The Zephyrhills drop zone is hosting the 2026 U.S. National Canopy Piloting Championships this week, bringing together skydivers to test their precision and control during the final moments of a jump. The standard competition includes three events: Zone accuracy, drag distance, and carved speed, where competitors aim for precise landings or travel as far as possible after making contact with the water. A separate freestyle competition challenges skydivers to perform planned maneuvers while skimming the water, with judges scoring both presentation and technical execution. The standard competition is scheduled through Sunday, September 27, while freestyle runs through Monday, September 28, followed by an awards ceremony. Weather conditions can affect when jumps take place, and spectators can watch the competition at Skydive City located at 4241 Sky Dive Lane in Zephyrhills through September 28.
Key Points:
- The event is the 2026 U.S. National Canopy Piloting Championships held at Skydive City in Zephyrhills.
- Standard competition includes three events: Zone accuracy, drag distance, and carved speed.
- Freestyle competition challenges skydivers to perform planned maneuvers while skimming the water.
- The standard competition runs through Sunday, September 27, with freestyle continuing through Monday, September 28.
