The PD Factory Team would like to recognize Jesper Lindblom as the most improved canopy pilot at this year's Swedish Swoop Camp. Jesper, the recipient of last year's "best attitude" award, demonstrated a steep learning curve this year as he safely and consistently progressed from straight-in front riser approaches to smooth and consistent 90-degree front-riser turns.

The camp, which was held last June at the Stockholm Skydiving Club in Gryttjom, Sweden, marks the fifth consecutive year that the PDFT and the Club have hosted the event. Although originally intended for high-performance canopy pilots, the event has expanded to include skydivers of all skill levels. Thirty-four jumpers attended this year's camp, including approximately 16 newcomers.

By week's end, all jumpers and PDFT coaches had spent at least one day working together, including several Air-2-Air (1-on-1 canopy relative work) jumps each. By mid-week, the higher experienced pilots were flying in small groups, eventually culminating in a safe, well-executed 20-way canopy flock.

Other award winners were as follows:

• Most Motivated - Team Kiwis (Patrick Bierhance, Mik Stier, Anders Sundin, Jocke Wetterfors)
• Most Consistent - Bea Svensson
• Best Attitude - Ibbe Lahdo and Anette Andersson
• Safe Swooper - Hermine Lacobaeus
• Mr. Smooth - Goran Schwartz
• Downwinder - Filippa Ohlsson
• The Professor - James Cumberland
• Sir Spin Alot - Patrick Bierhance
• Miracle Man - Chippe Lindberg
• Grassy Ass - Annika Granebeck

As always, this event wouldn't have been successful without the tireless efforts of many people: Micke, Niklas, and Linda of the Makara; our beautiful camera team, Cornelia and Nicole; our jump leader, Lena; Lellki at manifest; our Kiwi friend and packer, Jeremy; the Otter, Caravan and Beaver pilots; and last but never least, our faithful organizer, Behrang Masoumi.

And a huge thank you to Performance Designs, Sun Path, Gatorz, Airtec, and Alti-2 for continuing to make these experiences possible for motivated jumpers all over the world.

Visit the PD Factory Team website to view more photos from this event.
Photos of Sweden 2007

PD Factory Team members, Ian Bobo, Jonathan Tagle, and JC Colclasure were invited to the Oslo Skydiving Club to conduct Flight-1 canopy coaching during a three day period in mid June. Seventeen students participated in the Essentials Skills Course on the first day and continued to practice flaring techniques, turn dynamics, and flight planning which was critical for the tight landing area on the DZ.

Despite the weather conditions and aircraft problems, students made approximately 12-15 jumps each with video debriefs. During bad weather everyone gathered in the classroom where the coaches discussed important topics such as turbulence, the effects of wind, the "Accuracy Trick", the priorities of progression, and things to consider when downsizing.

The PD Factory Team gave away prizes to several students for their performance during the camp.

• Most Improved - Helene Løken
• Most Consistent - Stig Berge
• Best Attitude - Camilla Hagen
• Lumberjack Award - Tonje Østby
• Crash and Burn - Jon Vegar Andersen

Special Thanks to Jan Erik Dietrichson for organizing the event, Sandy Allen in Manifest, Helge for shuttling us to and from the train station, and Tore for setting us up with food and accommodations. Thanks to all the students, pilots, and staff for making this a successful event.

On a routine visit to Gatorz in Southern California, a new style frame called the "MAGNUM" caught my eye in the display case. This frame is all about performance with attitude. The Magnum's oversized, two-step temple design and square-shaped lenses make it edgy, boxy, and big.

Made from the strongest yet lightest T6 aircraft aluminum, Gatorz adjust to your face. If you've enjoyed skydiving with the Wraptor frames as much as I have, you're really gonna dig the extra surface protection the new Magnum frames have to offer.

All Gatorz precision built eyewear features TruRay Optics. Now you can enjoy lenses from five different optical systems: Polarized Series, Photochromic Series, Defender Series, Action Series and Image Series.

- Jonathan Tagle

For more information contact Gatorz at 1-800-767-4287

Follow the PD Factory Team as they continue the dream of flight.

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