Competitions are held across many different disciplines of the sport, with new and emerging ones continually growing in popularity.
The UK Skydiving League (UKSL) in Formation Skydiving, along with the Grand Prix series in several other disciplines, hosts events throughout the season at centres across the UK. The Formation Skydiving Grand Prix is known as the British Skydiving UKSL, reflecting its affiliation with the European Skydiving League (ESL).
British Skydiving UKSL and Grand Prix meets provide the perfect opportunity for members to gain valuable competition experience in a supportive environment. Many of these events also feature British Skydiving Skills Coaching Roadshows, where some of the UK’s top skydivers offer complimentary coaching – participants simply cover the cost of their jumps, courtesy of British Skydiving. Additional stand-alone Skills Coaching Roadshows are also organised to further develop members’ abilities and confidence in the sport.
British Skydiving’s ongoing goal is to inspire greater member participation in competitive skydiving and to promote the development of the skills that underpin success at every level. Many teams who begin their journey through the UKSL or Grand Prix series go on to compete at the British Skydiving National Championships, showcasing the strength, talent, and dedication within the UK skydiving community.
What’s on where and when? See the diary of events.
Once you’ve discovered the excitement of competition skydiving, there are opportunities to take your skills to the next level on the international stage. At the European level, competitors can participate in events such as the European Skydiving League (ESL) in Formation Skydiving, while globally, the World Cup and the World Parachuting Championships (WPC) showcase the highest level of performance across all FAI/IPC disciplines.
These events represent the pinnacle of competitive skydiving, bringing together athletes from around the world to celebrate excellence, teamwork, and the shared passion for the sport.
The British Skydiving Elite Performance Committee (EPC) looks after the needs of competitors and host Centres. It also co-ordinates the publication of rules and judging through the British Skydiving Judges’ Co-ordinator.
Each year, British Skydiving Affiliated Parachute Training Organisations bid to host the British Open Nationals and the British Skydiving UKSL and Grand Prix meets. The Competitions Committee co-ordinates the schedule of skydiving competitions in the UK. It also co-ordinates the British National Delegation to represent the UK at international meets.
Members may be aware of recent changes to the arrangements for Sporting Licences relating to World Records and international competitions. Under the new system, it is no longer sufficient to simply have the licence sticker in your British Skydiving Licence book. Your details must now be listed on the FAI Sporting Licence Database. If your name does not appear on the database, you will unfortunately be unable to participate in your chosen event.
To ensure your details are correctly recorded, please complete Form 110 and send it, along with payment, directly to British Skydiving HQ. Applications submitted through a PTO may cause delays. Once received, the HQ team will process your application and forward your details to the Royal Aero Club (RAeC) for submission to the FAI for inclusion in the database.
We recommend that this is done at least four weeks before the event in which you wish to take part. See www.fai.org/sporting-licences for more details.
There is a whole world of skydiving competitions to explore, from your local Drop Zone all the way to World Championships. There’s a great esprit de corps to enjoy!
There is a fantastic world of competitive skydiving out there, with a tremendous camaraderie and esprit de corps. So what are you waiting for? Take part and enjoy!