[Pilot Dave]

some other stuff that might be useful

Clicky for Basic DA Chart you can print

wing loading comparison calculator

Clicky for wing loading calc

clicky for Density Altitude effect on canopies

[Gemetria]

It has been another early start today. Manifest has moved from the main office to an area by the pond so all the action is on view now with people packing in a marquee beside the pond as well.

Conditions looked like getting windy again but it died down and there is just a hint of a headwind breeze now. It looks like just about everyone is here and training hard. Tomorrow is the offical training day and we are having the Competitors meeting at lunch time.

There was one causualty today sadly. Super G (don't know his real name) had a very solid hit on the water and needed to be rescued from the water. It took a moment for people to and Robbie was quick to assist. He was stabalised by the side of the pond and then kept in the ambulance while the chopper arrived. Though sedated he was showing signs of conciousness apparently so hopefully he should be ok.

Since jumping has resumed the wind ahs been excellent and the judges are now working in the hot sun judging the Accuracy for competitors in training.

back to jumping now as Im on load 19 and on a call...

[Gemetria]

Day Nine: Part Two

As the day went on the runs got better and better. Pablo managed an 'unofficial' Record by just passing Nick Batsch's record by about a metre and Greg Windmiller also posted one very close to 150 meters.

Apparently Robbie got a Full Moon welcome on one of his runs but managed to be too focused on what he was doing to see. The Speed course has also been getting a pounding by Grim and Michael from belgium amongst others.

A Grand Caravan has arrived and by the end of the day between the Xk and the Caravan there had been 30 loads. Marat was one of a couple of people to get wet today and he did it in style taking out a marker on the way. one of the local boys Bertus managed to take a marker out on the Speed course this morning and tore his canopy as well as taking some bark off.

As the afternoon wore on the weather turned a bit grey and some showers looked like making an appearance. As the last load took off the showers started and it was the PD boys that went first into the rain as it got heavier. There were chants of "Swimming, Swimming, Swimming" led by Marat but taken up gladly by the Aussie contingent as the winds picked up into a strong headwind but none of the PD boys had what it took to run the course and all landed on the side of the pond. Two of our lads were on the load. Niki Jackson and Tom Gilmartin looked like they were going to run the course but Robbie ran out onto the side of the pond with a beer in his hand and the natural Aussie spirit fell to a Swoop and Chug and they both did a remarkable job of landing next to him and chugging away.

The reports on Super G have come back and it appears that he has not broken anything which is fantastic news.

Tomorrow we have not only the Competitors meeting at lunchtime but also the Opening Ceremony in the late arvo so hopefully it wont rain for us.

Until Tomorrow...

[Glenn Farrell]

Good luck boys, stay safe and have fun

[Langers]

Go the Aussies!! Hope you all have a fantastic and safe competition and bring home some bling!

Thanks for all the news, Koppel - so great to hear your updates.

[Gemetria]

Day Ten - Opening Ceremony

Jumping started at the usual time of 5:30am but there was noticeably less people available for loads and it was a much slower day than the previous few have been. As the day moved on people trickled in and by around 10am there were enough people to keep both planes ticking over. Jumping was due to stop around lunchtime with the competitors meeting set for 1pm. There were some smoking runs and quite a few people missing gates as well. It was heartening for the newer members of the Aussie Team to see the big names missing this close to competition and the Team spirit's are high on the eve of the comp. Pablo managed a run of around 175 meters with less than 7 m/s of downwind!!! Tom has shown his true colours with a run of 145 meters himself.... Marat also showed some decimating Speed runs as well.

The competitors meeting ran smoothly for the number of people there with very few points being raised. There were a couple of issues raised about exit heights for re-jumps and wind conditions. The most interesting thing was when it was raised about whether runs made in over 7 m/s would count or whether the must be a re-jump. Under currant rules the competitor is offered a re-jump or the choice of keeping their score. It was raised that to keep the playing field fair that the competitors would use an honour system and any runs made in over 7 m/s would be a re-jump regardless of score. The fact that this was supported by all competitors shows how tight the community is. The draws had been made already and we were introduced to our groups and exit orders were organised. Robbie and myself are on the first load at 6am. Marat will be leading the way with the first jump of competition. After the meeting it was back to Team HQ for a quick scrub up for the Team Photo's that were booked for 3:30pm.

When we got back to the marquee the chairs were all neatly stacked at the opposite end to where we have set up camp. It didn't take long for us to get all the chairs moved to our end of the marquee and up ended to create a Fortress (photo's to follow), much to the amusement of those around.

