2024 USPA Canopy Piloting Nationals Recap

The 2024 USPA Canopy Nationals hosted by Skydive Paraclete XP August 29 through September 4 delivered an awesome showcase of skill, precision, and athleticism. The top canopy pilots in the United States gathered at our facility to compete in a showdown for the title of “Best Canopy Pilot’” in Freestyle, Speed, Accuracy, and Distance events. The sky was alive with the intensity of elite athletes pushing the limits of canopy flight like never before!

You Had to Be Here: What It Was Like Attending the USPA CP Nationals Competition

At Skydive Paraclete XP, we’re known for hosting world-class events – we’re pros at offering a front-row seat to some of the most incredible aerial displays you’ll ever witness. And the sites and sounds of this year’s Canopy Piloting Nationals did not disappoint! 

There was non-stop “whooping” and cheering from spectators lining the landing area, eager to see how each athlete performed. Whether it was the audible “swoosh” of swoops in the speed event or the perfectly executed landings in accuracy, the atmosphere is one of excitement and anticipation. 

Standing near the swoop pond, you could feel the rush as the canopy pilots dived towards the water, navigating courses and touching down with pinpoint accuracy. Each pass was met with gasps, cheers, and applause! It was an adrenaline-fueled, must-see event for anyone with love for our sport and good ’ol fashioned competition.

Speed

Blink and you might have missed it! If there’s one word to describe a canopy piloting speed event, it’s zoomin’! The athletes pushed the limit of both their parachutes and their bodies as they raced through a 70 meter course at astonishing speeds. Every second was counted and each maneuver came with its own calculated risk. 

The canopy pilots had to strike a delicate balance between speed and control, threading the needle through a tight obstacle course with buoys just 10 meters apart. The fastest speed documented at this competition was an impressive 2.079 seconds! The world record for CP Speed is currently set at 1.747 seconds. 

Check out a review of the day one speed competition here!

Accuracy & Distance

Precision was the name of the game for accuracy and distance – every inch counted! In zone accuracy, competitors had to drag a foot through each of the four water gates to try and land as close to the designated center box in the pea pit just on the other side of the pond. Competitors had to land standing up for it to count – talk about pressure! 

Meanwhile, the distance event tested how far canopy pilots could glide their canopies before touching down, with every competitor trying their best to outstretch their rivals or potentially reach a new world record! The furthest distance reached at this competition was 222.90 meters performed by Curt Bartholomew. 

Check out a review of competition day two right here!

Freestyle

Canopy Piloting Freestyle is a category all on its own. Competitors showcased their personalities as they swooped across the pond dragging their feet and performing tricks such as the blindman, superman, switchblade, and more! 

Despite a short weather hold due to rain, all three rounds of the Canopy Piloting Freestyle National Championships were completed on September 4. Click here for a quick look at the freestyle moves of this year’s top competitors.

Curt Bartholomew: The 2024 USPA Canopy Piloting National Champion

For a second straight year, Curt Bartholomew – known light-heartedly for “hoarding gold” – dominated the competition by winning Gold in ALL open-class events, including speed, zone accuracy, distance, and overall. This, even with Freestyle having the largest participation at a Nationals competition to date!

Joining him on the podium for Canopy Piloting Freestyle was none other than his beloved, Jeannie Bartholomew, who took silver, and Justin Price with bronze.  

2024 USPA Canopy Piloting Nationals: Final Scores & Results

The 2024 Canopy Piloting Nationals were a display of world-class talent, and the results reflected just how competitive the event was. After several intense rounds of competition, the final scores were calculated and a winner was determined! 

Here are the top results from each event – for the full results and scores for the 2024 Canopy Piloting Nationals, check out the official InTime Scoring page.

2024 USPA Canopy Piloting Nationals – Freestyle Results

For the full results and scores from the 2024 USPA Canopy Piloting Nationals Freestyle events please visit the InTime Scoring website. 

A Week to Remember

The 2024 Canopy Piloting Nationals wasn’t just about competition – it was about celebrating the spirit of skydiving. From the eclectic atmosphere of Skydive Paraclete XP to the incredible performances by athletes, this year’s Nationals was a reminder of why canopy piloting is one of the most exciting, adrenaline-pumping sports out there. If you couldn’t be there in person, don’t worry. Head on over to the USPA’s YouTube channel to watch all of the action unfold.

Follow the winners as they represent the United States at the 2024 FAI World Skydiving Championships! Blue skies.