sparkyscott

Hehe! Yeah last time I checked we kept the title for 2 years :) Anyway saw Brianne and Erin at Perris this week - really glad they are sorted :)

This year we are introducing a project with Perris Fury and Bodyflight Storm co-coaching a number of 8-way teams of different standards that will do a single camp in sunny California and then compete at the British Nationals this summer. Each 8-way group will jump with a member of the British National champions Bodyflight Storm. In addition, each team will be coached by a member of Perris Fury, leaders of the Fury8 project in the USA. The Fury team has been running this project for two years successfully having led seven different teams to the US Nationals. We are looking to replicate this proven method in the UK. To find out more about the project please visit our website www.stormskydivingteam.co.uk and go to the coaching page where you will find a brochure and application form. Further queries can also be directed to Kate Stephens [email protected] Previous 8-way experience isn't necessary, a positive mental attitude is The closing date for applications is 28th Feb. Cheers Sparky Team Bodyflight Storm

Just to clarify a few things... When we formed the team at the beginning of 07, our goal was to go for the Womens event. Team Airkix / Elan were also continuing with their goal, being clearly stated on their website as aiming to be the first womens team to enter the Open Category. The position we then found ourselves in after the Nationals was a little unexpected! The decision to enter the Womens event instead of the Open was not taken lightly. Yes it would have been great to be the first all female team to enter the Open Category, however we felt we owed it to the Womens category to a) be in a position to defend the title won by Airkix in 06 and b) push the average in this category even further. Up until now there has always been a big gap between the averages scored in the female event versus the Open. Now we have the chance to close that gap further. The fact that both categories do the same draw makes the comparison easy. In terms of BPA funding this is still not confirmed and it all depends on what support the BPA get from the Sports Council which I understand is being reduced due to the 2012 Olympic Commitment. Anyway regardless of the funding we may or may not receive, we will be doing our best to be prepared for the World Meet. For 2 of the team, it will be their first World Meet experience! Can't wait!! Sparky Bodyflight Storm

Can I just say in my defense....that there was no taunting involved.....at least not on the occasion you are referring to

If you ever get the chance to get coached by Perris Fury...then I would urge you to take it! We have just completed a very successful 3 day 2on2 tunnel camp with Fury at the Bodyflight Wind Tunnel. The aim of the camp was to work on speed drills plus also to improve block technique and was structured so that we got to train as 2on2 as well as putting it into practice as a team. We gained loads of tips specific to each slot and felt like we made some really good progress in a short space of time. Check out Perris Fury's website for more details of future coaching events www.perrisfury.net Sparky Team Bodyflight Storm

Hi Dru Thanks for those very kind words! Just to say you guys were a pleasure to help and it was great to see you progress this year. Am sorry to hear that you guys are taking a break next year especially after being together for so long....best of luck in Oz and keep in touch!! Sparky

Just to put the record straight we actually managed just under 700 jumps since February although we didn't actually go full time until May. Yes we are very fortunate to be paid a wage, and in return we are working to increase the profile of a number of women's and children's charities in association with our sponsor. We are just about to start work on a number of projects which will keep us busy in-between training camps. It is a skydivers dream come true and we realise how very lucky we are and are making the most of the opportunity! To win the Nationals with a team that has increased it's average from last years 13.2(AA) to 18.1(AAA) this year is fantastic! A true testimony to Dan BC's plan not to mention the help we got from Perris Fury!! A big thanks to everyone who wished us luck and supported us....looking forward to France next year

which members of Team Airkix still coach there?*** As an original member of Airkix before it changed to Team Elan and before the team member change, I still provide coaching at Airkix on Tuesday and Thursday nights and other times on request. Ask the tunnel for more details or PM me. Sparky

Whys it necesary to make pretend users? Didnt Team Airkix train at Bedford? *** Team Airkix predominantly trained at Airkix during 05/06. Yes they made a few trips to Bedford to train some of the longer blocks but their home was primarily Airkix. Sparky

Rather than focusing on, say, an 18 point average to win the gold in the Women's class, why not aim for the 22+ average which will put you in contention to win the Open class at a World Meet - why limit your team because of gender? *** Not wanting to go on about the women's thing....can I just say that by entering the Women's category doesn't mean that you are limiting your team. You don't just focus on what average it takes to win, you focus on doing your absolute best! I don't think anyone would be totally happy winning with a performance that is below what they are capable of. That should be the same for any team, regardless of the gender. Sparky

Yeah no worries, was just concerned that because some of the teams were out of the action i.e. down the team rooms, they were seen not to be mixing in. I would have loved to have made use of the team tents in the hangar, but being one of the largest delegations and also sharing with a couple of other countries there wasn't really any room to relax properly. Also our coach was keen to keep us away from the score boards (part of our plan)....I would have been glued to them had we been in the hangar!!

In reply to the points you raised concerning the GB participation at the World Cup.......... Firstly the BPA did ask for there to be a GB rep however both people asked were unable to attend due to problems with getting time off work. Re the t-shirts, these were funded by the BPA with the same design being used for Eloy as was used for the ESL finals (FS) hence why they only featured a 4-way. They were trying to keep the costs down. As for team friendliness, I thought all GB teams were visibily friendly both during the day at the meet and in the bar afterwards! Mixing with other teams both within the GB delegation and other countries was however made difficult due to the competition site being split and meant that a few teams spent most of their time in the team room area on advise from their coaches. I hope that wouldn't be misunderstood as being unfriendly!

Also don't forget that there are FS coaching sessions every Tuesday night run by the Airkix coaching team catering for all levels - see website for details