The Aussies were the first to get their photo's taken and one by one the other teams paraded up to the edge of the pond for the official photographer. The it was time for the procession. Once again we were the first called after the FAI flag which was carried out by the EMT that took care of Super G yesterday. once all the teams were lined up there was a show of local tribes people of drumming and dancing which was enjoyed by all and included some escapement Janet Jackson style. While all of this was going on there was a very impressive jump of the South African flag which landed very safely down-wind of the landing area. Michael has made the prediction that there will be no south Africans on the podium for Zone Accuracy

We held a Team meeting once we got back to Team HQ tonight and everyone has announced their goals for the comp. The general feeling is one of positive focus towards the next few days with no-one trying to push themselves too hard but all keen to improve on their own personal bests. The team is certainly a more cohesive unit than many that are here and should hopefully lead to us achieving our own personal goals for being here.

The masseuse's are booked for tomorrow after competition. We are already the envy of the DZ with the best accommodation with our new South African Mother Lourina who has not only been taking great care of us but is also coming down to support us through the competition. As we are starting so early she is also bringing our breakfast to the DZ. We are looking forward to seeing the faces of others when it turns up.

[Mick Hardy]

Good luck everyone. Keep the posts coming Gemetria. They kick start my day in the office and it's awesome to share the atmosphere.

[bob.dino]

Rock on dude. Sounds like a whale of a time.

Give everyone a beer from me.

[Gemetria]

Day Eleven: First Day of Competition

After an early night last night and everybody in bed by 9:30pm it was an early start. by 5am the first car had left for the DZ and conditions looked good. The Aussie's were the first to the marquee and were going through warm ups and preparation by the time others started to trickle in. The mood is good and the team are ready.

5:45am and the first call for load 1 went out followed quickly by a weather hold for the low cloud base of 2,000'. With the speed the clouds were passing by we knew it wouldn't be long before we would get the next call. Within 15 minutes we were underway. As we made our way out to the plane there was much shaking of hands and well wishing from all sides as the competition got under way. There was a few knots of quater-downwind on the course and we were starting with Zone Accuracy. Winds were checked as we climbed and while it was 15-20 at 2,500' there was nothing at exit height.

Marat led the way and the comp was on. By the time the second pass were out those in the air had noticed that the course was closed and the smoke canister was out. That did not bode well. There was no communication to the plane and unawares the third pass got out as well. We all noted the smoke and landed away from the course. All of us I imagine had the same thoughts of hoping that whoever was hurt on the ground wasn't too bad and that it wasn't one of ours. It turns out that the conditions were quite fast still and Marat who was first had struggled to slow down and ended up in No-man's land for a zero. The second down was one of the Russians and he too found it fast. He had both feet in the water to slow down and was still moving fast when he looked to shut the canopy down to try not to go past the Centre Zone. He landed awkwardly on his side and was quickly assisted by those around when he didn't get up. We were to find out later that he busted his femur.

As the rest of us landed and waited to see what happened we were given our re-jump slips and informed that we would be first up next but by that time the wind had was holding steady around half a meter per second over limits at 7.5 m/s with gusts coming through that were much stronger. We were on hold until 8:30.

Team morale went through the roof and that of everyone else in the marquee dropped as did their jaws when Lourina (our new South African Mother) and her daughter arrived with breakfast. I was quickly ordered away to find a table and very quickly breakfast was laid out with the flag at one end and a spread to feed the army on top. Robbie was kind enough to put a call out over manifest that our breakfast had arrived and for any stray Australians to come and join us. Plenty of Yanks, Pom's and others came for a look but sadly we were the only Aussies so we tucked in so as to not let it go to waste. The three Pom's that are staying at Casa Lumini were graciously allowed to join in as it was their breakfast too.

By the time 8:30am had rolled around the cloud had set in and the wind looks the same. We are not on release until 10:30am and are back at Team HQ enjoying a rest before heading back out. If conditions are consistant with when we arrived it could be this afternoon that we are jumping or maybe even not until tomorrow. We shall see.....

[Luke Oliver]

Pics sent by the erstwhile Gemetria.

I should point out that he - like so many others over there - have funded this trip largely off their own bat, and we should all shower his iPhone with gratitude that he has blessed us with so much information from all the way over there. Hooray also for the Internet.


Aussie Team before Ceremony with our new South African mother Lourina:
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At the barricade.
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The Aussies Represent
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Another Barricade shot
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Number of downloads: 12

The Dancers
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Breakfast on day one of comp
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Tom making new friends
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Number of downloads: 10

[Gemetria]

Still on hold. 3pm next call. Team seems to be managing the delay well. Spirits are good.

[Gemetria]

Competition Day One : Continued

As the day progressed there was wind hold after wind hold. 8:30, 10:30, 1pm, 3pm, and finally at 4:30pm we were allowed to head for the bar. A few of the team did while the rest headed for Team HQ. Ronnie, Robbie, 'Dead-Pan' Dave and myself were enjoying the hospitality and a cold one when one of the locals (a rather large gentleman) approached us and asked who had been for a massage the day before in town. None of knew who and he explained that it was his daughter.... there was a silence until he laughed and explained that his daughter had been very taken with 'the good looking Aussie' and he wanted to see what his nineteen year old daughter thought was good looking.

