Breaking Boundaries with Sebastian Alvarez 8 Apr 2025, 10:10 am

Sebastian Alvarez, a Chilean Red Bull athlete, broke three wingsuit world records, in one single jump. We caught up with this former Air Force pilot to hear more about what was involved in the making of this groundbreaking performance…

Here’s the scoop on the three world records Sebastian broke in this monumental flight:

Time: Alvarez’s flight ( 11m 1s), was exactly 1.30s longer than the previous official FAI record of 9m 31s. Maintaining that body position took hardcore physical training.

Speed: Alvarez reached 550kph (342mph) – faster than a Formula 1 car! He was able to harness the Earth’s jet streams to optimize his speed. The previous Guinness world record stood at 397kph (247mph).

Distance: He travelled over 53.45km (33.22 miles) – almost double the distance of the previous official FAI record of 29.06km.

Where did the idea for this project come from?

The idea for this project came to me a long time ago — probably about six years back. I knew it would be something incredibly challenging and amazing. But it wasn’t until almost two years ago, after my “Skydive into a Wave” project, that we really started working full-on to develop the Starman mission.

From the beginning, the goal was clear: break as many records as possible in a single jump.

What kind of planning and preparation went into pulling this off?

We’ve spent years planning every detail and preparing thoroughly. One of the most critical aspects was always the oxygen system — making sure it would work perfectly at extreme altitudes. That also meant putting together the right oxygen team and securing an aircraft that could handle a high-altitude O₂ system.

Once that was locked in, we focused on finding the ideal wingsuit for the mission — we went with the Squirrel C-Race Worlds for this jump. Thermal protection was key too: I wore electric heated layers to keep my body and hands warm. At altitude, temperatures dropped to -70°C.

The helmet was customized as well — we covered the mask to protect the exhale valve from freezing due to condensation and the extreme cold.

And of course, there was the training. Last year was entirely dedicated to building the right muscles and flight performance to maintain the most efficient body position, which would help me stay in the air longer and faster. The final month before the jump, I focused on cutting weight to increase my flight time.

How did you choose your exit point and landing area? What factors were most critical in making those decisions?

The exit point was actually an easy choice — about 7 to 10 miles west of the drop zone, since I was flying east with the jet stream that was active that day.

The landing area, on the other hand, was more unpredictable. We had a solid idea of where I might land based on calculations, but with a flight this long, there are always variables, I could never be 100% certain of the exact spot. The helicopter and ground crew were staged near the expected area, but I ended up flying a bit further than planned.

Fortunately, the region was filled with open fields. Around 10,000 feet, I began scanning the ground, adjusting based on my glide performance, and picking the safest place to land.

What kind of equipment did you use to stay in flight so long?

We used the best all-around wingsuits from Squirrel, customized with boot fairings to reduce drag and extended wings to increase glide performance. These modifications helped maximize flight time and distance — but they also made the suit significantly harder to fly.

The added surface area and aerodynamic features made it much more physically demanding, requiring serious strength, endurance, and control throughout the entire flight.

What was it like flying in the jet stream? Did you experience turbulence, burbles, or unique wind at that altitude?

It was absolutely incredible. You feel the extra push almost instantly. My FlySight was giving me speed numbers I had never seen before.

Yes, I definitely experienced turbulence — you can feel the shifts in wind layers as you pass through them. It’s intense and surreal at the same time.

Were there any moments where the mission almost didn’t happen?

Not really, but of course, there were moments full of doubt. Every part of the project had questions we needed to solve but we tackled each one slowly, steadily, and with purpose. Through training and multiple test jumps, we answered those questions one by one.

The most critical moment was probably two weeks before the jump when we had to choose the exact day. With a big team flying in from all over the world, it was a stressful decision and it had to be perfect.

Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment that no one saw, but was meaningful to you?

The real story is in everything that happens before the jump: the ground training, the countless skydives, the strict diet, the early mornings, the late nights, the travel, the time away from family and home… and the frustration when things don’t go as planned.

People see the final moment and might think it all happened overnight. But the truth is, a mission like this demands an insane amount of effort and sacrifice from every member of the team.

What was going through your mind in the moments right before exit — and during the flight itself?

During the pre-breathing, about 45 minutes before takeoff, I was calm and focused, mentally walking through the entire jump and visualizing everything, especially what could go wrong and how to react immediately if it did.

On the way up, I stayed extremely focused, especially on the oxygen system and my blood oxygen levels, making sure I wasn’t experiencing hypoxia.

Right before exit, I switched fully into mission mode. I took a moment at the door to enjoy the view, look back at the wake turbulence and condensation trailing the plane, and glance up to see how deep and dark the sky looked.

Then I took a deep breath… and jumped. 100% focused on getting the job done.

Now that you’ve achieved this world record, what’s next for you?

First, a bit of rest to surf with friends, enjoy the records with my family, and just take it all in. Then, I’ll be diving into a super exciting new project I’m developing… this time, not related to wingsuiting.

Thanks, Sebastian!

Relive Sebastian’s epic flight with this video

• Follow Sebastian on his Instagram or Facebook pages.
• Sebastian’s sponsors include Red Bull, Squirrel, Spy Optic, LB Altimeters, UPT, Cypres, Icarus World

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Wind Limits Part 2 4 Apr 2025, 9:44 am

In part 1 of this series, Cara King of Flight 1 discussed the importance of wind limits and what factors to consider when setting your personal limits and deciding to jump.

In this article, Pete Allum discusses some of the basics of navigating decision making on windy days and how to prepare if you’re caught in those winds. 

What’s “windy” depends on where you learned to skydive. If you grew up jumping in places like Texel, where strong winds are the norm, your comfort zone looks different in regards to wind limits. But when you’re outside that zone, you might not have the skills to match the conditions, and that’s where things can get risky.

Here are a few key lessons I’ve found helpful in expanding your wind comfort zone.

Sense of direction

If you show up at the dz and know your compass headings then when you are given wind information you can use it intuitively rather than it seeming like a foreign language. 

Weather report and forecast

Study the wide range of weather apps available—Windy, Wind Guru, Winds Aloft, etc. Speak to DZ control, check the weather board, and gather the following information: wind strength, direction and altitude. 

Build a picture of the environment that you will be flying in. Find out the ‘wind line’, the line that runs from your ideal opening point to your ideal landing area.

Work out your  ‘wind cone’

This knowledge helps you stay in a power position—able to make it back and fly a standard landing pattern. It also gives you the space to avoid unplanned approaches and steer clear of other traffic. 

As soon as you lose your power position or leave the wind cone, look for alternatives and fly a new flight plan.

High wind flight planning

Your base leg is your friend. Flying a longer, drifting base leg gives you far more control over where and when you turn into your final leg. The higher the wind the further upwind of the target you need to turn.

Flare technique

Does your technique change in different wind conditions? The height of flare initiation doesn’t, your vertical speed stays the same, but what you do next can have a massive impact on your landing. In any wind condition your goal should be to get you and your canopy as close to 0mph horizontal and vertical speed.

The first stage of your flare stops the vertical descent, your wing is now parallel to the ground. Have a look at the ground now, are you still traveling forwards? If so then you are going to need to continue on with your flare until you stop moving forward.

So what would happen on a high wind day, if you have moved your toggles down to the first stage of the flare, you completely stop your forward motion and now you move your hands aggressively down?

Yep, you’re now seeing negative numbers on your speedometer. You could be going up and backwards. Know your wind limits.

