Texas CPC Meet #2

[AggieDave 6]

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BTW it's only like an 18 hour drive from Sugar Land (SW Houston) to the DZ!

Good thing you don't have to go that far, hell, you can go to Brenham and get it from the factory, that's a shitload closer then SW H-town...nevermind that you could get that cool tour and free samples. Oh and nevermind you could visit Aggieland since we're only about 40 minutes from Brenham, TX.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[IMGR2 0]

I'm sorry, is this bonfire or swooping forum. hehe

[AggieDave 6]

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I'm sorry, is this bonfire or swooping forum.

You're not gonna ban me are you?

Ok, seriously, you gonna make it this weekend? Know of anyone else from your DZ coming this weekend?

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[IMGR2 0]

Jason and I will be there.

And YES you are banned!

[Brains 2]

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Jason and I will be there.

And YES you are banned!

Ahem! L.A.S.T. will be there for the farewell tour. And this ain't like no cher or KISS farewell tour, when we are gone, we are gone.

Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you.

[IMGR2 0]

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Jason and I will be there.

And YES you are banned!

Ahem! L.A.S.T. will be there for the farewell tour. And this ain't like no cher or KISS farewell tour, when we are gone, we are gone.

About time! ROTFLMAO
I will fly a board for you Jeff and I have tights too.

[psuCory 0]

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Hope you can make the competition circuit next year. I look forward to flying with you.

Me too

[long... sorry... cracked a beer while typing... short story... Its a potentially great system, I [opinion] see a few flaws[/opinion] and wish the program the best of luck for this and future years]

Like I said at the beginning... I don't expect to be in the winners circle (i've got soooo much to learn before I can even expect myself to place!). What I would like to see is increased participation at all levels.

Which is why (sorry if I sound like a broken record here) I keep harping on a few (possibly trivial) points.

Earlier meet announcements allows more people to schedule time to be there (this will hopefully be taken care of in year 2). With more people competing (safely), we each have more chances to learn (i.e. watch and/or talk to others). With only 5 or 6 people per region competing... it should be apparent that something didn't quite work (marketing 101, if the right message doesn't make it to the right people, the right things don't happen). Please don't take this as an affront to the CPC, just a chance that they have next year for increasing participation.

Another opinion (which many hear have disagreed with) is the restriction applied by a 3 of 4 rule. In theory it looks great! I was actually quite excited to see a NSL style system forming for swoop events. Being able to see how I was performing for meets (with real judging!) over the period of a season... wow.. there is real value in that. Add to it, I get to see (start stroking the ego here) how I compare with my peers! (ok in reality. if I'm in the top 50% of peers in my "intermediate/advanced class" I'd be happy). Anyway, it sounded like a great system taking shape (and it still might).

However, seeing the application of the 3 of 4 rule(and hearing it's discussion of it at the dz) causes some realizations... Hanging a multiple stage qualifier out there results in attrition. Those that see the carrot not the process (i.e. making nationals, not the learning that is available along the way) see a reality of "make 3 of 4 or fuck off. And those pilots choose not to attend the events at all. Come on, jumpers are largely type A personalities, and swoopers are some of the more aggressive A types. Which means that they will choose to go after a goal aggressively or choose another goal. It's the same all or nothing personality that often brought them to this sport that will prevent them from chasing something that is seen as "too restrictive"...

Now, this may be intentional; by keeping those that are not truly serious out of the events, we will raise the competition level... eventually. At the early stages though, the more safe people you can get jumping for a competition, the better the competition will be for everyone (participants, spectators, ok maybe not judges.... but you know where this is going).

Ok.. I just re-read this before posting.. and it sounds a bit negative. It shouldn't be. These are small issues that will probably be handled in season 2. Getting anything started takes serious commitment, and the scope of the project that the CPC is attempting is truly amazing. I'm sure that those that have been given a chance to compete, watch, judge, or hang around at the various meets have learned more about swooping as an art/sport in a short weekend/day than they could in a few "regular season" months. Thanks to all the national and local organizers for getting things started. Hopefully year 2 will run smoother, from both an organizational and competitors point of view, resulting in more competitors and better competition.