The bar has been moved and a few of the locals are a bit upset that the prices are no longer subsidised by the club. It hasn't seemed to phase the Aussies too much as the prices are still cheap compared to local prices at home.

Supper was the usual feast that we have come to appreciate and then it was time for the massages. It was four at a time and well worth it. It was more a case of 'Sweetest' rather than Swedish with moist brown sugar being used to scrub down the arms and legs before the massage. The following massage was excellent. Each of us came out feeling relaxed and ready for competition tomorrow.


Aussie Aussie Aussie

[Luke Oliver]

 photo_1.jpg (165.12K)
Number of downloads: 17

[Gemetria]

Pics sent by the erstwhile Gemetria.

I should point out that he - like so many others over there - have funded this trip largely off their own bat, and we should all shower his iPhone with gratitude that he has blessed us with so much information from all the way over there. Hooray also for the Internet.

thanks for that Luke. Your right it is basically a self-funded effort for World Cup events for all competitors. I would like to thank SQPC for their funding of $500 which went towards training jumps.

I know it has been worth the effort of coming and that the comp will be/is being fun.

[Gemetria]

Live Score Updates Here

[Gemetria]

Day Twelve: Comp Day Two

Conditions were good for the start of the day when we arrived. The first load were in the plane and Zone Accuracy was the name of the game. The plane started and taxied out onto the runway with all the same people on Load 1 as yesterday minus Marat Leiras and Nikolay Sukharnikov as re-jumps were in order.

Next it powered down and then it turned off. Competitors looked around wondering what was going on only to find that there was some concern that the Accuracy course was too hard after last nights storm, rain and compacting of the sand. It was decided that it would be safer for the competitors if we ran Speed while they worked on the Accuracy course. It is good to know that the Meet Director and the Judges are on our side. There was a 45 minute wait while the Judges got organised and then Load 1 for Speed took off. Round 1 was going smoothly with some good scores being posted and most of the Aussies posting a score with a re-jump going to Shane Price for trouble with the sensor on his run.

Breakfast arrive at 8am again much to the delight of the Team. As always a veritable feast.


edited to add:


The Comps first and hopefully only Red Card was given to one of the Ukranian jumpers Dmytro Karpekov after a very erratic run which fortunately ended without further incident but which left him removed from competition. A shame as he has been here all week training with Jay and his team mate. His team mate was unable to compete after a gnarly run training Zone Accuracy left him with an injured knee.

currently on stand-by

[Phielix]

Live Score Updates Here

All i get is this:

Info icon
Navigation to the webpage was canceled


What you can try:

[Glenn Farrell]

Found another page with results on the FAI website:

http://www.fai.org/parachuting/node/1597

Not much to see on there just yet, but hopefully they will get updated as things progress...

[Gemetria]

Wind has died down....

4:15pm and the re-jumps and the rest of Round 1 Speed is on a call. Should get a fair bit of Round 2 in as well if the wind holds. Blowing quater head-wind though now so don't expect any new records just yet.

[Gemetria]

Tragically during Round 1 a Russian competitor mis-judged his approach and has had a fatal impact on the pond. The EMT's were incredibly quick to respond and to provide assistance including CPR but sadly to no avail. Gertie the EMT in charge suggested that it appears it would have been instantaneous. The competitors are rallied together and while the mood is somber it seems we all understand that what we do is dangerous and that our approach and attitude is generally what can be the difference between safety and survival or facing the consequences. Robbie has re-inforced the message that if we are going to miss then miss safely and it while this was apparently already the Team Attitude it has been driven home.

The Australian Team send their condolences to the Family, Friends and Team members.

On a more positive note the Russians were needing to raise funds as a deposit for the surgery for Nikolay and put out a request for assistance as they did not have the required funds in cash and within minutes had a pile of money in their hands enabling them to get the procedure started. This is very much a re-inforcement that NO-ONE should ever travel over-seas without travel insurance. certainly the cost 'appears' to be excessive if you have never needed it but having heard the stories and no having seen the costs first hand the price of insurance is extremely cheap in comparison to the potential costs of assistance, surgery and re-patriation in the event of an accident.


Once jumping resumed at around 4:15pm there was enough time to get two rounds of Speed finished. There were a few re-jumps that had to be made and there were some fine runs made in conditions that while good were quite variable ranging from quarter-headwind to quarter-downwind. While the World Record was not broken there were a few runs that came within a couple of tenths of a second and plenty that were under 2.5 seconds.

There were some good decisions to abort plus some careful adjustments made by those that got caught by the conditions. It was surprising when one person who had a particularly bad approach and landed with a large bounce in amongst the spectators. I am not certain at this point if they got Red Carded or not as I have not been able to confirm this yet.

Tomorrow we move onto Distance. If the conditions are similar to what we have had recently then there is a good chance that some will be getting close to World Record Distances if not breaking it. The Aussies are doing well with only a couple of rounds out the way there is still plenty of time for improvements as well. Competition starts at 5:30am so it will be an early night for all.



Don't forget to raise a glass tonight.....