While freefalling alone is enough for most thrill seekers, a group of local skydivers is planning to push the limits and etch their names into the South African record books.
On 30 and 31 August, thirty skydivers will leap from not one, not two, but three aircraft simultaneously above Skydive the Ranch in Delmas.
Their mission? To link up mid-air in a perfectly choreographed formation – all within 55 heart-racing seconds.
If they pull it off, they’ll smash the current South African record of 24 skydivers in formation, a feat that has stood since 2017.
A high-flying team skydiver effort
The record attempt will include some familiar names from the South African skydiving scene.
The feat is being organised by Brad Curnow, Warren Dent, and Mohan Chudalayandy, while Stevan Boskovic will be joining as both a jumper and videographer.
“It has been such a wonderful collaboration and team effort,” Curnow told the Roodepoort Record.
“I believe that this programme will contribute to some positive momentum for the sport of skydiving in South Africa,” Brad said.
Beyond the adrenaline lies a deeper goal: to revive South African skydiving, which has seen a dip in membership and activity since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Skydiving in South Africa has an amazing history, and some wonderful achievements, and we would love to get the sport back to somewhere near those former levels,” Curnow added.
Watch the record unfold
This weekend’s event is open to the public, offering a full day out with food, parking, and even camping on site. For those brave enough, tandem skydives will be available too.
Organisers promise a fun and unforgettable experience, showcasing the skill, nerve, and teamwork it takes to set a national record at terminal velocity.
Women in the air
Meanwhile, a group of elite female skydivers from across Gauteng broke a 30-year-old formation record to celebrate Women’s Month.
On 2 August, the all-female team set a new South African women’s record with a 15-person formation. The following day the group broke further ground by completing a two-point 15-way formation in the Large Formation Full Break Sequential Female category.
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