Touchdown

Wait for the ground to come to you! We see so many pilots trying to “step down” from their flare too early. This makes you uneven in the harness and can roll the canopy to one side, giving you an unlevel wing. And as we know, the first priority for a good landing is a level wing.  So keep flying the wing all the way through touchdown and beyond (see next section).

Ground handling

When you learn to paraglide, you spend hours (or you should) ground-handling your canopy.  Get some help when you try this, don’t do it in too high winds to start and wear a helmet! Some DZ’s have an older wing that you can practice with. 

The goal here is to dominate your wing and know how to keep flying it and collapse it under control before it drags you backwards across the runway and into a barbed wire fence.

Turbulence

There is a big difference between a strong laminar wind and turbulence. The goal with turbulence is to avoid it, don’t even jump, or land where there is less. I’m happy to jump in strong winds, even on a big canopy, but turbulence? It’s an equal-opportunity killer. Whether you have 36 jumps or 36,000, it can be very dangerous. 

If you are going to jump in turbulent conditions, be ready to control/flare your canopy. It may dive suddenly, you need to touch down with your wing level and your legs below you, be proactive in these conditions. Avoid landing downwind of objects in strong winds. The turbulence can extend horizontally up to 20 times the height of the object.

I see it a lot, when the dz puts up a 400 jump limit, people with 450 jumps happily keep jumping but won’t think to ask why is there a limit? Sometimes the limits could be for cloud cover but more likely it’s a wind limit. Ask DZ control the reason; it could be strength or it could be a direction that causes more than normal turbulence.  What is your wing load and forward speed, will you be going backwards after opening?Consider staying on the ground, even if you do have more than the set limit. 

We like to have a straight up yes/no choice for jumping but in reality it’s more complex than that. As I said at the start, your perception of what is windy and your capacity to deal with the conditions should be the deciding factors, not just the number on the board.

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Wind Limits 1

If you enjoyed this article why not check out part 1, by Cara King, Flight-1 instructor…

Winds Limits Part 1: What Every Skydiver Should Know

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Winds Limits Part 1: What Every Skydiver Should Know 4 Apr 2025, 9:29 am

In this article, we dig into wind limits to help you fly more safely…

“One of the hardest weather holds to be on, I’ve found, seems to be the weather hold due to winds. There’s something about being on the ground when the skies are blue and it appears otherwise perfect jump conditions that makes people anxious to be back in the sky. When it’s raining, people stand down easily. Thunderstorms, no problem. Clouds with no visibility, people understand. But when it’s windy, there seems to be a time limit to how long people are willing to wait.

“I see it over and over again, people pull off loads or stand down due to high winds or high wind gusts, only to jump back on loads after a while without any change in the conditions. I also meet a lot of skydivers who’ve never considered or defined their wind limits—especially regarding top wind speeds and max spread. This series is here to educate us on the dangers of high winds, how they affect our canopies, why we need personal limits, and what wind spread really means—shared through insights from athletes in our sport.” – Alethia Austin

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Cara King of Flight 1 discusses wind limits

One of the most important things to understand in choosing a wind limit for yourself is your wing loading and forward speed and being able to use that data to arrive at a real-world decision.  As an example, a 1:1 wing loading on an entry level 9 cell canopy, which is typical in the A and B license range, can expect to have a forward speed of around 22-24 knots. Therefore, if you are flying into a headwind on final approach of 22 knots, you would be going straight down with no forward groundspeed. Any increase in wind speed beyond your canopy’s forward speed means you would be going backwards on final and that is not desirable for a safe landing. 

In order to move forward over the ground on final while facing into the wind, the atmospheric wind speed must be less than the forward speed of your canopy. To ensure you are penetrating the wind and flying towards your landing target, make sure the winds are well under that 22-knot point. How much under? Rule of thumb, 10 knots less. That gives you a 10-12 knot wind speed limit (14 mph), which is what the USPA recommends for students. It’s a great place to start. 

When is a good time to consider increasing your wind limits? I recommend once you have taken a professional canopy course and/or completed your B license canopy proficiency card. After that, it depends on additional factors like gusts, turbulence, currency, personal comfort level, general landing, competency and more.

I would define these as: If all other factors are the same; Home DZ, same gear, steady clean winds, no gusts, etc., and you have jumped many times (minimum of 25 jumps) in 14 MPH winds and have consistently good landings, you could reasonably consider increasing my wind limit incrementally IN THOSE CONDITIONS by 2-3 MPH.

If two or more other variables on the jump have changed, don’t raise your wind limit. Conditions are things such as a new DZ, new canopy, not being current, even a new free fall plan could be distracting. These are examples of times when it may not be smart to have additional risk factors like increasing your wind limit.

Gusts and Turbulence

Keeping above math in mind, when we know it is gusty, leave room in your ground speed calculation for the MAX wind to ensure penetration/forward speed during landing. If the wind conditions are 16 knots gusting to 23 knots, then you would want to assume the worst case scenario at the time of landing and if 23 is over your limit, then don’t jump.

Quick Tips on Gusts:

• If it recently gusted to or past my limit, how long should I wait to see if it comes down? Minimum 30 minutes.
• If the winds were calm and just recently started to gust strongly, wait longer than 30 minutes because that likely means a front is approaching and gusts will get stronger and could even sheer in direction as well as velocity.
• Max spread: Conservative is 5 knots and less, more experienced is 5 – 7 knots. 10 is going to be high risk.

Most simply stated, turbulence is any shift in wind speed and direction (horizontal or vertical direction) which can affect our wing.  Technically speaking, turbulence can drastically and rapidly change the pitch of the wing. Pitch changes affect our airspeed and therefore effectiveness of our control inputs.  If we are in the landing phase of our flight and turbulence suddenly alters our pitch and airspeed just as we execute our flare, we may not get the response we need to slow our descent to land with a level wing over our heads, which can lead to significant injury. Gusts and turbulence can also affect our wing asymmetrically affecting level flight and creating a dangerous turn low to the ground. A Flight-1 course teaches survival skills in all these scenarios and more.  If there is any doubt about gusts and turbulence, it’s always best to wait, watch, and learn.

• Reminder that personal wind limits must apply to landing your reserve canopy as well.
• Consider wind limits for alternate and off landing sites that may be required.

It’s common advice to suggest watching the more experienced jumpers, and if they aren’t jumping, you shouldn’t jump. While that is a good rule of thumb, it’s important to learn the deeper explanations and how to arrive at your own personal safety decisions.

Be educated, be empowered, be safe!

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Wind Limits 2

Check out our second article about Wind Limits, by Pete Allum, Flight-1 instructor…

Wind Limits Part 2

The post Winds Limits Part 1: What Every Skydiver Should Know appeared first on Skydivemag.

The Team Performance Series 4 Apr 2025, 8:52 am

Jesse “Tex” Leos is shifting the focus from solo performance to team dynamics with his new team performance series. Built for groups who want to fly better, connect deeper, and train with intention.

Tell us about your team performance series? 

The Team Performance Series is a program for teams and its members to learn more about their strengths as individual flyers, create collective goals and design clear training paths for expanding their flying. Deeper chemistry and creative possibilities what we are pursuing. Teams may be groups of friends who share the role of leading and following, groups with a single dedicated leader and even coach-student teams looking to grow more efficiently. A growth mindset and desire to better understand one another is the most important prerequisite.

