Canopy Formation (CRW)

Canopy-stacked formations. The underground discipline — small global community, refined technique.

Speed
100+
Min. jumps
B
License
Moderate
Risk
01 — Overview

What it actually is

CF (or CRW — Canopy Relative Work) is the art of building formations between skydivers under canopy. All deploy at the same altitude, docking leg-to-cell in coded configurations (4-way rotation, sequential, CF-Speed). Requires 9-cell rectangular low-performance canopies (not elliptical). Historic FAI discipline with small but highly technical community.

Editorial note

CRW in Italy has few regular practitioners. International references are French and American teams. Practitioners describe it as a discipline "for the few", technically refined but with low media visibility.

02 — Specs

Technical numbers

Terminal speed
Exit altitude
2000–3000 m
Deployment
2000 m
Suggested tunnel hrs
Tunnel-trainable
Min. license
B

100+ jumps and B-license with introductory CF course. Requires dedicated canopy — CRW is not done with freefly or elliptical canopies.

03 — Gear

Kit specifics

Dedicated CF canopy (Lightning 126/143/160/193, Triathlon): 9-cell rectangular, porous, designed for docks. No RSL (cutaway risk between docks). Mandatory helmet.

Open gear catalog →
04 — Competitions

FAI/IPC circuits

CF-4R
4-way Rotation
★ World Championship
CF-4S
4-way Sequential
★ World Championship
CF-2S
2-way Sequential
★ World Championship
05 — Where

Reference dropzones worldwide

Skydive Hibaldstow (Black Knights)
Hibaldstow (Lincolnshire) · United Kingdom
Belly / FSFreeflyCanopy formation (CRW)
Roadmap
CF / CRW progression
Open →
Hub
All disciplines
Open →
Destinations
World DZ map
Open →
Sources: FAI IPC Technical Rules (fai.org/commission/ipc), USPA SIM, verified Italian community. Null values where not published by primary source. Last revision: April 2026.
Read more

Articles on CF / CRW

6 May 2026
Sequential vs Rotation in CF: Two Disciplines, One Canopy
Sequential and Rotation in Canopy Formation: mechanics, IPC rules, tactical mistakes, and how to choose the right approach for your team.
6 May 2026
CRW / CF: What Is Canopy Formation and How to Get Started
CRW and CF: the discipline where canopies actually touch. Techniques, progression, real risks, and what you need to get started.
20 Apr 2026
CRW / CF: Canopy Relative Work Explained from A to Z
Everything a professional needs to know about CRW and CF: the disciplines, specialized equipment, risks, and ENAC regulations.