posted Apr 23rd, 2004 - The upcoming competition weekend brings the first international meet of the 2004 season. The European Skydiving League launches the new season with events at three different locations.

Skydiving centers in Belgium, Austria and Spain are hosting the 4-way competitions in Europe, while the Georgia Skydiving League and the Colorado Skydiving League open their 2004 competition season at the same time.

This year, the competition draw will be synchronized between the NSL leagues and Europe from the very beginning of the season. Several meets of the 2003 season had already applied the same AAA Class competition draw across the USA and the Atlantic Ocean.

NSL and the European Skydiving League used the winter break to synchronize the dive pool for the A Class and the Rookie Class, as well. Only the AA Class has not been adopted by the European Skydiving League at this point.

However, the three classes will use exactly the same competition draw and create an international atmosphere at the events.17 teams have already signed up for the AAA Class competition at the three locations in Europe, including world class teams as the ESL Champion 2003, Hayabusa from Belgium, and Empuriabrava Red Bull, the Spanish national 4-way team. 11 other teams will compete in the A Class.

This number seems to confirm already that the new class for the ESL will have its place in the European competition format. One team has signed for the Rookie Class at this point. ESL organizer Willy Boykens will try to post as many scores as he can collect throughout the meet weekend. The NSL News will follow up with scores and meet reports.