Best of luck to this years competitors, and to the league for next year!



--Cory

[ianmdrennan 2]

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I look forward to being able to learn from all of you

Likewise

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With only 5 or 6 people per region competing... it should be apparent that something didn't quite work

Not necessarily. There are 2 primary reasons for this IMO.

1) There aren't many jumpers in each region who feel they're competitively ready (which leads me to point 2).
2) Jumpers allow their ego to scare them out of competition. I've had more than one jumper say "I don't wanna go and compete just so you can win it". ABSOLUTELY wrong attitude for a number of reasons (which I won't go into here).

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Those that see the carrot not the process (i.e. making nationals, not the learning that is available along the way) see a reality of "make 3 of 4 or fuck off.

If they're thinking like this my guess is they've never competed in swoop meets before. If that's the case it's extremely unlikey they'll win the finals anyway. To look at ANY swoop meet as a money generating event is a fools game. The reality is that the top competitors get closer and closer to each other with each passing day. Winners are almost entirely determined by who's on over who's just having a regular good day. Hell, in the freaking standard class a vert will take you out of the running for the top spot in most regions. My point is, that ANY of the top guys can win at any time. I don't think any of them go to a meet expecting to win...hoping and striving for - sure...expecting - No.

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I'm sure that those that have been given a chance to compete, watch, judge, or hang around at the various meets have learned more about swooping as an art/sport in a short weekend/day than they could in a few "regular season" months

Absolutely. Just another reason to attend, even if it's just to watch

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Hopefully year 2 will run smoother, from both an organizational and competitors point of view, resulting in more competitors and better competition.

I hope so too. I'd love to see 10-15 regional competitors at each meet. It'll be a while before that happens though.

See you on the battlefield!

Blues,
Ian

Performance Designs Factory Team

[psuCory 0]

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1) There aren't many jumpers in each region who feel they're competitively ready (which leads me to point 2).

Hey, there are many beerline swoopers (I'll admit I'm one of them) that know that they are not ready for competition (in the sense of winning). The trick is, getting them to compete for fun or to watch and evaluate. We've all known people that (at the least) watch a lot and give valuable feedback. More eyes = more potential for learning. These competitions, as I understand them, are geared towards those "not ready for pro level competition". The jobs of the organizers (sort of) and promoters (largely) are to convince these people to compete! A local competition can bring in a lot of the "sideline swoopers" for a DZ. But they won't travel. Case in point the D-1 Accuracy meet (at my DZ). The only competitors were staff (first year, they didnt advertise... safety reasons I think). Of those competitors only 1 traveled to the first CPC meet. Was he more dedicated to the sport than the othes? maybe. Was his schedule more flexible than the others.. again maybe.

Solution: Creating a handicaping system (talk to TSL organizer Ryan for details as it is pretty compex) for competitions could have a very positive impact. Attending more meets allows for better handicappign... and give a prize for 1st place handicap (2 days with coaches?). It's not that the system in place is "bad" is that there are opportunites to improve, so why not take them!

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2) Jumpers allow their ego to scare them out of competition. I've had more than one jumper say "I don't wanna go and compete just so you can win it". ABSOLUTELY wrong attitude for a number of reasons (which I won't go into here).

I've entered a few competitions locally knowning that I had no chance to win... but I could learn. (that's where you were going with that statement right?) But the majority of the people out there will not do that. Is it wrong to try to coax them into competing? Perhaps. But it just might result in better competions (thats a good thing)!

So let's do what we can to increase the number of (safe) competitors. Prizes for winning a single local meet (increased sponsorship for year 2 might bring this). Larger prizes for CPC nationals (places 1 through 3) would help. However, by making "win 1 and I'm qualified for nationals" (done for ego points alone) could stand to increase participation significantly. Which is why I'm a proponent of compete in at least 1 competition to qualify, not 3 of 4. Make it like the poker tour, winning one regional, qualifies you for the national. If you completely flub your first, but feel you've learned a lot, you can go to another and still qualify! i.e. increased participation at multiple levels! That's a good thing.