The program consists of different phases of team development, flying skills training and accountability. The initial phase is 3 days in-person consisting of team building and training jumps exercises. The series continues into the next phase of training when goal setting, team roles and accountability processes have been committed to. My hope is that this series will help be a catalyst to make team oriented training the future of high-performers seeking more creative flying.

What inspired this offering? 

This concept came from a desire to coach skydiving teams within the movement flying community, a space where the idea of “teams” is rare, since there’s no formal competition structure. Most teams are coaching collectives (based around their coaching services), not performance-driven teams. But movement flying is inherently team-based. It’s creative, fluid, and collaborative. That’s exactly what makes it the most exciting style of flying, in my eyes.

I’ve coached incredibly skilled groups at high-level camps, and often it feels like we’re just scratching the surface before we pack up and say goodbye. It leaves me wondering what those same flyers could create if they actually trained together. Just as often, I’ve seen less individually skilled groups outperform the “Group 1” rockstars simply because they had more focus, better communication, and a team-first mindset. This is known as the “Group 2” phenomenon amongst coaches. Those less-skilled, but more open flyers, were willing to play roles, support each other and prioritize the vision of the jump over personal flair.

Its time to go beyond skills camps.

I love skills camps and what they do for our community, but I think we’re nearing the ceiling of what those formats can unlock. What we are seeing in movement flying is no longer limited by individual skill, it’s limited by creativity, trust and group chemistry. My vision isn’t about flying marginally tighter formations or cleaner lines year after year. It’s about unlocking new ways to express what’s possible in the sky, through shared intentions, team dynamics and prioritizing creativity.

A quarterback who practices by only throwing at targets and occasionally shows up to play with random teammates will never fully realize their potential. This is the current limitation of skills camps. We are looking for one event a year to hopefully have the right group of flyers, the right coaches, the right conditions, all come together and produce something “new” within 6 jumps. Skills and group experience obtained at camps absolutely matter and will remain valuable for developing prerequisite skills. This offering is for those ready to explore that next level of purpose and continuity in their training together.

Your style of coaching and your team flying performance series focus on building strong teams. What are some of the first things you look for when assessing a team’s strengths and weaknesses?

The first thing I pay attention to is how the group communicates. Are they open-minded and curious in how they talk about flying? Do they bring a playful energy and genuine interest in each other’s ideas? Does a skill difference within the group positively or negatively impact people’s ownership over the group? Do all members of the group hype one another up or do some use “humor” to passive-aggressively cut others down? Is the conversation shaped more by comparison, status, or a need to prove something?

These early cues reveal a lot about where a team is operating from-whether their motivation is rooted in collaboration or competition. We use simple group discussions and guided prompts to surface these dynamics. Patterns usually emerge quickly and they help us understand the team’s internal baseline-not just their technical baseline.

A lot of great teams have one thing in common—a clear sense of shared purpose. How do you help a group get aligned on a common goal, especially when they’re coming in with different backgrounds or skill levels?

A team’s strength is built more on shared purpose than equal skill. High-performing teams in any sport are not necessarily the most talented but they’re the most aligned. That resonance does not happen by chance. One of the first things I do is help the team articulate their collective “why.” When people are clear on what they’re building together and why it matters, individual differences become assets, not deficits.

You have a background in various sports. What are some of the universal techniques for improving team mentality that apply across different sports?

Teams must be deliberate in creating the culture they envision. A team-first mindset is always at the forefront of the identity of successful teams. This mentality is the foundation of success in all team sports that this program seeks to bring into focus for movement flying. The strength of flyers with a background in team sports is rooted in their experience with teamwork and collaboration as necessary towards success. In addition, I have found through coaching many flyers that those with team sport backgrounds generally handle difficult conversations or coaching critiques more productively. This allows them to somewhat bypass their emotional filters easier and see what information is useful for improving their flying. Training moments vs mistakes.

In addition, these athletes are familiar with using goal-setting and creating performance metrics. They are familiar with coach-player, leader-follower roles and are more comfortable seeking out the expertise of others to assist them in their progression. They tend to know that deferring to expertise actually accelerates their learning and is not a threat to their sense of self-worth or value within the team.

How do you cultivate an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing issues or concerns?

We begin each Team Performance Series with a personality assessment as a foundation for understanding how each person communicates, processes pressure and builds emotional trust. It helps teammates build a shared language for giving and receiving feedback. When people understand themselves and each other better, they’re more likely to speak up, listen and respond without defensiveness.Throughout the program, we prioritize the safety for everyone in the group to communicate: structured debriefs, prompts and creative outlets to discuss. It’s the process itself, not something we hope just happens.

The emphasis of understanding ourselves is put into our strengths, rather than weaknesses. By allowing flyers to focus on doing more of what they do well, they bring more to the team and can operate from a stronger confidence level.

What role does trust play in a team’s success, and how do you build that trust among team members?

Trust allows creativity, flow, and high performance to emerge.We start by redefining roles-including the idea of being a “follower.” Good leaders still need good followers, good followers need good leaders. In high-performing teams, great followers are proactive, self-aware and take ownership in the jump’s overall outcome. Trust allows us to make every jump and debrief into a collaborative effort.

People talk a lot about having a growth mindset. How do you actually help a team lean into that, especially in the harder moments of learning?

In our program, we proactively begin practicing how we handle difficult moments of performance. The goal isn’t perfection-it’s progress via process. So when that mindset takes hold, frustrating moments or progression plateaus become identifiers that we are actually right where we want to be. We reframe them as information, not our identity.

We use structured post-jump debriefs to practice this mindset. What happened? Why? What can we try differently next time? Especially for jump leaders – How can I fly differently for the success of the group? When you train this kind of reflection consistently, the team learns to detach their ego from the result and stay committed to the process. Growth as a jump leader means understanding that the moment is not about you. It is about flying in a way that brings out the best in the entire group.

How do you train teams to manage and resolve conflicts in a way that strengthens the group dynamic?

We normalize uncomfortable conversations early. Disagreement does not have to be a sign of dysfunction, rather it’s a sign that people care. How we handle conflict makes the difference between growth and resentment.

“What’s the story you’re telling yourself right now?” is a question we use a lot when someone begins to fall out of resonance with the team. It gives teammates a way to check assumptions before things escalate and make sure they are speaking to their inner-self like they would a friend.

What are some team dynamic challenges you’ve seen, and how has your coaching approach helped navigate or shift those situations?

I have worked with plenty of extremely talented groups that struggled with cohesion. On paper, some should be producing world-class jumps regularly. However, jumps were chaotic because everyone wanted to flex their individual abilities. Dirt dives and debriefs had too many voices, no clear direction and a ton of frustration. Too many chefs in the kitchen.

Over time, I’ve seen some group’s energy shift. Instead of competing with each other, they became more interested in how to help one another. Their attention was spent gassing each other up instead of finding a little flaw in others to make a “joke” about. They finished the jumping season with some of the most creative, technically clean jumps I’ve seen from a developing team despite its varied skill level. More importantly, they were having fun.

If someone is interested in taking their team or group of friends who enjoy jumping together to a different level, how should they approach this?

The major prerequisite to beginning the Team Performance Series is at least one member must have attended a Leading Workshop or similar structured training on the fundamentals of safely leading movement jumps. Beyond that, groups should can be as small as 2+ in size and larger. A commitment to working together for at least one full jumping season.

Where can people learn more about what you offer?

More of my coaching services and contact info can be found via my website.

Sponsors: Performance Designs, UPT, SSK, LB, Skydive Spaceland, Tonfly

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Flockmasters 28 Mar 2025, 3:37 pm

New Kid on the Flock

DeLand, Florida — a DZ I hadn’t jumped at since training for the 2003 World Meet from the Porter. 

