| Today's Skydive Spaceland News: | Oct. 27, 2011  |
- USPA National Skydiving Championships Start Today!
- Who's that kid in the red suit? -->
- Chuck Ways Nov. 4-6 (40-ways)
- Veteran's Day Celebration Nov. 11
- Achievement Awards: Bob Domeier
- New STP Graduate/Other Awards
- Upcoming Events
- Costume Jump Safety Tips
It's almost that time again... Time for costumes, pumpkins, and spooky fun at Skydive Spaceland! Don't miss our Halloween Party on Oct. 29--there will be food, fun, and prizes for the best costumes!
USPA National Skydiving Championships Start Today!
Are you ready to cheer for your home teams? Spaceland has several teams going to represent us at Nationals; competition jumps start today with the style and accuracy events. Our teams are all in the formation skydiving events, so they'll start competing on Monday or later. Wish them luck!
Home Teams
- 4-way FS: Spaceland Lite, Spaceland Havoc, Spaceland Mamba (advanced division)
- 8-way FS: SPX8, Point Taken (intermediate division)
- 16-way FS: Deguello 17
Links:
Who's That Kid in the Red Suit?
Congratulations to Nick Reyes, winner of last weekend's raffle for a jump with the Deguello 17 16-way team. Nick did a fantastic job, flying his slot for a slick 6-point 16-way jump. Not bad at all for 51 jumps!
Let's see, first 16-way, first jump with Deguello, first jump with weight... too bad he's too young to buy beer. ;)
Chuck-Ways Nov. 4-6 (40-way sequential invitational/open groups)
There are a few slots left for this 40-way sequential event, so let organizer Chuck Akers know if you're interested! Jumps are $27 each and include video and lift ticket to 15,000 feet (no entry fee).
There will be 40-way invitational formation flights as well as a separate open partner group, which will offer the chance for skydivers to work on their skills and potentially move up to the invitational group.
Warmup jumps start at noon on Friday, and event jumps start at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Hope to see you there!
Veteran's Day Celebration Friday, Nov. 11
Skydive Spaceland would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of those who have served (or are serving) our country in the military. So on Nov. 11, we are offering discounted jumps and free burgers to all currently serving and retired members of the armed forces (bring your military ID or DD-214 form for your discount):
- First jump (tandem skydive): $149 (reg. $199)
- Skydiver Training Program jumps: $130 (reg. $150)
- Experienced jumps (licensed skydivers with their own gear): $20 (reg. $22)
Lastly, we'll have a flag jump at the end of the day at Skydive Spaceland.
Bring your friends and family and celebrate Veteran's Day with us!
Achievement Awards: Bob Domeier
Congratulations to Bob Domeier, who received a slew of skydiving achievement awards last weekend in the company of his team, Deguello 17:
- 4,000 jumps
- 5,000 jumps
- 60 hours of freefall
- 72 hours of freefall
- 84 hours of freefall
Congratulations, guys! :)
- Brian Scott, 10/23 STP Graduation
- Miguel Grillo: B license
- Tim Roberts: A license
- Oct. 29: Halloween Party with costume prizes TBA, a scariest dish contest, food, and beverages. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more details!
- Oct. 26-Nov. 5: United States Parachute Association National Skydiving Championships at Skydive Arizona in Eloy
- Nov. 4-6: Chuck Ways (40-ways)
- Jan. 19-22: Texas Team Elite
Why not skydive in your awesome costume? It's a ton of fun (and a great way to get your picture in Parachutist or Blue Skies Mag!). Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your costume jump to make sure all goes well.
- If your costume is baggy, make sure the floppy fabric won't cover any of your handles.
- If you will be wearing a mask, make sure you have complete visibility.
- Avoid costume parts that could entangle with your parachute (such as tails). Or if you will include these items, make sure they can easily break away from your body if needed.
- Depending on your costume, you may fall much faster or slower than your usual fall rate with your jumpsuit on, and your flying may not be as precise as with your familiar jumpsuit. Consider keeping your group small for the greatest chances of success. (You want to hog the camera anyway, right? :)
- Speaking of cameras, grab your videographer early--they're likely to be in high demand this weekend!
- If you'll be carrying any props, make sure they are light enough to not do any damage if you drop them. Also consider and dirt dive how you will manage them at pull time and when flying your canopy.
- It's a good idea to have an instructor or Safety and Training Advisor check out your costume before your jump; some safety risks aren't immediately obvious.
Have a safe, spooky skydive!
Have fun and play safe! We look forward to seeing you soon at Skydive Spaceland!
Comments? Email Eric: eric@skydivespaceland.com.
