The 2009 World Paragliding Championships were held from Jan. 26 to Feb. 6, in Valle de Bravo, Mexico this year, located in Central Mexico (Lat: 19° 10' 60 N, Long: 100° 7' 60 W). A total of 148 Pilots from 44 countries were entered in this year's event. Originally scheduled for 11 tasks, high pressure conditions developed about halfway through the final task and forced a cancellation. So the final results from Task 10 would determine the Champions. After 10 tasks flown in 12 days,(there were two rest days after Task 6), the emerging World Champion was Andy Aebi of Switzerland, and Elisa Houdry of France took the Women's Title. Team Honors went to the Czech Republic.
 

The US National Team of Matt Beechinor, Brad Gunnuscio, Eric Reed, and 4 time Women's World Champion Kari Castle, finished a very respectable 5th, the best finish in the history of the team. Matt was the highest placing US pilot with 8039 pts and a 20th place finish. Next was Brad with 7772 pts and 27th place, then Eric with 7559 pts and 29th place. Kari finished 85th overall with 5117 pts. All three men won one task each.