A slightly different discipline this time, but still on camera duty for Pete Allum and the Flight-1 event Flockmasters. This Canopy Flocking camp in March 2025 brought together an excellent team of experienced canopy pilots and a smaller group of newer canopy pilots to fly canopies together. 

The Flockmasters light group was looked after by Jason Dicenzo and Phil Webley, both Flight-1 instructors, while the high-wingloading groups were with Pete Allum and Jesse Weyher, filmed and photographed by myself and Johnathan Marsh. 

Switching between groups gave us time to assess speed and wingloading for the most comfortable filming, as the group ranged from 2.4 to 2.8 wingloading and included various sizes and types of canopies. 

The event was a huge success, with three days of glorious weather, moderate winds, and blue skies — as the images attest. All participants made 15 jumps, ranging from 9-way to 18-way, with some beautiful flying from everyone involved. From flying static formations with impressive symmetry to more dynamic lines with crossovers and flypasts each jump tested the participants canopy skills and mental acuity to fly close proximity safely within the 5-minute timeframe. 

The flocks used both Bluetooth in-air communication and in-air signals for transitions. A thorough walkthrough and post-jump debrief allowed for the successful execution of all jumps. 

Watch out for another Flight-1 flocking event soon—whatever your current level of experience, the team has got you covered. 

Words and images: Andy Ford

Flockmasters Photo Gallery

Flockmasters Video

Footage and edit by Andy Ford

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Catching up with… Brad Hunt 28 Mar 2025, 3:24 pm

For Brad Hunt, the sky is not just a playground – it’s home. With over 14,000 jumps under his belt and 25 years in the sport, a collection of world records, and a passion for freefly, Brad has cemented himself as a leading figure in the skydiving community. As the founder of 1 Point Skydiving, he has dedicated his career to coaching, mentoring, and growing the sport he loves.

When I met Brad for this interview, I immediately felt the good vibes that seem to embrace him – his energy is infectious, and his passion for skydiving is undeniable. He lives and breathes this sport, for the thrill, the camaraderie, the challenge, and his sheer love of flying.

Brad shared with us the story of his first jump, and the journey that led him to turn skydiving into his profession. He opens up about his love for vertical and angle flying, the excitement of breaking records, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. So, get ready to dive into the mindset of a man who believes in honesty, safety, and most importantly – having fun.

How did you first get into skydiving? 

My friend, Josh Wiseman, came over late one Friday with a liter of JD and asked if I wanted to go skydiving the next day for his birthday. The next morning we sat through ground school and did a static line. I knew when I landed that skydiving was for me.

I remember that a guy from the dropzone gave me a tape, it was a VHS of course, with Cloud’s Edge and Freefly Chronicles. These were the things I saw after my first jump, can you imagine that? I was like “You’ve got to be kidding me! I have to do this!” 

I played sports all my life, since I remember. I’ve never had an off-season, so I was definitely still playing sports in the adult realm. I knew I could be good at skydiving too.

When I was little I lived probably five miles away from a drop zone. My mom said I used to stand out there on the back patio and watch people skydive all morning. I don’t remember it, but it was probably meant to be.

I wanted to start a free flying scene in southern Ohio so I would have more people to jump with. I would go to other dropzones, try to learn what I could, then return home and teach it. I began in Chesapeake at Tri-State Skydivers, then went to Xenia at Skydive Greene County, then moved to Lebanon at Start Skydiving, and eventually moved to Middletown, where Start Skydiving is now located. I think it went pretty well since most of the people who became part of SOFLy are now accomplished free flyers and teaching others.

This was quite a long time ago. I look back now and I find it quite fascinating how you take a step and you take another. Basically, you are chasing your dream, but I realize now how important the people that helped me were for this journey; their passion. 

When I would show up to fun jump and end up organizing and coaching or shooting video instead because I was asked .

I think it was in 2011 that I decided to go full-time in skydiving. Back then I was working seven days a week and it had gotten tough, but I really went full-in in 2012.

My wife Mallory was the inspiration to start 1-Point Skydive. I had been teaching and organizing records and events for a long time under other team names. Creating 1-Point Skydive was a return to taking credit for my own work. The name came from a rant I made, that is probably on the internet somewhere. Mallory’s contribution is very important. She’s very organized. She’s brilliant that way. Her brain works in ways that mine does not.

I’m just like, yeah, let’s get everybody together to jump.
And she’s like; information, safety… you know, just perfect! I’ve always been safety-oriented but she writes it down and makes it more understandable for everyone. Everything is on the board and it helps people make sure they stay safe. 

“Brad is the best! Obviously I am biased, but it’s hard to argue with his results. He has taught so many people to be great skydivers and tunnel flyers. Brad is the most enthusiastic and generous teacher around!”

Mallory Hunt

It’s easy to be complacent and sometimes people are full of sh*t. We need more honesty in our lives. 

I love both! There are some experienced skydivers that either like vertical and don’t like angles, or the other way around. I believe vertical and angles complement each other. They’re like peanut butter and jelly.

If you’re good at angles and good at vertical, you’re better at both. When you’re vertical – I don’t call it “static” anymore because it’s become kind of a stigmatized word. Static means holding still, and if you’re doing 4-way and you’re holding still, you’re losing. When you’re doing VFS really well, you’re never holding still. You’re kind of on that edge of moving at all times.

In vertical big-ways, you do an angle skydive to the formation, and you do an angle skydive getting away. So, if you’re a good angle flyer, you’ll be able to fly safely to the big-way. And then once you’re in, of course, if you can fly vertical and neutral, it’s perfect. It’s a balance game.

Also, when you’re angle flying, if you pass through the middle and are comfortable in that position, you don’t wobble the middle like some people do. So, the better you are at vertical, the more precise you can be on your angle flying. 

I try to be very versatile, which is why Mallory and I joined a few belly sequential events here in Florida. It was funny. We were met with “Oh God, these freeflyers are going to be in here. They are going to screw everything for us”. But after a jump or two they were, “Okay, you guys know how to fly on your belly” . We want to know as much as possible. It also helps facilitate students learning. If I send a student to a belly LO and they say Brad Hunt sent me, that organizer knows me, knows what I do, it works better.

Fake people. 

Larry Lemaster went out of his way to help me any way he could. He introduced me to people and would even fly or drive me places for me to progress. He let me use his gear and everything. He would give you the shirt off his back, even if it cost him his business. Larry was really great! Unfortunately, he is no longer with us. He’s also the reason I made over 400 night jumps back then. He would fly well after sundown in the wintertime.

Andy Ferguson taught me all the things about skydiving that you don’t learn in the book. And, all the other guys at Tri-State Skydivers… Everett Pollard did my first jump course and first jump. Clint Leighton first taught me how to fly head-down, I think I had 56 jumps at that point

John Hart helped SOFly grow exponentially with his facilities and aircraft at Start Skydiving. He was super supportive and gave me everything I needed to grow free flying at his drop zone.

I was lucky, very lucky to be surrounded by these people – the benefits of a small drop zone. When I hear people say they started a small drop zone, I’m, “That’s the best way to start” because you learn what the sport’s about and it’s all about people.

“Skydiving creates families and some family become your Sons and Daughters. Brad is one of my Sons. I have watched Brad grow up in our community and consistently bring a positive influence to every skydiver he has interacted with.” 

