Skydivers attempt to break 40-year-old world record in Lake Wales on Veterans Day

The crisp November air over Lake Wales carries a distinct significance this week, as a group of dedicated skydivers attempts to rewrite history. Twenty-six individuals, hailing from the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia, have converged on Jump Florida to challenge a world record that has stood for four decades—a testament to the perseverance and skill required in the specialized discipline of canopy formation skydiving. This endeavor, unfolding against the backdrop of Veterans Day celebrations, represents more than just a daring athletic feat; it speaks to the enduring spirit of teamwork and the pursuit of excellence, qualities deeply valued within our community.

The Challenge: Breaking a 40-Year-Old Record

The current record, established in 1986 by the British Royal Marines, involves connecting 24 parachutes in a vertical stack—a formation demanding extraordinary coordination and precision. The attempt to surpass this milestone is underway at Jump Florida, located at the Lake Wales Municipal Airport (Lake Wales Airport), with preliminary attempts scheduled through Friday, November 13th. Organizers anticipate conducting four to five attempts daily, dependent on weather conditions and the team's progress. This ambitious effort differs significantly from traditional skydiving, where individuals descend independently; instead, it requires skydivers to maneuver open parachutes close enough to connect in midair, forming a striking vertical chain against the Florida sky.

What distinguishes this record attempt is the inherent complexity of creating a vertical stack. Organizers must account for variations in parachute size, age, and what they refer to as “wing loading,” the ratio of weight to parachute size—factors that significantly impact maneuverability. While canopy formation skydiving was once a popular competitive discipline, it has largely faded from prominence, contributing to the longevity of the existing record. As Chris Gay, a competitive canopy formation skydiver and event organizer, explained, “The engineering and skills to build a vertical formation are very different from what is needed to build an offset formation… but we're hoping that we can make adjustments as needed and achieve the result we are looking for.” The move away from vertical stacks in competitive skydiving began in the 1990s, as teams sought to maximize the number of participants and create more visually complex formations. This shift towards larger, more dynamic shapes left vertical stacks largely untouched, solidifying the British Royal Marines’ record as a historical benchmark.

Jump Florida: A History of Skydiving Achievements

Jump Florida has a history of hosting record-breaking skydiving events. In November 2023, the facility saw skydivers establish a 104-person canopy formation record—a different design involving a wider arrangement of participants. This week’s attempt, while involving fewer skydivers, presents its own unique technical challenges and requires an even greater degree of precision and synchronization. The team dedicated Tuesday to preparations, laying the groundwork for the attempts planned throughout the remainder of the week. Jump Florida’s prominence as a skydiving hub isn't recent; it's been cultivated over decades. The airport's large, clear landing area and relatively calm weather patterns make it ideal for skydiving operations, attracting skydivers from around the globe. The facility itself has undergone significant expansion and modernization to accommodate the growing demand for skydiving experiences and record-breaking events.

Veterans Day Significance and Military Involvement

The timing of this record attempt holds particular resonance, coinciding with Veterans Day. Eight participants are active-duty military members or veterans representing the Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Among them is a current member of the U.S. Army Golden Knights (U.S. Army Golden Knights), the Army’s official parachute team, demonstrating a direct connection to the legacy of military skydiving excellence. Marine veteran Jorge Chacon, a Florida resident, and Army veteran Steve Archuletta are also participating, lending their expertise and dedication to this endeavor. The Golden Knights' participation underscores the long-standing tradition of military personnel excelling in aerial performance and precision. Their involvement brings a level of discipline and skill honed through rigorous training, adding another layer of significance to the record attempt.

The link to the military extends to the record itself. The British Royal Marines’ 1986 accomplishment serves as the benchmark for this international team. By uniting military veterans, active-duty service members, and civilian skydivers in pursuit of a shared goal, the attempt underscores themes of camaraderie and national pride. The spirit of selfless service and unwavering commitment—values so often exemplified by our armed forces—are visibly present in this ambitious undertaking. The Royal Marines’ original record attempt itself was a display of teamwork and precision, reflecting the rigorous training and discipline characteristic of the British military. It's a symbolic connection that resonates deeply with the participants and spectators alike.

Community Impact and Spectator Information

The spectacle of this record attempt is not only an exciting event for aviation enthusiasts but also presents a unique opportunity for the Lake Wales community to showcase its hospitality and spirit of innovation. The presence of international participants highlights Lake Wales' growing reputation as a destination for extreme sports and world-class events. The team plans to begin each day around 6 a.m., with the first record attempts expected between 6:15 and 6:45 a.m. Spectators are welcome once the drop zone opens at 7 a.m., located at 440 S. Airport Road, Lake Wales. Jump Florida will also continue its regular operations, including tandem skydives for first-time participants and training programs (Jump Florida website), ensuring that residents and visitors alike can experience the thrill of skydiving.

Supporting Local Aviation and Tourism

The success of this endeavor will undoubtedly boost the local economy, drawing visitors to the area and further solidifying Lake Wales' position as a vibrant hub for recreational activities. The Polk County city has a rich aviation history (Polk County Government) and Jump Florida's continued success in attracting record-breaking events will likely draw further investment and tourism to the region. Local businesses, from restaurants to hotels, are expected to see an increase in patronage during the event, contributing to the overall economic vitality of Lake Wales. The visibility generated by the record attempt can also attract new businesses and residents to the area, fostering long-term growth and prosperity.

Looking Ahead: Inspiring Future Generations

Whether the group succeeds on its first attempt or needs several more jumps, organizers hope to accomplish something that has eluded skydivers for four decades. The event offers a chance to witness firsthand the dedication and skill required for such an extraordinary undertaking, celebrating both human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of competition. For those interested in learning more about skydiving or participating in tandem jumps, Jump Florida offers various training programs and introductory experiences. The United States Parachute Association (USPA) provides valuable information on safety regulations, training standards, and resources for aspiring skydivers. The USPA plays a crucial role in promoting safety and professionalism within the skydiving community, setting standards for training, equipment, and operational procedures.

The spirit of adventure and the pursuit of excellence are alive and well in Lake Wales, promising a future filled with continued innovation and unforgettable moments. The legacy of this attempt—whether successful or not—will undoubtedly inspire future generations of skydivers and contribute to the continued growth of this dynamic sport. Beyond the immediate excitement of the record attempt, organizers hope to foster a greater appreciation for aviation and inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM fields related to aerospace and engineering.

Information for this report comes from the United States Parachute Association, Jump Florida, event organizers and media materials provided by Dittoe Public Relations. Details about the record, participating skydivers, and scheduled attempts were provided ahead of Wednesday's event.