The IPC Committee has recently passed rule changes to Canopy Piloting. Specifically the Distance event. The new rules dictate that all competitors must drag water through the entry gate and stay below 1.5 meters from gates 1-5 (approximately 50 meters). After many attempts by canopy pilots to give feedback on the proposed rules, the IPC ignored the majority of the comments by respected competitors and passed the rules changes anyway.

The new rule change has added more danger and risk to the competitor by forcing the pilot to touch water at the entry gate when the highest speeds are being achieved. Touching anything, even water, at speeds of over 75 miles per hour is incredibly dangerous and increases the risk of an impact at the entry gate. The other inherent danger is that by forcing pilots to skim the water at those speeds the risk of ankle or knee injury is increased as well.

I think the majority of competitors are against dragging water at the entry gate for the following reasons...

Safety - The majority of the competitors feel the water drag at the entry gate increases the risk of impact with the water and/or injury to the knees and ankles. Especially in a downwind scenario. Maybe the 20 meter safety area (water) before the entry gate needs to be extended.

Training Limitations - Some competitors feel that requiring interaction with water for distance makes it more difficult to find convenient places to train. Some feel that this also makes it difficult to develop new competitors and grow the sport.

Finesse vs Power - Some competitors feel that requiring water contact in Distance changes the event from a power event to a finesse event, with most favoring preserving the power element. It has been stated by John LeBlanc: "[The old rule] also allows the distance event to be what it should be about: bringing massive power to the entry and carrying it as far as you can..."

Similarities - A few competitors have stated that adding water contact to Speed and Distance makes all the events look the same and causes confusion amongst the spectators.

Please speak up... Don't allow this to happen without your approval. The majority of competitors have voiced their opinions, and the IPC is not listening. Something must be done.