As those competition pilots who attended either of the last two AAA comps in Bright and Corryong 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
Following on from Pilot initiatives taken at our 2015 AAA series competitions and subsequent discussions, the Australian Paragliding Squad has been formed.
The criteria for Squad selection applied 30 April annually
- HGFA Paragliding member
- Ranked in top 20 Overall or top 2 Female Pilot on AU National Ladder 2015
- Ranked in the top 1,000 on WPRS during last two years
- Minimum of 5 AA+ tasks in goal
Team squad formation
- Pilots will be invited to apply for their place
- No backfilling, places vacated or not filled stay empty
- No wild cards
Benefits to the Squad member
- Squad pilot task debriefing and skills analysis during comps
- Remote skills development
- Prepare pilots for International (Worlds/ PWC/ Opens) race competitions
- Funding, possibilities
- Recognition
- Provide Infrastructure for local and state level comps
- Aussie squad logo on wing tip
Expected outcomes
- Build a strong team culture
- Build a pool of pilots that are positioning to be on the AU National team
- Knowledge sharing among the team
- Promotion and support of competition flying on local sites and at club levels
- Encourage attendance in and assist with International Overseas comps at FAI Cat2/1
- Team formation at Overseas comps
Measuring Success
- AU comp WPRS ranking will improve
- WPRS of Team pilots improve
- Results of AU team at Worlds improves
- Difference in points of Aussie 1 and 20 on the ladder reduces
- Australian Paragliding and Pilots internationally recognised
Structure
- Team Manager Dave Snowden. Assistant Team Manager Martin Havel
- Team / National Coaches
- Brian Webb
- Craig Collings
- Regional Coaches
- QLD Ashley McMillan and Peter Slade
- NSW James Thompson and Gareth Carter
- VIC Andrew Horchner and Antje Daehler
- SA Garth Camac
- WA Dave Snowden
- Team Treasurer Tbc