Representing was this past weekend’s theme.

Starting in the aircraft arena, we sent an Otter over to the Richmond Boogie.  We have supported this great event for many years.  Thanks to PD2 who flew over 50 loads for the event.  Christa headed up manifesting and I’m sure represented us well at the party!!  Thanks to the Stewarts for letting us be a part of their event. 

In the opposite direction I was representing SDC over at Couch Freaks.  This is the first time I have attended this boogie and what a great party.  I have a picture of my fathers from the 70’s with the stacked kegs and beer truck; things haven’t changed too much as it was exactly what I saw!  Thanks to the Des Moines Skydivers for throwing a great event and your support for Regional Director. 

Back home the weather was great and the jumps were happening.  With the Otter gone we flew in a Caravan from Michigan to help keep the call time under control.  Max and TJ were busy putting up some good dives; and David and his 14 tandem masters made short work of the first timers.  I was happy to come home Monday and see the loads turning and smiles on everyone’s faces.  Thanks to the staff for holding the fort down. 

Team training is happening again this weekend.  As I type this, the remnants from the Hurricane are putting a damper on our efforts.  The forecast looks great for the weekend.  This is the second to last camp for us so we are down to crunch time.  We would ask for your support by hopping on loads and keeping them turning.  I was once told if it wasn’t for the last minute nothing would get done!! 

Also this weekend is Karl Myers 50th B-day celebration.  Karl is a fully licensed pyrotechnic and has planned a 25 minute pyro-musical.  He has invited his family over from Germany to be part of his celebration.  To put in prospective how big this show is going to be we launch 600 shells during our shows.  Karl has 2800!!  All the shells are fired by computer and synched to music!!  Show starts at 8:45 pm.  After the show Dave C. will be playing at the tiki-bar for a post show party!  This is going to be huge show that you don’t want to miss!!

                   Photo By Pete Jabczynski

Winter plans are really starting to shape up.  So far we have Skydive Sebastian for the holidays (Dec.27-Jan4), Puerto Rico with BOTH Otters (Feb.11-15).  Many of the staff are heading down to Puerto Rico with cheap round trip tickets.  You don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico, as it is a US territory.  For more info check out www.xtremedivers.com for the latest info.

Speaking of aircraft, we have the Otter leased out every weekend starting the 19th.  There has been a huge demand for aircraft this year.  I held off buying a third aircraft this year with no confirmed winter location.  I do plan on bringing the idea back up come spring. 

As expected, the AFP’s are picking up again.  As winter approaches everyone tries to get his or her jumps in prior to winter.  We have 11 students in this week’s class including 5 AFPs in a week! 

Coming up:

September 7 Swoop Club

Sept. 11-14 Roger Ponce 40-ways

Sept. 13 Night jumps and High Altitude loads

Sept. 19- 28 AFP in a Week

Sept. 20 –21 New Wave Boogie

Thanks again to everyone that supports SDC.

Rook