POPS 110 way formation skydiving record

The record jump took place around 1 pm, Sunday, 25 September 2005 at Perris Valley Skydiving located in Perris, California. Most of the record event participants were from the US, but several jumpers came from Canada, 3 from the UK, and 1 from Venezuela.

Many of the POPS 2005 World Record participants arrived early to make some fun jumps, get familiar with the area, and reacquaint themselves with friends they see once a year at this event. The Record Event began officially on Thursday morning, 22 September 2005. The Team made 5 jumps in two separate groups, the Base group and the Wacker group, to warm up for the actual record jumps.

On Friday morning, participants arrived early and the two groups merged into one large formation group. There was a cutaway on each of the first three jumps Friday, but each of the jumpers involved was fortunately uninjured and able to get gear for the following jump. Two more uneventful jumps were made, and Saturday's five jumps went smoothly as well.

Injuries during this year's event, thankfully, were minimal: sore back, sprained ankle, and one freefall kick resulting in a badly cut and heavily bleeding tongue (that MUST have hurt like crazy, but not enough for our tough POP sit out any of the following jumps – and, yes, there were jumpers geared up and ready to fill in for him).

Everyone was in good spirits and worked hard Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sunday morning arrived with heavy fog and the team had to wait for it to clear before they could start. People were growing frustrated that the record continued to elude them. Organizers and Plane Captains agonized over replacing jumpers who had worked so hard, but finally felt they had to take steps to make it possible for the team to go home with a new record. Replacements were mandated as plane captains bled and tears were shed (not only by those being asked to stand down). Finally, on the third jump Sunday the POPS 2005 World Record Team accomplished its mission and set a new POPS world record: a 110 way formation held for an amazing 10 seconds.

(Debbie Dodge)

This has now been ratified, we have a new world record. Details of the formation can be found at http://skydiveperris.com/events/pops/popsjump.asp

Participants

Jumpers are listed in aircraft order. The number is their US POPS number unless otherwise indicated