In 2001, a jumper who worked at Skydive Elsinore in California convinced DZO Karl Gulledge to host a boogie centered around women. And so began the Chicks Rock Boogie, which celebrated its 18th anniversary October 4-7 this year. Although the boogie attracts many men, it emphasizes female empowerment and creates an environment where jumpers learn from some of the leading ladies of the skydiving world.
Onsite vendors included first-time vendor Sound Sentri, which makes custom ear plugs, and Flight-1, Freefall Data Systems, Innovative Parachute Technologies, LiquidSky Suits, Performance Designs, Rig Sleeve, Rigging Innovations, Square One and United Parachute Technologies. In addition, Advanced Aerospace Designs, Aerodyne Research, Bev Suits, Bonehead Composites, Cookie Helmets, Fluid Wings, Larsen & Brusgaard and Velocity Sports Equipment donated items to the event.
Five skills camps, each limited to five participants, took place on Thursday and Friday of the boogie. Michelle Karamon ran the intermediate and advanced formation skydiving camp; Brianne Thompson ran the beginner to intermediate FS camp; Sam Smith taught the head-up sessions; Katie Hansen ran the head-down sessions; and Flight 1’s Maxine Tate taught both a mixed-gender and an all-female canopy-skills camp.
Following the camps, the organizers joined Jeana Billings, Angela Cascino, Lauren Kingery, Sarah Muller and Mary SantAngelo in the general organizing pool. Also, on the first two days of the event, Andy Malchiodi organized state record attempts. After only six jumps, 18 skydivers set the California Record for Largest Head-Up Formation Skydive. And starting on Friday, DZ Manager Josh Hall and Kirk Verner put together intricate formation skydives for more-experienced jumpers, while local organizer Marie Clark and Roberta Mancino put together wingsuit flocks.
The boogie featured entertainment every night, including a premier on Friday night of the first film submitted to the Wild Women Film Collective. (Jumpers can find more information about the collective on the group’s Facebook page.) After the film, Kris Doron and Malchiodi entertained the crowd with their musical talents. Saturday night included the traditional night swoops, as well as dinner and the Party Like a Rock Star theme party.
After the late night, Sunday was a bit slow, but a few skydivers took advantage of the blue skies to make a few last loads. Many are already planning their trips to the next year’s Chicks Rock Boogie, scheduled for the first weekend in October.
Mary SantAngelo | D-9944
Perris, California