John Hart II. Team Fastrax

Skydiving over the Pyramids with my wife. Mallory surprised me with that trip, she knew I always dreamt of seeing them. Man, I married the hottest woman ever seen (took me a long time, because I’m an idiot, but I’m a guy, what can I say?!). I love that woman. And she took me to the Pyramids.

The head-up Sequential 32-way, 2-point World Record we organized last year.(Head-Up World Record – Skydivemag). That one was nice because we invited people from all over world that are all our friends and they were there just to have a good time. My wife took the lead on that one from the organizing point of view. I only did the talking. She really, really did an amazing job!

The Night Pyro 42-way World Record. During this event the visuals were insane, just I-N-S-A-N-E! I remember on the actual record jump a lot of us should have been floating, but we got out and we didn’t see anyone. So we dove like hell. We got the record on a busted timing!

Also, some really unsafe skydives that are memorable for all the wrong reasons!

All of the head-up records – if they were easy they’d be a LOT bigger!

“I’ve known Brad for over 20 years. Always fun to be around him with his positive attitude towards life, as well as his drive to continue progressing as a flyer and pushing the sport.”

Luis Prinetto, Fly4Life

If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong!

I started the “Heavy Dong” celebration and organized some records

It’s just something to do for fun. It started out being a celebration at breakoff – when you’re in a big-way, you’re tired and just kind of like throw your arms in a certain way, it looks like you’re holding something so I’ll leave it at that.

It’s just a fun thing to do and just took off. It’s hard not to smile while you’re doing it! There’s an Instagram page (that I don’t run) and it makes me laugh. It’s just a goofy thing to do in freefall.

Getting everyone to focus all at the same time. That’s the job of the organizer. You need to deal with whatever is happening; people bring their troubles, it’s normal. You need to do your best to get everybody on the same page. 

Slow all the steps down and exercise more patience. It’s very difficult to do in this world, but it’s exactly what we need.

Be safe. Be honest. Have fun!

Competitions are just boogies in disguise ; and you find out where you stack up against “the competition.” Records are for working together so everyone can get a win.

It’s literally all safety and honesty. Slow all the steps down and exercise some patience. We created a ground school to introduce free flyers to vertical big-ways and that’s been helpful for several people; showing them what to do and what to expect in various slots and situations.

The most common mistake skydivers make is over-estimating their abilities. That falls under honesty; being honest with yourself. Debriefs & Cocktails creates a fun, comedic environment to overcome challenges with self-assessment.

It’s all mental. We are falling from planes FFS!

By being safe and honest. (Are you noticing a theme here?!) Skydiving is already thrilling. There is no need to go looking for more danger.

Angle flying when you can’t fly head-down or track safely is the biggest free fly related safety issue in skydiving currently.

Honesty and the ability to say “No” would make skydiving safer for everyone.

Just minor bumps and bruises, thankfully. The worst one was at the beginning, I clipped a wind-blade and slammed into the ground. I remember seeing my shadow on the earth. I was going straight to the ground from about 15 feet. It hurt, but in the end, nothing was broken. I was 100% lucky.

Seeing the gear and technology getting better each year. Especially the progress in high-performance canopies, containers, altimeters, and helmets. It’s cool AF!

Playing guitar and bass fishing. And cooking steaks and making cocktails for my wife! I’m definitely good at that.

My dad. I think he would have liked it, but I would’ve liked it even more. That would’ve been my most memorable skydive.

He was my coach growing up, and was a really talented pitcher. He’s no longer with us. But he taught me a very valuable lesson; your coach isn’t there to be your friend. He is your coach. They can be friendly, but they are ultimately there to make you better.

Fkn touch it

I am very proud to be supported by some of the best companies in the industry: SSK, UPT, PD.

“We adore Brad Hunt here at UPT! Brad’s infectious energy and genuine love for life are truly captivating. From my first tunnel coaching sessions with Brad to setting records and collaborating on major Brand projects, I’ve always known him to be the same amazing person. He’s dedicated, supportive, and always inspiring others to work hard and have fun doing so. This “male model” truly embodies the spirit of the skydiving industry – innovation, perseverance, and having the most fun possible!”

Ryan Jenkins, Marketing Manager UPT

I’d like to thank all three of my followers. You guys rock!

But really, don’t take yourself that seriously. Just be safe so you can keep jumping for a long time.

Keep teaching people. Keep doing AFF, keep coaching people who want to learn, and keep calling people out on their BS!

I’d like to be on a triple-digit HU record. Head-up is hard, but we will do it.

Video, Head-up World Record, 2024

Edit by Mariana Franceschetto

Here are just a few of them

• World Record Head-up 96-way, November 2024 (leadership team)
• World Record Night Head-down 42-way, March 2024 with pyro
• World Record Head-up Sequential 32-way, 2 points, March 2024 (organizer)
• Florida Head-up 47-way, March 2023 (lead organizer)
• USPA National Head-up 32-way, March 2021 (lead organizer)
• World Record Head-up 84-way, July 2019
• POPS World Record Head-down 26-way, August 2015
• World Record Head-down 164-way, July 2015.

The post Catching up with… Brad Hunt appeared first on Skydivemag.

Finally – an Award for Riggers 28 Mar 2025, 2:37 pm

A Groundbreaking Award for Parachute Riggers: Honoring a Legacy at PIA

The skydiving community is celebrating a significant milestone with the introduction of a new award that honors parachute riggers for their exceptional service and contributions.

Lotem Ragwan, together with the FAA have initiated this award to recognize riggers who have dedicated 50 years of service to the sport—a long-overdue recognition for those who have played such a pivotal role in advancing the safety and technology of parachuting.

The first award of its kind was presented at the Parachute Industry Association Symposium 2025, marking an historic moment for the industry. What makes this occasion even more special is the fact that the inaugural award was presented to the late John Sherman, an iconic figure in the sport of skydiving, through his wife, Nancy La-Riviere. Although John passed away, his groundbreaking contributions to the sport continue to impact the skydiving community. This award, which recognizes John’s 50 years of dedication and innovation, will ensure that his legacy endures for generations of riggers, skydivers, and manufacturers to come.
 

A Legacy of Innovation

John Sherman’s legacy in the world of skydiving and parachute rigging is remarkable. John was born on February 25, 1939, and joined the U.S. Army in 1957, where he became part of one of the first long-range reconnaissance patrol units. During his time in Germany, he made his first parachute jump in 1958, a moment that would change the course of his life.
 
Dissatisfied with the outdated military equipment available at the time, John set out to innovate. His obsession with improving equipment led to the development of the first modern “piggyback” harness/container system. This groundbreaking design would later become known as the “Racer”. John’s inventions didn’t stop there—he introduced safety features that have become staples of modern parachuting, including:

•  The pull-out pilot chute
• Main riser covers
• Anti-line-strip deployment bags
• Teflon cutaway cables
• The anti-float bag and container concept
• The first elliptical main parachute
• The first tandem system with a 3-point drogue release incorporated into the cutaway handle

These innovations are still in use today, and countless riggers and manufacturers continue to build on John’s foundational work.

A Visionary

John was a founding member of the PIA, where he played a crucial role in shaping the technical direction of the industry. As the chairman of the PIA Technical Committee, he spearheaded the development of the first electronic bulletin board system for skydivers, including the popular “rec.skydiving” forum. He was an accomplished competitor and meet director, earning recognition as the first U.S. skydiver to medal in all three disciplines of Speed Style, Accuracy, and Relative Work in national competition.
 
