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Sadly the sun has set on the last day of the 2009 season. As I look back it has certainly been one of the greatest years to date for Skydive Chicago.
Even though we certainly battled the weather for most of the year we still had an incredible student year. Close to 100 people enrolled into our AFP program. 39 graduated the program and will be awarded their certificates at the upcoming Christmas Party.
Most of you saw every weekend the countless number of tandems that took place. It’s fortunate that in troubled economic times people want to jump out of planes. Thanks to David Elliot and his hard working staff for making sure each client was looked after.
I looked back and realized that I haven’t put out an update since the Halloween party so lets go back and recap.
First my hats off to Nicole, Allen and the EAT UP crew for setting up one killer party. I’ll be honest I had my doubts about moving the party. They certainly showed me!
Congratulations to Mike Cubert for winning the pumpkin-dropping contest. Also thanks to our judges Mike Deegan, Christa, and Kyle.
2010 jump prices are out CLICK HERE to check them out and download your jump package agreement. SDC is excited to be the host of the 2010 US National championships. SDC has confirmed 8 teams that will be utilizing the great facilities for their team training. Next year is really starting to take shape.
This Saturday is our annual Christmas Party and AFP graduation ceremony. EAT UP has put together another great menu and a schedule is listed below:
Saturday, Dec. 5th at 6:00pm
$40 at the door
6:00 - 7:00: Drinks and HorD'oeuvres
7:00: Dinner
8:30: Awards
Awards will be handed out after dinner. Come see all your friends in formal clothes!
Be sure to purchase your 100-jump package Sunday after the Christmas Party, as this is the last weekend to buy them in person. 50 and 200 jump packages can be bought at any time during the season. Remember that if you have a trailer in the campground you have to complete an average of 10 jumps per month or purchase and use any jump package.
SDC is very pleased with the addition of the 4-way team Rhythm. This being their first year at SDC they bring a lot to the table with coaching, organizing and unicycle riding. I look forward to the upcoming year and the 8 and 16 way projects they are putting together:
Are you looking for a way to improve your RW skills? Want to train on a team? Want to compete at the US Nationals at Skydive Chicago next year? Check out Rhythm's 8 and 16 way projects for the 2010 season.
Each 8 and 16 way team will have a member of Rhythm as captain, teammate and player-coach. Teams will train at Skydive Chicago and Paraclete XP, over 5-6 weekends, to leave time for other activities. Teams will be matched up based on similar goals and experience, so whether you're new to the sport and looking to learn more about competitive RW, or are a seasoned 4 way competitor looking to compete in 8 way, there will be an option for you. The best part is, all of the planning and organization are taken care of. Schedule and budget is set ahead of time so there are no surprises.
See attached for: INFORMATION and an APPLICATION.
Please feel free to email (janette@rhythmskydiving.com) or call (312.543.4857) if you have any questions.
I’ve been hearing lots of people making plans to visit Skydive Sebastian during the Invasion. It is certainly a good time and the more SDC people that go it will feel just like home. They do a great job with plenty of activities throughout the week. Check out the forums for people looking to share rides, hotels, etc. Rhythm and Standard will be onsite-organizing groups of all levels. Visit www.SkydiveSeb.com for the latest info.
There have been some rumors going around that we are starting another dropzone down south. A DZ with lots of beach goers, parties, and good times. Well to stop the rumors you are correct. David Elliot and I visited South Padre Island with the hopes of setting up a spring break DZ. The city supported and local business loved the idea. We will begin operation March 1st and finish March 31st. SDC will still reopen March 20th with safety day on the 19th. We are finishing up the final details but fun jumpers are welcome to jump with us at any time during the month.
Mark on your calendars June 12-13. This is when the Battle of Midway comp will take place. This 4-way FS and VFS money meet is a great way to test your skills midway through the summer. Open and Advanced categories in each event following the FAI rules. We already have confirmation of Airspeed, Perris Fury, and possibly the Golden Knights. We plan on using rated judges and electronic scoring for the meet. We also plan on a total purse of over $10,000! What better place to practice for Nationals then the place Nationals is going to be held?
The one bad thing about being from the windy city is that it sometimes follows you. After lots of hard work the Keys boogie was all but weathered out. Only five loads went up but the good news is: 5 loads went up. They said Skydiving was never going to happen again and it did! We had a great time playing around the keys. I guess if you’re weathered out someplace, the Florida Keys isn’t a bad place to be. We are still planning on hosting the event next November so be sure to put in for some vacation time now! Huge thanks to Amanda for her efforts in making this happen.
Many jumpers enjoyed the great weather this past Saturday as 14 mostly back-to-back loads went up. Many jumpers squeaked in the last jumps of the season. Thanks to Jerry and Justin for flying and Sara keeping the loads organized. Saturday night EAT UP put out a Thanksgiving spread for the jumpers. Complete with turkey and the fixings it was nice to end such a great day with an even better meal.
Trouble finding that special someone something for the holidays? Why not a Skydive Chicago gift certificate? They can be bought in any dollar amount and can be used for first jumps or jump packages. You can buy yours online today.
The office is officially closed for the season. We do have limited hours throughout the week. If you have business with manifest please contact us through email or leave a message on our phones and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
A few people asked me if they could jump if the weather is predicted to be nice. If you can arrange at least 3 people to be out, then I’ll work on getting a pilot and manifest out. Keep in mind that we ask you to come out for more than just one jump. If you have a group email me rook@skydivechicago.com.
We will have the 1st draft of the calendar out at the Christmas party. If there is an event idea that you have or had so much fun you would like to see the event happen again please contact Erin@skydivechicago.com.
Don’t forget the Puerto Rico boogie is happening February 10-14. We will be back onsite with both Otters. This boogie attracts more then 350 jumpers with beach jumps, parties, wingsuits, and Lo’s. Unless something better is happening in Chicago around February this is the place to be! Check out www.xtremedivers.com/boogie.shtml
I look forward to the winter travels and want to give a HUGE thanks to my staff and all of the jumpers that call SDC home.
Rook
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