World Parabatic Swoop Team presents extra thrilling displays in Al Ain

posted on 24/12/2006: 52 views

The Organizing Committee of the Al Ain International Aerobatic Championship, 26 - 30 January 2007, has revealed many exciting surprises and global sport activities including the anticipated important participation of the World Parabatic Swoop Team (WPST), which is the first high performance parachute exhibition team specialising in high-speed parabatic manoeuvres and landings.



Using specially designed parachutes the WPST's aerial manoeuvres and landings are revolutionary. Swooping is an action extreme sport with high spectator and sponsor appeal, and it is a world class event recognized by the World Swooping Association, the International Parachuting Committee, International Olympic Committee and United States Parachuting Association.



The Al Ain International Aerobatic Championship will be held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and it is organized by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, UAE Air Forces and Air Defence.



The WPST attend over a dozen competitions and exhibitions each year. They perform not only at air shows but also outdoor events, festivals, competitions and much more. WPST members have hundreds if not thousands of jumps and the team leader has over 10,000 parachute landings. Team members have been in the sport between three and fifteen years and are held to the highest standards. Some of the WPST members are National or World level champions and are actively involved with the aviation community.



Swooping is a sport where aerial athletes (parachutists) jump from an aircraft or launch themselves from a fixed object and fly high performance parachutes through courses set up over the ground, water or down a mountain.



Swoopers exceed speeds of over 90mph during a swoop. Unlike traditional skydiving, swooping takes place at ground level in front of a crowd. Unlike traditional ram-air parachutes that are between 150 and 250 square feet, WPST parachutes are between 46 and 90 square feet and very fast.



WPST special performances include 'Jet Pack Man' where the Team does synchronized routine with Jet Pack Man, 'Truck Landings' where large grass, dirt or paved areas can be used to accommodate truck landings, and 'Motorcycle or ATV Landings' where medium grass, dirt or paved areas can be used to accommodate motorcycle or ATV landings. (Emirates News Agency, WAM)

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