In the 1980s, John went on to found Decel, a company that was awarded a grant to redesign the Mid-Air Refueling “Probe and Drogue” system used by the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force. His design, which earned him a U.S. patent, would go on to become the NATO standard. John’s legacy as a mentor and teacher to hundreds of riggers has left a lasting impact on the sport, and his influence is still felt in the skydiving community today.
 

A National Movement for Riggers

The new FAA award for parachute riggers marks a significant step forward in recognizing the contributions of these often-unsung heroes of skydiving. There has never been a formal award to honor riggers, particularly the “OG” riggers who have dedicated decades to improving the sport. Many of these pioneers are now retiring or passing away, making the need for such recognition even more urgent.
 
By initiating this award program, the FAA is providing an opportunity for riggers across the country to be celebrated for their years of service. The goal is for this program to grow and become a national initiative, encouraging riggers from different regions to gain the recognition they deserve. This program honors those who have paved the way for modern skydiving equipment and safety and will inspire future generations of riggers to continue the tradition of excellence.

A Lasting Impact

The introduction of the FAA award for parachute riggers is a monumental step in recognizing the tireless work and innovation that has gone into making skydiving the thrilling and safe sport it is today. This award will celebrate individuals like John Sherman and shine a light on the invaluable contributions of riggers worldwide.

Jo Gramzinsky from the Orlando FSDO office who presented the award sad, “Lotem’s initiative to establish this award stemmed from a keen awareness of the need to bridge gaps and provide recognition within the industry. Through persistence and a clear vision, Lotem made the idea a reality. Her leadership and dedication played a key role in making this award happen.”

Let us all join together to acknowledge the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our riggers—who make every skydive safer, more thrilling, and more memorable.

The post Finally – an Award for Riggers appeared first on Skydivemag.

Pre-Jump Rituals: Elevate Your Game 28 Mar 2025, 1:33 pm

Skydiving at a high level takes real focus, discipline, and attention to detail. A strong pre-jump routine can shift your mindset and set you up for a solid, successful jump. We checked in with a few athletes to see what rituals help them stay sharp, stay safe, and keep performing at the top of their game…

Gear Checks: The ultimate checklist

Let’s start with the most obvious ritual: Gear Checks. Gear checks are a no-brainer. We all check our gear before boarding—but gear checks before you exit should be just as automatic. While that might seem obvious, if it’s not already built into your pre-jump routine, it’s worth finding a way to make it part of your process.

I personally check my gear several times on the plane. It only takes a few seconds, and it gives me confidence that my gear is ready to save my life—which, to me, is the most important thing.

But an effective gear check is more than just a quick glance. It starts at the beginning of the day and continues before every jump:

• Closing loop – Check that it’s in good condition and snug.
• AAD – Make sure it’s on, and double-check it throughout the day, especially on long jump days or night jumps.
• Reserve pin – Check it first thing in the morning, and again throughout the day. I’ve seen reserve pins close to coming out mid jump day.
• Chest strap – Every jump, confirm it’s routed properly.
• 3 rings – Give them a good look to ensure everything is set up correctly.
• Audibles, altimeter – Are they on, and set to the correct altitude?
• Pack job? Check to see that your pin and bridle are correctly packed.

Our gear takes a beating over a full day of jumping. The more intentional you are with your checks, the more present and prepared you’ll feel. This part of your pre-jump ritual isn’t just about habit—it’s about focus. Take a moment to really feel your gear and register what condition it’s in. Your future self will thank you.

Pre-Jump Mindset Prep

Visualization is a powerful tool and it’s something top athletes across all sports use to stay sharp and dialed in. Skydiving is no different. Mentally rehearsing your jump helps you stay calm, focused, and ready to respond when it counts. I like to walk through the entire jump in my mind before I go. From the exit to freefall, deployment, and landing, I take a moment to see and feel each stage of the jump. I also run through my EPs so my mind is already in response mode if something doesn’t go according to plan. Taking time to visualize sharpens your awareness, reinforces muscle memory, and keeps your nervous system out of fight-or-flight. It doesn’t take long, but it makes a big difference in your flying.

Cedric Viega Rios

“On training and competition jumps I visualize how my jump needs to go – only in a positive way and only the perfect jump. I never think about what not to do.”

Breathing Exercises to Calm and Center

Practicing controlled breathing helps reduce adrenaline and anxiety before a jump. A few deep breaths before exiting the aircraft can lower your heart rate and sharpen your focus. 

Try a simple routine:
Inhale deeply for a count of four: fill your lungs fully, then hold for a beat.
Exhale slowly for a count of six  
This longer exhale activates the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body. Using this breathing technique, you enter a state of relaxed awareness, which not only benefits your mental clarity but also enhances your physical performance during the jump.

Inka Cagnasso

“I focus on skydiving with a calm nervous system. Just some simple breathwork before exiting the plane helps me massively to be in the right headspace and maintain focus.  I also always tell myself that everything will be okay.“

Other Rituals From Other Athletes

Jesse “Tex” Leos

“I try to stay consistent with my pre-jump rituals every jump, no matter the jump’s particular significance. My reasoning is that if I treat every jump the same, the big pressure moments when I really need to be locked-in will have the same routines as any other. 
I have several rituals that I will briefly share. 1) I have a mantra selected that I use to focus while loading the plane. 2) I do most of the memorization in the first half of the climb to altitude. 3) The only visualization I do after 10k feet is of things in my control. Like the climb out or references I’ll be using to spot mid-jump. If you haven’t memorized the plan by then, it’s too late anyhow. 4) I use a breathing technique every jump while repeating the same mantra. These final moments are only about mindset and attitude rather than any specifics about the jump.“

Matt Fry

“In the final minutes leading up to a green light, I direct all my attention to my breath and my heartbeat. I focus completely on them until everything else fades away and I feel them calm. It’s one last moment to collect myself before it’s time to perform.

“Generally speaking, my rides to altitude have three phases. Read. Visualize. Breathe.“

Matt Leonard

Before every jump, I take a moment to visualize the plan. Seeing the flow, the timing, and how it all comes together. On high stress ones where my heart rate is racing, I add in breath work like box breathing or a double inhale to stay calm and focused. It’s about building momentum, staying sharp, and leading with intention. Even before I leave the plane.

Alethia Austin

“For thousands of jumps, I’ve used a mantra, visualization, and breathwork. I visualize the skydives 3 times as first person, 1 time as outside camera, with slow deep breathing. Then I go to my mantra at 11k, 3 deep breaths using the physiological sigh, a prayer and then another gear check. This ritual has been consistent for thousands of jumps and feels like a way to really hone my focus and calm my body and mind before a jump.“

Jeannie Bartholomew

“I definitely focus on my breathing and visualize my jump from exit through landing; on the ground and in the plane. I also check my gear before gearing up, then again before getting on the plane and one final time at 3,000ft. I have caught things on myself and others that wouldn’t have been caught without those gear checks.“

The Importance of Consistency

Regularly engaging in these pre-jump rituals helps combat complacency, which can sneak in as you gain experience. Consistent rituals remind you of the importance of each detail and help cultivate a mindset of respect for the risks involved. Skydivers who have integrated these habits are not only more prepared for each jump but also contribute to a culture of safety and mindfulness in the sport.

