proswoopingtour 0 #1 January 7, 2003 The PST ranking system, point system & qualifiers are outlined in the PST manual available from headquarters. In plain english it works like this... The PST has two competition series within the tour, the Pro Series and the Advanced Series. There are no longer any intermediate competitions available within the Pro tour. Up & coming swoopers start out in the Advanced Series by attending one of the four regional qualifiers. Swoopers attend a qualifier where they can either participate in a week long skills camp for detailed competition training or just show up at the end of the week for the qualifier itself. The qualifier is set up like a competition where canidates swoop a PST course. Candidates are evaluated on their ability to safely approach and negociate the course in a controlled manner. Contrary to popular belief, the top winners are not the only ones to get qualified. All participants that can make safe, controlled runs through the PST course will be awarded a qualification and entered into the Advanced Series for future competitions. The Advanced Series runs side by side with the Pro Series & at the same locations (2003-Florida, Norway, Baja, WFFC & Perris Valley). Once in the Advanced Series the competitor is issued performance points based on the position they finish at each meet (example: 100pts for 1st). Once the competitor accumulates a total of 500 pts they may request a Pro Qualification from the PST, which will assign a chief judge to set up a Pro qualification course for the candidate. The candidate will then be required to make 5 consecutive runs through a 220 ft carving course. A succefull run is where the candidate scores the entry gate, flies through the course without touching any vertical markers, & reaches the exit gate prior to making contact with the surface. When 5 consecutive runs are accomplished a PRO SLOT is awarded. For more info contact the PST. Thanks! SlatonAirSports.com CanopyPiloting.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base698 1 #2 January 9, 2003 How far is the advanced course and what does qualifying for the advanced part contain? What events are in the advanced meet? What are the prizes? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
proswoopingtour 0 #3 January 9, 2003 In most conditions the Advanced qualification course is a 30ft wide 200ft long carving course. Candidates must be able to score the entry gate & run the length of the course in a safe, controlled manner. Competitors competing on the Advanced Series earn performance points toward a Pro slot & their overall tour ranking. Tour jackets, medals, rings and some other prizes exist but all cash purses within the PST are currently exclusive to the Pro Series competitors. SlatonAirSports.com CanopyPiloting.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skygod7777 0 #4 January 9, 2003 QuoteIn most conditions the Advanced qualification course is a 30ft wide 200ft long carving course. Candidates must be able to score the entry gate & run the length of the course in a safe, controlled manner just wondering, but do you have to drag your toe or just be within the gates?? thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
listo 0 #5 January 9, 2003 Do the 5 PRO candidate jumps on the carving lane have to be done into the wind or downwind? I can see where this would have a drastic effect on the outcome of distance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
proswoopingtour 0 #6 January 9, 2003 The candidate does not have to drag a portion of their body on the surface during the run, only score the entry gate & stay within the course. Thanks!...staff SlatonAirSports.com CanopyPiloting.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
proswoopingtour 0 #7 January 9, 2003 On qualification day the assigned chief judge will hold a draw for the candidate to determine which way the course will carve. The course is then set to carve into the direction of the wind, if there is wind. Once the course is set and the candidate starts the qualification process, the course will remain the same, unless the prevailing winds exceed 15mph. TOUR NOTE: Most swoopers that reach a Pro Qualification will have little trouble with 5 runs on the 220ft carving course. The PST qualification requires a minimum of 500 performance points, which is at least a year or so (finishing in top 5) of competitive swooping on the circuit. The experienced gained while earning these points will go a long way toward any qualification. Thanks!...staff SlatonAirSports.com CanopyPiloting.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
