On August 20, as the classic call, “POPS, POPS, POPS!” rang out, the 15th Parachutists Over Phorty Society World Skydiving Championships began at the Army Parachute Association facility—home to the British Army Red Devils parachute demonstration team—at Skydive Netheravon in Salisbury, England. Two Cessna Grand Caravans, an extensive drop zone staff and expert judges supported the event, which drew skydivers from 28 countries. Competitors participated in 4-way formation skydiving, formation skydiving scrambles, speed formation skydiving, classic accuracy and sport accuracy. Unfortunately, the always hilarious Hit ‘n’ Rock (an event that combines accuracy with a race to a rocking chair) was canceled due to weather.

National teams from Australia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom participated in the national team and 4-way open formation skydiving events. Unfortunately, a U.S. team was unable to attend to defend the national title. The German team Paranodon, whose members were all over age 60, took the National Team Championship with an impressive 31-point total. A full scoreboard and photos of all events are available on the Facebook page “POPS/SOS/UK.”

After the competition, competitors gathered for an awards ceremony at the drop zone and then attended a semi-formal banquet at a local hotel. There, TopPOPS from around the world gathered and announced that Villarrica, Chile, will host the 16th World POPS Meet in the Spring of 2024. Jumpers can find additional information on POPS events and applications to join at pops-usa.com.

James Harrison | D-9398
Malabar, Florida