Category Archives: David Cherry

Niklas Daniel wins 2022 USPA Speed Skydiving Nationals

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The 2022 United States Parachute Association National Championships were held at Skydive Chicago September 2nd – 21st. AXIS Flight School coaches Brianne and Nik participated in speed skydiving, which had a total of 14 competitors (see scores below).

Over the course of two days, the competitors completed 8 jumps to attempt their fastest terminal velocity. This is measured by a Speed Measuring Device (SMD) worn on their helmets. This device records GPS positioning and the judges use the data to view the speeds reached on each jump. The fastest 3 consecutive seconds recorded during a jump determines the final score. The competitor with the highest accumulative score at the end of the meet wins. For more information about speed skydiving, check out the USPA Skydiving Competition Manual (SCM Chapter 15).

2022 National Speed Skydiving Champion Niklas Daniel. Photo by David Cherry.

Nik took first place with a total of 4,043.62kmh (2512.59mph), averaging 505.5kmh (314.10mph). He is only the second person, after Marco Hepp during the German Nationals 10Sep22, to consistently break the 500kmh barrier in all 8 rounds. 2021 World Champion Kyle Lobpries reached a total of 4,021.04 (avg 502.6kmh) for second place, and TJ Landgren got third with a total of 3,865.45kmh (avg 483.2kmh).

In Time Scoring

In addition, Brianne and Nik set two Illinois state records with their highest scoring rounds in the female and open categories respectively:

Brianne – 395.20kmh / 245.57mph

Nik – 509.45kmh / 316.56mph

Both Nik and Brianne secured their slots on the USA Speed Team for the 2023 World Cup in Prostejov, Czech Republic.

Illinois State Speed Skydiving Record – Nik’s round 8: 509.45kmh / 316.56mph in score
Illinois State Female Speed Skydiving Record – Brianne’s round 1: 395.20kmh / 245.57mph
Nik and Kyle on the podium during the awards ceremony. Unfortunately TJ was not present. Photo by David Cherry.

With the World Championships with less than a month away, Nik is looking forward to competing at his home dropzone – Skydive Arizona.

AXIS Flight School would like to thank all of its Sponsors for their continued support!

CYPRES How to Videos

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AXIS Flight School deepdives the use and technical specs of CYPRES AADs in this 11 part video series. For more tutorials and fun videos, check out the AXIS YouTube Channel and subscribe.

What is an AAD?
Switching On and Off
CYPRES Models
Changing modes on C-model
Changing the Scale
Setting the Activation Altitude
DZ Offset
Unit Information
Traveling with a CYPRES outfitted rig
AAD information for jump pilots
Is there anything a CYPRES cutter cannot cut though?

SKYHOOK Video

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Check out our latest YouTube video where we deep dive the differences between a regular RSL (reserve static line) and a Skyhook equipped RSL. Brianne interviews UPT rep/rigger Greg Rau in the AXIS Flight School studio, as well as enjoying a weekend of intensional cutaways.

Greg Rau: “In an emergency there is a lot of other things involved, and the lower you take it, you’re just buttering up your disaster cake.”

Niklas Daniel Photography

 

Video: Confined-space warm up exercises for Skydivers

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The goal of any warm up is to prepare ourselves physically and mentally for our upcoming activities. Therefore, we need activity-specific functional stretching exercises that utilize sport specific movements. To implement these, get to the DZ early so you have enough time to warm up. After getting settled and checking all your equipment, we recommend walking or jogging around the landing area for five to ten minutes. That way you can get the blood flowing as well as get a chance to check the wind conditions and any other important information you may have otherwise missed. In the event you do not have the luxury of a lot of room, you can use this small-space exercise routine to get warmed up. When performed correctly, this set of dynamic stretches can result in positive training adaptations to improve performance. They do so by mimicking the activity you are about to undertake. Do not just go through the motions. Set your intentions on using good technique.

  1. Scap Push Up
  2. Push Up to Down Dog
  3. Arm Circles
  4. Mountain Climbers
  5. Russian Twist
  6. Twisting Samson Lunge
  7. Reverse Lunges
  8. Sideways Shuffle
  9. Deep Lunge + Elbow Drop
  10. Pausing Hamstring Bounce

Disclaimers: Always consult a physician before starting any exercise program. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. AXIS Flight School will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.

NEW YouTube Playlist – Skills and Fitness

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Brianne and Nik introduce fitness expert and skydiver Darrel Wang. Darrel has a lot of experience to draw from when it comes to training programs, as he was an olympic trialist and professional athlete for a number of years. He has worked with Team USA Track and Field as well as Cycling, and has consulted the MLB, NBA, and NFL.

In this new video series, Darrel introduces us to exercises to enhance our skydiving experience. The specific proprioceptive skills and drills are intended to facilitate skydiving and tunnel flying specific adaptations and may or may not directly translate to other sports.

Shooting Location: MINT Strength – Scottsdale, Arizona.