In skydiving, preparation is not just about double-checking your gear, it’s about setting yourself up mentally, physically, and emotionally. Pre-jump rituals bring a sense of control to an otherwise high-adrenaline environment. By incorporating these habits, you can ensure that every jump is approached with respect, awareness, and a mindset that prioritizes safety. So, whether you’re tapping your helmet or visualizing each phase of the descent, remember that these small rituals are a big part of staying safe in the skies.

The post Pre-Jump Rituals: Elevate Your Game appeared first on Skydivemag.

Body Piloting Championships: From Concept to Legacy 27 Mar 2025, 1:46 pm

BPC is no longer just an idea—it’s a movement

The Body Piloting Championships (BPC) started as a wild idea—something different from traditional tunnel comps. Most comps have scoring systems that make sense to the competitors but can be lost on spectators. BPC was built to change that.

The goal was simple: make body flight a proper spectator sport. No cryptic scoring, no complex rules—just two pilots going head-to-head in a Follow the Leader format. You either match the line and execute the moves, or you bust. The audience can see the mistakes in real time, and the better flyer wins. Simple, effective, and exciting.

What started as an experiment has grown into a legitimate competition format. With every event, Body Piloting Championships refines itself, drawing more top-tier flyers and growing a dedicated following.

BPC 5: The Evolution Continues

BPC 5 took place at iFLY Downunder in Sydney, and it was the best one yet. Seven match-ups, three title fights, and some of the tightest battles we’ve seen. The competition was stacked, and pilots had to bring their A-game—every mistake counted, every move mattered.

This comp showcased some clear trends in body piloting progression:

• Boundary control is key. A huge chunk of busts came from top and bottom line violations.
  Staying in the fight zone is just as critical as nailing the moves.
• Trick execution under pressure separates the best from the rest. Some pilots nailed clean tricks early but struggled with precision in later rounds due to fatigue or overcorrection.
• Mental resets matter. Busts often came in clusters, meaning once a competitor got rattled, mistakes stacked up fast. The best performers could shake it off and recover quickly.

Match Highlights & Performance Trends

The numbers tell the story. Each battle had its own dynamic, but a few key trends emerged:

• Chad Gordan vs. Aaron Niel saw Chad taking the win with 19 busts against Aaron’s 38
  busts. Aaron pushed hard with variety in tricks but struggled with boundary awareness,
  racking up 15 bottom line busts alone.
• Rob Wylie vs. Craig Allender was another lesson in control, with Craig taking the win at 22
  busts against Rob’s 30 busts. Craig’s more balanced flying gave him the edge, while Rob
  struggled with top line busts.
• Doni Gales vs. Jeremy Brazier was a masterclass in consistency. Doni took the win with
  only 15 busts, while Jeremy racked up 27 busts, mainly due to boundary control issues.
• Mason Corby vs. Vincent Brazier was a standout match. Mason secured the win with 26
  busts against Vincent’s 30 busts.

Body Piloting Championships Commentators

A massive part of making BPC an engaging spectator sport is having the right voices behind the mic. At BPC 5, we had two absolute legends breaking down the action:
Shane Onis– Australia’s swooping prodigy. Shane is well-known in the Australian skydiving scene as one of the best up-and-coming canopy pilots. His deep understanding of flight dynamics, combined with his ability to explain high-level concepts in a way that makes sense to everyone, brought a fresh perspective to the commentary booth.

Christopher “Douggs” McDougall – One of the most respected and professional BASE jumpers in the world. Douggs runs Learn to BASE Jump and has decades of experience across multiple skydiving and BASE disciplines. Now moving into speaking and commentating gigs, his insights into air movement, risk management, and next-level body control added a whole new layer of depth to BPC’s coverage.

Both Shane and Douggs delivered expert analysis, kept the energy high, and made sure the audience —both in-person and on the livestream—understood the stakes of every move.

Where BPC Stands Now

BPC is no longer just an idea—it’s a movement. It’s creating real rivalries, giving body pilots something tangible to train for, and pushing progression in ways we haven’t seen before. Every comp refines the format and showcases new talent, proving that body piloting is its own discipline, not just an offshoot of freefly or dynamic.

The Next Step – Sponsorship Needed

The next step? Expanding the series and securing sponsorship to move it forward. BPC has reached the stage where we need financial backing to start covering expenses, grow the competition, and bring it to a global audience. They’re looking for partners who see the potential in this sport and want to be part of its future.

If you or your company are interested in sponsoring BPC and helping take body piloting to the next level, get in touch: Email Mason

Current sponsors: Cookie Helmets, XRG Flight club, iFly Downunder

The future of body piloting is here, and BPC is leading the charge!

For background, rules and concept of BPC see this article: Body Piloting Championships

The post Body Piloting Championships: From Concept to Legacy appeared first on Skydivemag.

Blue Hole Bonanza  27 Mar 2025, 12:35 pm

The steady ba-bump in my chest was beating like a bass drum…

I couldn’t remember how many times I already checked my handles, but what else was I going to do?!! I closed my eyes and visualized jumping from a plane with no land anywhere in sight for an intentional water landing into a shark-infested world heritage site 80 km/50 miles off the Belizean coast. What could possibly go wrong? Did I get a gear check before boarding? Oh yes, I did. And I gave several. Ok. Focus on breathing.

“The whole experience was almost beyond words – it was a strange, surreal blend of disbelief and awe” 

Sara Kutcher

I reached back and checked my pilot chute was firmly in place. I’d already watched Rich’s pilot chute come out when he went forward to talk to the pilot. We collectively stopped him on his way and made sure we tucked it back in. As if we weren’t already going through every possible scenario in our minds of what could go wrong, no need to add a premature opening to the mix. He nonchalantly went back to spot in the door as if he’s done this a few times. Oh right, he has done this a few times. Fifteen times he’s done this. This would be number 16. Right. Relax. Did I check my handles?

 I looked around inside the plane. There wasn’t the usual chatter, fumbling with cameras, or adjusting straps. Everyone was quietly sitting, staring ahead, or eyes closed, pondering that they were about to jump from a plane at 14,000 feet above sea level (literally) and intentionally land in the sea. Hopefully, inside the Great Blue Hole. Oh, and remember, we’re all here because we wanted to do this, and we paid to do this!

“This was the most magical jump of my life!” 

 Jessica Rabe

Let me take a step back. This amazing experience, often described as the greatest single skydive you’ll ever do, first happened 20 years ago when Rich Grimm had the wild idea in 2005 to skydive into the Great Blue Hole. It’s a World Heritage Site, surrounded by a ring of razor sharp and protected coral, and has a few sharks inside. It was a challenge to initially obtain permission to make this skydive, and remains very much so. It took a lot of scouting trips, meetings with Belizean aviation officials, hotels, scuba diving operators, plane owners, riggers, and crazy (beyond normal) skydivers to say, “yes, take my money!”

That became the first Tsunami Skydivers Exotic Boogie, and they’ve been going strong for 20 years. The Tsunami “Tribe” was born in 2005, and people were hungry for more. The jump was so popular that Rich kept going back every year from 2005 – 2011. He’s also got a personal connection, because he got married to Kristine at the SunBreeze hotel on Ambergris Caye/San Pedro island in 2005. It’s a “2-fer” with both his marriage and Tsunami Skydivers Exotic Boogies celebrating a “china anniversary” for 20 years, going back to where it all started.

“Being on the first Blue Hole jump in 2005 has always been my favorite skydiving memory. This 20th anniversary jump, coincidentally on my 70th birthday, will always be my other favorite memory. Thanks Rich, and everyone who has shared this experience, for keeping this going!” 

