The Invasion boogie at Skydive Sebastian in Florida December 28-January 1 was a spectacular success and provided something for everyone: an array of camps (including the SDC Core head-down camp and SDC Rhythm XP 8-way and big-way formation skydiving camps), the Coach for a Day program, organizers for jumpers of all skill levels, courses through the Women’s Skydiving Leadership Network and Alter Ego, novelty aircraft, beach jumps, tube jumps, hot tubs, music, an island party on a private island and a New Year’s Eve celebration. All raved about the non-stop activities throughout the day and night that created a safe, invigorating and educational atmosphere. The talented videographers caught every moment in the air. The team who organized and worked at the Invasion this year were unparalleled in their dedication and efforts to make the event succeed and run smoothly.

With more than 300 registered jumpers from around the world attending, participants made nearly 2,500 skydives from 148 loads out of Twin Otters and a CASA, Huey helicopter and biplane. The drop zone flew two high-altitude loads on Saturday morning, amping up the momentum for the day. D-licensed jumpers were elated to land with their toes in the sand during beach jumps at Coppola’s Bar and Grille, cheered on by the crowd on the deck. 

The friendly, talented organizers made everyone participating feel welcome and created imaginative dives that kept the excitement high. The rookie camp focused on fundamental skills in small groups for newer jumpers. The advanced angle camp challenged participants with advanced aerobatics, including flock-and-rolls. Intermediate and advanced FS jumpers built their skills during the 8-way camp, which focused on teaching the standard 8-way exit, all of the random formations and techniques for all the intermediate blocks. The big-way FS camp was a great opportunity for skydivers to expand their experience with larger formations and work on exits and slot positions. Ladies from around the globe joined Lauren Byrd from the Women’s Skydiving Leadership Network for a workshop that provided jumpers an opportunity to improve their belly skills and boost their confidence in the sky through a series of explanations, demonstrations and exercises. Ladies also joined the Pink Course hosted by Jeannie Bartholomew from Alter Ego, which focused on creating better canopy pilots in an all-female environment. 

SDC Core led a head-down camp to prepare jumpers for the upcoming head-down world record tryouts. The camp gave participants opportunities to work on both floating and diving exits from lead and trail planes, docking in different positions, learning the correct level and setting their sight pictures, and safe breakoff procedures. One day of the camp was weathered out, but Core continued it at no extra charge for two additional days, exceeding everyone’s expectations. 

Amanda Smalley | D-25783
Roseland, Florida