posted Aug 2nd, 2020 - The recent NSL News visit at Paraclete XP in Raeford, North Carolina, first generated a new NSL Live Talk conversation with Golden Knights team captain Andrew Starr on July 29th. The next day offered more Airspeed XP8 indoor training, as Michelle Karamon's sinuses were not ready yet for freefall.

However, XP8 videographer Elliot Byrd provided footage of the previous outdoor camps, which were the foundation for the NSL News update on July 30th. It was a review of the different XP8 lineups since the USPA Nationals 2018.

NSL Live Talk with Matt Davidson was on the list, as well. The visit in Raeford was just still too early. The missing XP8 member had his hip surgery a few days earlier and was in the first recovery phase. He is expecting to be back in action soon, and the NSL News will follow up at the next visit in Raeford.

The NSL News then turned to 4-way, as XPG4 and Arizona Airspeed both had training camps scheduled during the time of the visit. The training is now focused on outdoors, as the unofficial indoor season is over. However, the 16-foot flying chamber is always a training option at Paraclete if the weather does not cooperate. XPG4 took advantage of this Paraclete opportunity when the winds were too strong on one of the planned outdoor training days.

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Arizona Airspeed outdoor training last week at Skydive Paraclete XP

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Arizona Airspeed were back in full outdoor mode during the NSL News visit. The newest video clip was recorded the day after Skydive City had announced that the skydiving center in Zephyrhills, Florida, would not be able to host the national championships this year, due to the corona virus crisis and its implications.

The update began with a statement by USPA, which explained that there might still be a chance to run this year's competition: "The USPA Board is now considering options for the 2020 USPA Nationals, knowing that it must make any plans quickly. Even so, future pandemic-related events could well affect that decision. USPA will provide an update as soon as possible."

Arizona Airspeed followed up with their own statement a few days later where the team expressed their own standing in the new situation. USPA had surveyed the opinions of the membership before Skydive City made the decision in agreement with USPA.

The survey revealed "significant competitor concern about health risks, travel and other unforeseeable government restrictions, finances and ability to train." Skydive City had explained that "protecting the health of competitors, staff, vendors, volunteers and spectators was an important consideration."

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Arizona Airspeed Announcement
USPA Nationals 2020
We've been watching the skydiving community light up with debate about whether US Nationals should happen this year in light of the pandemic. This is an emotionally charged and controversial topic as the country tries to make sense of life-changing events around us. Our background and upbringing, where we live, what we do for a living, and a million other factors shape our world view, values, and our reactions to what threatens us. It is very easy to let a time like this divide us; much harder to remember that we are all fellow Americans, seeking freedom and fulfilling lives. Airspeed is in no place to argue whose value system is right or wrong, or dictate how others should act. All we could hope for is to share our views and remind the community to respect each other's individual freedoms and recognize that our actions affect others around us. We love to compete and we would love for the US Nationals to happen this year. The purpose of Airspeed's existence is to train, compete, push the sport forward and give back to the community. We can not grow as a team without events like US Nationals. Is it possible for us to succeed together? If you choose to abstain from this year's event, we completely understand and respect your decision. We'd love to see you and help you grow when you decide to return. If you desire to compete at US Nationals, how badly do you want it? Can we agree on a social protocol that would make everyone feel safe? We certainly think so. We owe it to ourselves to at least try. With love, Arizona Airspeed

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It was a very difficult decision to make for the host, and it is just as difficult for USPA to decide for the membership whether there will still be a national championship or not.

Arizona Airspeed presents the perspective from the team's position, and it shows how difficult it is for the teams who have dedicated their lives to Formation Skydiving competition. The best and most experienced competitors in the sport have recently explained for the NSL News audience how important it is for them, as for any athlete in any sport, to attend competitions on a regular basis.

The situation is different for recreational teams, who usually compete randomly at local, regional and national events. Many teams visit only the national championships that USPA is offering their members and visiting teams annually. USPA has to find a good balance between the needs and opinions of the membership and the teams who would like to compete for medals at the USPA Nationals.

It is a difficult decision to make not only for USPA regarding the situation in the United States. It is a worldwide pandemic that interferes with all aspects of life in all areas. Arizona Airspeed, SDC Rhythm XP, Airspeed XP8 and Golden Knights are the full-time teams in the United States, while several other teams, including the national team in 4-way Women, Aviatrixx, and also XPG4, need and want competitions, as well, to get ready for either their international challenges or the pursuit of national USPA medals. USPA is aware that the board must make any plans quickly...