October 2024 Newsletter

Did you think we’d slow down as we come in to autumn and winter? Think again!

The National Championships in 4-Way Formation Skydiving kicked off September in style and what a competition it was. Congratulations to SOAR (AAA), Children of the Corn (AA), Nakama (A) and Fall Fast Finish Last (Rookie) who took gold in each category. We’re always blown away by the spirit you all bring to the competition and the vibe was incredible again. Thank you to all of the teams who attended and made it such a special weekend.

Jim Bradwell and Sian Stokes’ September Formation Load Sequential couldn’t have gone better. Around 75 skydivers attended for a successful week of jumping and a wild night partying with the Winging It band. To top it off, the event included a new British record – a 42-way 2-point sequential jump. Congratulations to all those involved!

One of our aims for this year has been to boost the sport jumping scene, which has definitely paid off. Our sport jumps are up by almost 50% compared to last year and events have been in full swing, but one grey area has been the limbo stage between AFF and being considered experienced which has left some jumpers in a lull. Enter the new progression scheme!

Some of you will have noticed that Liam has got the ball rolling with boosting coaching at the dropzone. He is available most days for all your FS needs and we have a calendar of coaches available to suit whichever discipline you are hoping to progress in.

Nick Davison and Dean Savage have been hosting regular tracking and freefly groups which are proving to be a big hit and each session seems to be getting more and more numbers. Keep an eye out on the Skydive Hib Experienced Jumpers Group for further updates, news and progression events.

In October, we said ta-ta and farewell to some of our Hib regulars who are all seeking warmer climates. 30 Degrees is overrated, bring on the -30 degree skydiving! Logan has been one of the staples of the jump programme for a couple of years. Every day is a Sunday morning for laid-back Logan and watching him progress has been a joy to see. Handsome Roger has been one of the hardest working ground crew members the dropzone has ever seen. No weather hold has been too long to stop him finding bits and bobs to do around the site. Mila and Andy have been frantically folding nylon and braving the colder jumping conditions that they’re not usually acclimatized to. To top it all off, Mila received a lovely, warm hug from Baldrick to see her last night off.

We hope you will join us in wishing them all the best on their travels. You are all welcome back any time!

Achievements

• A Licence – Dan Wheatley
• B Licence – Leah Millar, Grant Pearson & Dave Neal
• TR1 – Matt Baldwin & Andy Jordan
• TR2 – Erik Bowie, Jack Brear & Nick Calcutt
• FS1 – Kieran Campbell & Dave Neal
• FS1+ – Andy Jordan & Leah Millar
• CT3 – Dean Savage
• 500 Jumps – Jack Brear

Events

It may be winter but that’s not going to stop us hosting some awesome events over November. Here’s what to expect:

November

• 2nd/3rd – Hi66leween – Bradley vs Ash
• 10th – Beginner/Intermediate Tracking Groups with Dean Savage
• 16th – Wacking Load Organising with Tom Dent
• 24th – Beginner/Intermediate Tracking Groups with Dean Savage

We will also be organising a Christmas event so keep your eyes peeled for more details on that soon.