One hot summer day back in 2008, Karl Gulledge, the owner of Skydive Elsinore in California, decided it was time to throw a party. He wanted a big celebration with a water slide; hoop, banana and rubber-chicken jumps; a Slip ’n’ Slide in the landing area; and a party in the evening with a luau theme. And that’s just what the Karlfornia Boneanza—this year held July 27-29—has become.

Temperatures in Southern California were hitting above the 100-degree mark in late July, so the boogie-goers were anxious to make some skydives and keep cool while doing it. Skydive Elsinore provided that opportunity by flying all three of their aircraft: a Caravan, Twin Otter and Skyvan. Jumpers even had the opportunity to use the Slip ‘n’ Slide installed in the Skyvan for an unusually fun exit, generally done as a train. Organizers put together hybrid skydives and hula-hoop jumps and held a contest to see who could put a condom on a banana in freefall in the fastest time. Freefly organizers Chris Dare and Christopher Patz from team Hawks got into the act by organizing rubber-chicken jumps. 

Evenings brought cooler temperatures for the after-hours parties with beer pong on Friday evening and dancing to music provided by D.J. Moo on Saturday.

Mary SantAngelo | D-9944
Perris, California