As those competition pilots who attended either of the last two AAA comps in Bright and Canungra will be aware, we had some robust conversations and meetings with regard to further developing our presence on the World Paragliding Competition (racing) scene.
We had observed that on the Civl World Paragliding Ranking Scheme (WPRS) our Australia National ranking had slipped down to 30th place and as a consequence points available from our domestic AAA competitions in the WPRS we sorely devalued. This then affected all our pilots WPRS rankings and has negatively reflected on Australian Paragliding in general.
It was apparent that we were in need of a more cohesive structure to support our Australian Competition Paraglider Pilots, in raising the value of our domestic competitions, pilots competing in overseas competitions and primarily our presence at the bi-annual World Championships.
To redress this situation we have now formed our Australian Paragliding Squad. This currently has a basic organisational structure aimed at supporting eligible pilots with future coaching opportunities, communications links, promotion of the sport and pilots through media and hopefully toward securing funding.
The Squad pilots are selected on merit of their previous seasons results and therefore considered most likely to be amongst those selected for the National Team in future. These pilots are invited to form the Squad for one Australian season (May-April) thereby allowing a period of benefit and allowing for turnover of members in coming seasons
The Squad has now been selected. Should any Paragliding member of HGFA realise we have overlooked their eligibility and wish to be included in the 2015/16 Squad please contact us directly for consideration.
Additionally we have developed this media portals and Facebook Page. These portals will serve as information bases and allow all pilots to benefit from input from the Squad members.
Adhering to the above Selection Criteria and having accepted their invitation The Australian Paragliding Squad Pilots for 2015/16 are listed in our Pilot Profiles section.
Lets make the most of this and get on up there…
Regards
Dave Snowden
Australian Paragliding Team Manager
Brian Webb
Australian Paragliding National Team Coach
Martin Havel
Australian Paragliding Assistant Team Manager