June 29, 2009

Skydive Chicago

We certainly live in the Windy City. 

The past week was quite a change from the previous week.  With hot humid temps many people took to the skies to cool off.  We have been doing great with tandems through the week.  Thus keeping the otter going and the fun jumpers happy.

This past Saturday and Sunday Rhythm was hosted the popular Team for a Day.  The well-attended event saw many out of town jumpers.  Rhythm certainly does a great event and the feedback from the crowd is all positive.  The following is a post from Rhythm:

Team for a Day #4 June 27 & 28
Last weekend was our fourth and largest Team for a Day.   We had teams of all experience levels, participants ranging from 29 jumps to 1000s of jumps, people travelling from Wisconsin and Ohio, TFAD first timers as well as the regulars.   Saturday was a beautiful day, and the three teams did a total of 25 team jumps.    It was great to see huge improvements over the day, and everyone having a great time.   More pictures here:  http://picasaweb.google.com/janettelefkowitz/TeamForADay4June2728# Sunday we had 4 teams ready to go, but unfortunately the winds kept us on the ground.   Thank you as always to manifest, pilots, packers, and everyone at SDC for keeping us going all day long.  Also thank you to our videoguys, Kevin, Charles and Pete, as well as Shannon for being ready to jump in and lead the 4th group on Sunday.  Next team for a day isnt until October, however, Rhythm is organizing during all of Summerfest, so come jump with us then!

Continuing Education
We took the windy morning Sunday as an opportunity to do our third continuing education on using visualization to improve skydiving skills.    If you've missed any of our continuing educations (on Body Position, Prepping and Debriefing Dives & Visualizing) but are interested in the topics, just ask.  We'd be happy to review any of them.
 
Downtown Chicago Bar Night
Our next bar night will be 7pm July 15th at Gamekeepers Bar & Tavern at Armitage & Lincoln.  These are getting bigger and bigger.  Come help spread the word about skydiving at Skydive Chicago!

4 way video mentorship with Kevin
Are you interested in learning more about shooting video for a 4 way team?  Kevin Naftzger, Rhythm's cameraguy is offering his time to help mentor anyone interested in getting into shooting video for teams.  If interested, contact Rhythm or Kevin directly at kevin@rhythmskydiving.com. The bags had a few groups going including their 8-way team.  In conversations with some of the 8-way team the favorite part is creeping.

Saturday was also high altitude jumps.  We got two loads together for the 20,000 foot leap.  Thanks to John for piloting and the jumpers, some who got 2 minutes of freefall!

After 45 loads the weather crept in and we tidied things up before the wind and rain swept though.  Needless to say the Tiki-hut wasn’t able to open but the awesome facilities pulled through and it wasn’t long before they had the Skylounge open and were serving some fajitas!  The lounge seemed like the place to be with the sketchy weather.  The music was jamming and the bar was packed.  Thanks to EAT UP!

Sunday morning the wind arrived, not so welcomed by the people on hand.  The wind not wanting to cooperate some jumpers went to River Adventures and rented some canoes.  Other’s had a pond party and yet some tethered themselves to the ground and flew themselves like a kit.  Seriously the most dangerous part of skydiving is weather holds!

Coming up this weekend is our 4th of July Boogie.  Starting this Thursday the teams will be training which means the loads will be turning.  Friday and Saturday we will have a helicopter for only $45 experienced jumps!  Friday through Sunday Guy Wright will be in town doing 40 ways.  Starting on Saturday the 10th Annual Freefly Money Meet will take place.  If you are interested in participating in the money meet please be in the freefly area by 9am.  Once we start the event we cannot add people so please don’t be late.   Ben Crooch will also be organizing for those not interested in competing.

The UFO and firework show will take place Saturday night.  After the show Ben will be jamming at the tiki-hut.  There is no registration so please support the tiki bar and keep the store bought booze in the trunk. 

Please remember if you plan on camping on the grounds for the holiday you must stop in manifest and get your wristband. 

Thanks for another safe weekend. 

Rook