The Latest News at Skydive Delmarva

Record Participation for Safety Day 2008

3.29.08, 85-90 skydivers came to Safety Day 2008 at Skydive Delmarva, a record for our dropzone. Safety and Training Advisor Mike Davidson organized the events and started the day with a "State of the Dropzone" address. The major good news was that 2007 was a very safe year for our dropzone. Dropzone owner Brian Kunkowski and Dropzone Manager Dave Matchett updated jumpers on the Otter's recent maintenance and a few staff changes.

USPA Regional Director Scott Stewart followed with a presentation detailing the incidents that occurred in 2007 and how they could have been prevented. 2007 was also a very safe year for skydiving in general with the lowest number of fatalities since the 1960s. Still, the majority of fatalities happened under perfectly functioning canopies either because of collisions or low turns.

Scott Stewart presents the Chesley H. Judy Safety Award to Mike Schultz. Photo by Gregor Weeks.

Next on the agenda was the presentation of Skydive Delmarva's fourth annual Chesley H. Judy Safety Award. The Award is presented to the individual who, through example, deed, training, or innovation, had promoted safe skydiving in a substantive way. This year's award went to Mike Schultz, D-1180, who has been skydiving for over 44 years without a single injury setting a sterling example of good judgment for those around him. As an instructor, former Area Safety Officer for USPA, and USPA board member and regional director, he has been able to influence many others.

After accepting his award Mike Schultz took advantage of his spot at the front of the room to get a picture of all the smiling faces in front of him. He then gave a poignant lecture on judgment and how it can help skydivers participate in the sport safely.

Mike Davidson leads jumpers in their refresher training. Photo by Gregor Weeks.

Safety Day 2008 Group Shot. Photo by Gregor Weeks.

Following a short break and a group picture, Mike Davidson led an open discussion on the USPA's new pledge for dropzones to have a policy addressing separation of canopy traffic. Many concerns were discussed, and several options were presented. Mike Davidson promised to take everything under consideration and come up with a plan for further evaluation.

After the discussion, ten jumpers received free refresher training and many others practiced their emergency procedures in hanging harnesses. Finally it was time for the first load of the season, and a group of hardcore jumpers braved the cold temperatures. Several more loads flew on Saturday before sunset and the season's first bonfire was lit.

Ken Wilhide lands in the pea gravel. Photo by Gregor Weeks.

Christine Eckert and Alexis Kajencki. Photo by Arvel Schults.

Click here to see the rest of the pictures from Safety Day weekend.

Bobby Gill Completes His First Marathon

3.29.08, If you missed the lively antics of Tandem Instructor Bobby Gill on Safety Day weekend it wasn't because he was sleeping in. Bobby ran the 26.2 mile Sun Trust National Marathon in 3:48:20 on Saturday despite having to battle through achilles tendonosis that came up three weeks before the race and forced him to take a week and a half out of his training. Bobby says "It was probably one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had." Way to go Bobby!

Bobby Gill give the thumbs up. Photo by Daniela Smith.

Frank Ownes Passes Away

4.17.08, Long-time skydiver Frank Owens passed away recently. "Fast Frank," as he was known to his friends will be remembered for his candid, but warm personality, and for his perseverance that kept him battling through injuries to come back to skydiving. Frank was 66 years old. Blue Skies, Frank!

Fast Frank. Photo by Dave Matchett.

Butch Chelton Makes 100th Jump

4.20.08, Butch Chelton made his 100th jump over the weekend. To celebrate the milestone, Butch made an 8 point four way jump with Bruce Roberts, David Bradford, and Grant Spurrell. Congratulations, Butch!

Chrissy Eckert Gets Married

4.26.08, Skydive Delmarva regular Chissy Eckert got married to David Drell on Saturday. Congratulations and best of luck to Chrissy and David!

Chrissy and David.

Larry Robinson Makes 200th Jump

4.26.08, Larry Robinson made his 200th jump over the weekend. To celebrate the milestone, Larry jumped with 12 of his friends. Congratulations, Larry!

Larry Robinson. Photo by Damon Steele.

Todd Supple Makes 200th Jump

5.3.08, Todd Supple made his 200th jump over the weekend. To celebrate the milestone, Todd did a 10 way jump with Kathy Kunkowski, JoAnn Dzenis, Bruce Roberts, David Bradford, Christine Weeks, Mike Schultz, Mike Smith, Dana Smith, Scott Regina, and Ben Fox on video. The formation built by 10,000 feet. Congratulations, Todd!