Sam Lee is the British Colleigate Parachute Association chairman and a single A 4-way competitor. Whilst we are waiting for the final AAA jumps to happen and of course the judging, I thought it would be interesting to see Sam's perspective of the 2 National competitions:
1. Sam, how have you enjoyed your first BPA Nationals?
It's been an amazing experience. To have the opportunity to compete against so many amazing teams and see some truly fantastic skydiving is a real honour and I will definitely be back next year, although most likely just for a scratch team. My team (Tetris) had a rocky start - we intended to do 30 training jumps in Perris on the BCPA Foreign Trip, however our Inside Centre, Antonia Nilsson, unfortuntely injured herself the day before the training was to begin!
We ended up completing just 14 jumps with Holly Blake filling in (BCPA Foreign Trip Organiser). Since then Marc Fletcher stepped in to be our Inside Centre and we've done 20 jumps together and 4 hours tunnel. We wanted to do more, but simply didn't have the time or weather. All together a fantastic experience though.
2. Both BCPA and BPA Nationals have been running for many years. How does the atmosphere compare to the BCPA Nationals?
Well to start with, BPA Nationals requires much earlier mornings. BCPA Nationals has suffered the last few years from poor weather, but it's one of the few skydiving events where this doesn't matter much! It's a fantastic combination of a Boogie and competition, with entertainment for all during the day and in the evening, and competitions and organised jumps for all experiences. BPA Nationals obviously has a greater focus on the competition, but the BCPA is moving in that direction (when the weather allows).
One major similarity between the events is the numbers of BCPA teams. Our monthly draw competitions and event competitions have been very successful this year and this is really apparent with the number and level of BCPA teams entering the BPA Nationals.
3. Where do you practically see the BCPA Nationals going over the next few years?
I see a greater focus on competitions for everyone. This year we had 4-way, freeflying, accuracy, and 3-way scrambles so everyone can get involved. With a greater number of BCPA coaches, our events also see a lot of FS1 stickers being gained. Oh, and a bigger hot-tub for next year! ;)
4. What are your personal plans for skydiving over the next few years?
With just one more year at University I've decided I should probably try and claw myself our of my overdraft(s). So I will most likely only be doing a scratch team next year. I plan on focusing on personal skills through 1-on-1 coaching and I'd also like to get my FS Coach rating so I can start passing on what I have learnt over the last few years. Lastly, I would also like to pass on my enthusiasm for formation skydiving.
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