Photos by Mark Kirschenbaum for Hypoxic.

In November, 40 ladies came together at Skydive Arizona in Eloy with the goal of breaking the Women’s Arizona State Record for Largest Formation Skydive. Jumpers set the previous record in 2010 with a 27-way. An amazing team including Eliana Rodriguez, Michelle Karamon and Brenn Richards, all former or current members of the U.S. Parachute Team, organized the group. 
To get the event started, the ladies warmed up by splitting into two 19-way groups, both exiting from a single formation pass. Everyone knew it was going to be a great weekend when each group completed a two-point skydive, simultaneously setting the women’s state sequential record. 
By the end of the first day, the ladies accomplished their initial goal of breaking the prior largest-formation record with a beautifully executed 40-way skydive. With that, the group made it their mission to break the sequential record the following day. The ladies made it look easy by completing a two-point 40-way on the first attempt, and a three-point 40-way two jumps later. The event concluded with a couple more intricate and challenging sequential skydives for fun. 
All in all, the ladies set or broke five state records and made some lasting friendships along the way. Sandy Holland added the cherry on top by making her 5,000th skydive on one of the records. 
The talented media team—David Cherry of D Squared and Mark Kirschenbaum of Hypoxic—captured the excitement and energy of the weekend. As a bonus, news programs all across the country showed footage from the three-point 40-way. More than 40 stations congratulated these ladies on their accomplishments, further portraying skydiving in a positive light.

Julie Kleinwort | C-42777
Chandler, Arizona