like?
Ranimiro Lotufo.- Ranimiro is a very positive person. I always see the good side of things, even when everything seems to be going very badly I apply the Brazilian saying: "Lemonade is made from lemon." When I lost my leg I did not give up and I continue to see the good things, I exercise optimism every day and I see that being an amputee is not so bad. I can practice all kinds of sports, even the most risky ones, and live a very normal life.
Y.- Researching on the Internet I read that you were a model for 12 years, what experience have you obtained from that profession?
R.L.- Being a model made me see the world, leaving Brazil and visiting Europe, Japan, the United States... I am a man who likes to travel, get to know different cultures, peoples... it's wonderful! I was born on a farm raising cows and chickens, so having the opportunity to open my mind and see places like Spain was wonderful.
The world of fashion helped me a lot, although I believe in fashion as a showcase for new trends, I don't think we should be slaves to it and buy "what's popular", the most expensive... I wear what I like and don't. what is fashionable. If it goes out of style I continue using it, because it's what I like and I bought it for a reason (laughs).
Y.- A businessman like you, dedicated to carrying out the best advertising campaigns For other companies, what do you do in your free time?
R.L.- When I have free time I go flying (laughs). Paragliding is my greatest pleasure. Discovering sensations like entering and leaving a cloud, passing by the mountains and almost touching them or even flying over places like Quixada, the poorest part of Brazil but with the richest people at heart... is priceless.
Y.- At Yumping we are dedicated to the world of leisure, where adventure sports are the protagonists. How did you get started in paragliding?
R.L.- During a trip to Portugal for work, I met a South African model who did hang gliding and had a magazine about flights in his hands. We started talking and he convinced me how beautiful it is to fly. I was very interested in the topic and he put me in contact with a hang gliding instructor who lived in Munich, like me, and I started taking classes in this sport - wonderful, by the way.
Y.- You have done competitions in Brazilian locations, how is paragliding experienced in a competition?
R.L.- I think that everyone who flies should participate in a championship, since it is very productive: you learn to fly faster. If someone does not have experience, it is very important that they are aware that they are not going to arrive first but that it is an enriching experience, since being close to the best in the world is the most rewarding.
I have been to some championships in Brazil and the truth is, my scores were better when I participated and not competed (laughs). By participating I felt more relaxed and flew without pressure to get the best score, but it is true that I observed others and took advantage of the best opportunities to improve my flight.
Y.- Do you practice other types of sports?
R.L.- I currently practice paragliding, climbing and cycling. You have to be in shape (laughs).
Y.- What is the next adventure you are going to embark on?
R.L.- My next adventure will be to visit the best wine cellars in Spain and other European countries by paragliding and mountain biking with my wife (laughs). I would like to take a trip full of beauty, pleasure and meet good people to chat and take advantage of the best along the way, while tasting a good wine (laughs).
Y.- On Twitter, Facebook or YouTube, users can watch your videos and follow your career. Why do you like to post videos of your activities on the web?
Mainly because I made 100 videos for Brazilian television and while I was waiting to have my own program, I closed all the programming with National Geographic of Brazil and with the intention of broadcasting it in other countries.
R.L.- I gave up the idea of having my own program because looking for a sponsor I met a Brazilian politician, Walfrido dos Mares Guía, who gave us a lot of hope... For two years we did everything they asked of us but, as every Brazilian politician lied to us. I got discouraged and gave up the idea of having my program. Now I continue with my production company www.zoomproducoes.com.br/site/
As I mentioned, I made 100 videos that I posted on YouTube, with a very important impact and good results.
I use social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Orkut, since it allows me to have direct contact with people and on the other hand I have found people with whom I have not had a relationship for years. People from Spain, Italy, the USA, France and many other places.
Y.- What do you think of all the fans you have?
R.L.- What can I tell you about my fans, they are wonderful. They are people who find something true and sincere in me, since I have never lied to them. Since I did the television show, many people have followed my career, although I have never wanted to be a hero.
Y.- Finally, how would you encourage people to practice adventure sports?
R.L.- I honestly have no words to express how beautiful and wonderful it is to practice adventure sports. That is why I advise everyone to try them, since you will be able to see life from another angle. It is such a wonderful angle that I cannot give up practicing them, being in places where the rest of the people do not go, flying with an eagle, descending a river with the fish and knowing that this river has to be reserved and cared for... Nature is wonderful, powerful and fantastic.
You should never say "I can't" or "I'm not going" without really trying and experiencing it. This is how I have done so much sport, even after losing my leg, I have never given up or thought that I can't do it. They are very beautiful experiences that must be lived...