--cory

[psuCory 0]

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I hope so too. I'd love to see 10-15 regional competitors at each meet. It'll be a while before that happens though.

Until that happens... until we can get the "weekend beerline swoopers" into the event... it will lack legitimacy (in perception). Give them a reason to care, and skin in the game, and critical mass occurs. More competitors = more money = better prizes = increased participation = more competitors.. its one of those circular things .

Hats off to the organizers... may your work... well... work .

[ianmdrennan 2]

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The trick is, getting them to compete for fun or to watch and evaluate. We've all known people that (at the least) watch a lot and give valuable feedback. More eyes = more potential for learning. These competitions, as I understand them, are geared towards those "not ready for pro level competition".

I agree - which is why I like the idea of never (if possible) having more than one CPC meet at the same dz for the that season (Dave H is doing a great job of that). It brings competition to the locals who may never have competed. Once they've done one, chances are that they'll do others. Just see the TN thread and you'll see that first time competitor Drew Joyner is now going to be coming along with us all for the ride
The reality is though, that some peoples ego's will never let them compete. I agree it's a pity cause everyone brings something to these events.

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It's not that the system in place is "bad" is that there are opportunites to improve, so why not take them!

Send your suggestions to Jim Slaton. He's an approachable guy and will definitely listen to your suggestions.

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I've entered a few competitions locally knowning that I had no chance to win... but I could learn.

That's awesome. To me, it's what it's all about BUT I am always surprised how many 'competition novices' don't want to compete to learn and they know they can't win on some level so they don't compete at all. Doesn't make any sense to me, but it happens. Maybe that'll change as more people begin to compete (lets face it, people find strength in others).

Time will tell - remember this is still the first year. There are bugs and they are being identified as we all go along.

Blues,
Ian

Performance Designs Factory Team

[skydivermom 0]

Hey Bryan,

I did my first tandem jump (b-day gift)at SSM in mid-April and I just want to know what you guys put in your water out there because I am hooked! I'm actually driving out there from Houston to take the lessons because it's so much cheaper, and prettier of course.

You were the grand finale to my wonderful, life-changing experience as you swooped the crowd shortly after I landed. Just wondering if you will be there on June 18 because I am very nervous and your skill really impressed me.

Mrs. WaltAppel

All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

[Amanduh 0]

I left before the scores were announced yesterday...

Who took this one?
*Great to see you all again, and it was awesome to see almost a double in participants!!! I think the CPC will grow each meet and each year...Awesome job everyone! Great times

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[tspillers 0]

I am sure Levin will post soon. I can't remember the order. I remember where Dave and I cam in.

Todd

I am not totally useless, I can be used as a bad example.

[AggieDave 6]

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I remember where Dave and I cam in.

Yup, through the gates most of the time.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Yoshi 0]

I am pretty sure I know where I came in.... but I dont know the "official" scores yet..

-yoshi

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this space for rent.

[Caseadilla 0]

I had a blast, cant wait till the next one! Lets see some scores Levin.

[Levin 0]

Thanks to everyone for another great meet. And a special thanks to Haylee, Amanduh, Brains, Jason, Katrina, Yoshi & Casey’s girlfriends and for judging and helping change the courses. The vibe was great. Everybody had a great time though the winds were a bit of a bummer again. The results are as follows…

SPEED
1. AggieDave - XF2 149 @ 1.9
2. Hookitt - Velocity 75 @ 2.1
3. Todd Spillers - Velocity 103 @ 2.22
4. Daniel Carroll - VX 79 @ 2.2
5. Jason Lemley - Velocity 96 @ 1.65
6. Casey Anderson - XF2 109 @ 175
7. IMRG2 - Onyx 65 @ 2.8
8. Katrina Autry - Velocity 90 @ 2.1
9. Yoshi - XF2 111 @ 1.8
10. Levin - FX 74 @ 2.1
10. Brits17 - VX 60 @ 2.1