 Fred Lindquist

Everyone arrived in Belize City and caught a small puddle jumper flight for the impressive 15 minute flight out to Ambergris Caye/San Pedro Island. You quickly realize that you are heading towards the vast ocean. You see small islands, fishing boats, water taxis, and a LOT of ocean. The airport on the island is literally across the street from the SunBreeze hotel. But even in the few short moments walking there, you are greeted with a full frontal assault on all your senses. The electric buzz of countless golf carts, the smell of delicious pork, seafood, and local spices, the rainbow of colors advertising cocktails, meals, golf cart rentals, and the warm ocean sun kissing your skin.

We received the notification that the weather prediction was perfect for the jump to happen Monday. Today was Saturday. That gave everyone the opportunity to unpack, put on flip-flops, shorts and sunglasses, and explore. Nearly everyone stopped first at the restaurant bar to indulge in the delicious fish tacos, ceviche, and a local speciality “Panty Rippa” (coconut rum with pineapple juice over ice!). 

After getting our bearings, there was a welcome dinner and introduction at Estel’s by the Sea, a local favorite dining establishment with arguably the best breakfast anywhere. They didn’t disappoint for dinner and pulled out all the stops to put on a barbecue that would make any BBQ blue ribbon winner’s mouth water. The different savory meats melted in your mouth as they’d been slow cooking for hours under the careful eye of the owner. 

Rich introduced the support crew, reminded everyoone about the general plan, and asked everyone to show up at the Amigos Del Mar dive shop Sunday morning to sign waivers, get fitted for scuba and/or snorkeling gear. He’s worked with this dive shop the entire time, and they are pros at handling crazy skydivers. Sunday aftrernoon was the mandatory jump briefing, helpful suggestions to make the jump easier, general reminders about what to do/not do, review of water landing procedures, directional features of the coral to help with your orientation once landing direction is known (more on that below), and a general check on everyone’s nerves. The excitement sparkled as people started to mingle, making new friends and enjoying catching up with old friends. 

This boogie takes an exraordinary amount of coordination. Rich organizes with local aviation officials to get skydiving permission in general, and authorization to bring a plane down from the US. Rich started the Belize Skydive and Parachute Association, which is recognized by the Belizean civil aviation authority, along with an accepted set of safety rules specifically for Blue Hole Jumps. He stays in regular communication with these officials to keep open the possibiity for the Blue Hole jumps to continue. 

He convinces a plane owner to bring a plane down. He coordinates with the National Audobon Society, which manages the Great Blue Hole since it is a World Heritage Site, to get the permits and swear on his life that no one will damage the coral. It is a $25,000 fine if you do. He gets a few gritty riggers to show up that are willing to clean everyone’s gear over many days and get it field packed so you can get it home and to a rigger for another check and repack. Thankfully he has a great connection with the SunBreeze hotel and several local eating establishments. And of course, you need a ride home from the Blue Hole. But if you go to the effort of jumping in, you might as well have a look around. 

That means that Amigos Del Mar dive shop sends out a scuba boat, along with a recovery boat at 5 am to make the 3-hour boat ride out to the Blue Hole. Meanwhile on San Pedro, all jumpers meet at 7 am for a group breakfast, a final briefing, and to check on gear and our nerves. Once the dive boats arrive, they use a satellite phone to call back to the dive shop with the weather conditions and where they will anchor inside the hole, so people know which way to land. Once Rich gets that information, he then proclaims, “It’s ON!” and it’s time for load one to gear up! I think everyone made at least one more quick dash to the restroom. Did anyone sleep well last night? I guarantee you are wide awake now.

Which brings me back to jump run… How many times have I checked my handles, six times? It doesn’t matter, I reach for them again to feel the calm reassurance. I look down right and grab my cutaway handle then I look down left and grab my reserve handle. Peel punch right, peel punch left and arch. The comfort of practice brings me back to the present. We’re over the Blue Hole now and the pilot makes a slow left hand circle so everyone can look out and see it. From 14,000 feet it still looks big. It’s nearly 1,000 feet in diameter, 400 feet deep, and a darker shade of blue than the multitude of turquiose splashes around it. Rich opens the door and uses his expertise, years of skydiving, and many jumps to spot the perfect exit spot. 

“The pilot was amazing!”

 Chris Forrest

Now it feels very real. There’s no time for nerves; remember your basics, arch on exit, take your time to approach the formation. Oh, who am I kidding?!! This jump is about the canopy ride and soaking it up. I think everyone had at least 2 different cameras attached running on the highest quality settings. In that first moment when you exit, and look out at just how vast the ocean is, and there is no land anywhere, you definitely have a very high pucker factor. 

“When I opened my canopy, I wished I would have pulled earlier – towering cumulus to the west, reflecting on the calm ocean. Beautiful beyond words!” 

Ray Ferrell

When you are in the saddle and start looking around, you cannot at first fathom the depth of what you’ve just done, or are about to do. The palette of blues and greens seems infinite. On our jump, there were gorgeous clouds and almost mirror-smooth seas, which reflected the sky into the water, making the whole scene even more breathtaking. Everyone lined themselves up for the requisite selfie with their wrist-mounted camera held high to look down on themselves in their rig, and the Blue Hole underneath. For the adventurous souls confident in their canopy skills, you might try to find your friend(s) and fly nearby to yell and shout your emphatic joy about this enchanting moment. 

But you need to remember all your skydiving skills and land IN the Blue Hole, or it doesn’t count. Trust me, I know. (This is for another story, because this jump was all about redemption for me!) Once you see where the boats are, you remember the unique coral features to help orient yourself and start thinking about your pattern. I think everyone wished for a paraglider at this point, because we wanted this canopy ride to last forever.

After all the excited yells and laughs and fist pumps into the air, it’s time to land. I disconnect the RSL and remember the four landing priorities. Treat this just like any other landing and whatever you do, DO NOT FREAK OUT! You have no choice BUT to commit to the water, and flare normally. The instant you first touch water is jolting, refreshing, and wild since you’ve most likely never landed in water before. Once that first splash is over, you are amazed at how buoyant your rig is with the air trapped inside your reserve canopy. 

My head never went under water. My canopy gently collapsed like an accordion in front of me and for the most part the air inside kept the top skin above water and dry. I yelled at the top of my lungs, relieved with joy that I landed safely, and IN the Blue Hole. I watched as the other canopies gently touched down, heard the ecstatic screams of my fellow adrenalin junkies, and waited my turn for the rescue boat to glide over as welcome hands reached down and helped pull me and my wet gear aboard.

The rest of the day is spent in a hazy fog of laughter, celebration, and smiles. Some people put on scuba gear and made the 140 foot dive into the Blue Hole while others snorkeled around the gorgeous coral and sea life. We went to a spot near Half Moon Caye for a second scuba and snorkel session, before stopping at that island for a delicious lunch and excursion to avoid stepping on the abundant hermit crabs and see the amazing bird sancutary from a tower built in among the trees. It’s a 3-hour cruise back home from there, and the rum punch helps pass the time. But honestly, after such an adrenalin-packed day, no one wants it to be over. 

If you ever get the chance, make sure you join Rich and the “Tsunami Tribe” to experience the jump of a lifetime into the Great Blue Hole.

“The most unforgettable aspect of the trip was the people. Every single person brought a positive, genuine energy that embodies our community. Everything about this trip was pure magic. Looking back now, I can’t Belize we pulled it off! ” 

Eric “Watermelon” Proctor

Blue Hole 2025 Video

Edit by Casey Pruett

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