DISTANCE
1. Yoshi
2. IMRG2 - Onyx 95 @ 2.0
3. Todd Spillers
4. Daniel Carroll
5. Levin
6. Casey Anderson
7. Katrina Autry
8. Jason Lemley
9. Brits17
10. AggieDave
11. Hookitt

ZONE ACCURACY
1. Todd Spillers
2. Hookitt
3. Katrina Autry
3. Levin
3. Yoshi
3. IMRG2 - Onyx 75 @ 2.1
3. AggieDave
3. Casey Anderson
3. Daniel Carroll
3. Brits17
3. Jason Lemley

OVERALL
1. Todd Spillers - Skydive Aggieland
2. Daniel Carroll - Skydive Houston
3. Bryan Moffett (IMRG2) - Skydive San Marcos
4. Kevin "Yoshi" Yasuda - Skydive Spaceland
5. Casey Anderson - Eagle Flight Skydiving
6. David "AggieDave" Lund - Skydive Aggieland
7. Jason Lemley - Skydive San Marcos
8. Tim Mattison (Hookitt) -
9. Katrina Autry - Skydive Spaceland
10. Levin Jackson
11. Brittany Sanchez (Brits17) - Skydive Houston

Current Overall Competitor Rank for this Season
1. Todd Spillers - 200 pts
2. Yoshi - 193.7 pts
3. AggieDave - 183 pts
4. Levin - 182.1 pts
5. Katrina Autry - 180.8 pts
6. Brits17 - 178.1 pts
7. Daniel Carroll - 98.5 pts
8. IMRG2 - 96.9 pts
9. Casey Anderson - 93.4 pts
10. Jason Lemley - 89.5 pts

[hookitt 1]

It's hard to believe my super swoop of 24 feet 6 inches put me in last for the distance portion of the event.

That was a fun contest.

My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto

[ianmdrennan 2]

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It's hard to believe my super swoop of 24 feet 6 inches put me in last for the distance portion of the event.

The comp clearly wasn't set up correctly for a pioneer such as yourself

edit: On a serious note, great job everyone! Levin, I know winds were a factor, but do you have the individual scores/times/distances for the events?

Blues,
Ian

Performance Designs Factory Team

[Brains 2]

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It's hard to believe my super swoop of 24 feet 6 inches put me in last for the distance portion of the event.

That was a fun contest.

I was absolutely stunned myself.
Good seeing you again Tim, if you get a chance, send me a pic of that arm sling you designed, i think it will help me.

Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you.

[Amanduh 0]

So is the place clean and dinner ready yet?


BWAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAAAAA!!!!!!!!!

[Levin 0]

[reluctantly] yes [/reluctantly]

i would have posted them with the ranks but that meant posting my scores as well.

i'll get them up shortly

[Yoshi 0]

I had another great time. I am a classic example of "never give up"
after the first distance round I was told I "verted" and figured I was in somewhere around 8th place or so... then I tried through the next distance round, both accuracy rounds (with no success) and the first speed round to see if I could get a good score to bump me up, and see if anyone else messed up to get me back in the running. it came down to the last speed round and I figured I was at the bottom of the totem poll in scoring so I goofed off and ended up with a "worst possible score" (10 seconds)... later I found out (after video review) that I DIDNT vert the first distance round and if I would have just kited my canopy through the gates in a decent time I could have been in the top three... ohh well I had a great time and I cant complain with a 4th place!

see ya at the next one!
-yoshi

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this space for rent.

[ianmdrennan 2]

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i would have posted them with the ranks but that meant posting my scores as well

Everyone has bad meets. It's nothing to be embarressed about, but if you feel more comfortable just PM them to me. I'm just curious and I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable about them.

You'll get 'em next time!
Blues,
Ian

Performance Designs Factory Team