Above: A big-way comes together over Skydive City Zephyrhills. Photo by Ralph Wilhelm.
The first annual Flamingo Challenge ran smoothly and efficiently April 7-11 at Skydive City Zephyrhills in Florida. Thanks to “Director of Magic” Tommy Tapatango, a French USPA member with 16 years in the sport and a limitless supply of positive energy, a group of about 60 jumpers enjoyed a creative boogie adventure.
The Flamingo Challenge was inspired by similar events and finalized by Papatango and German organizer Dieter Kirsch. The idea was to have half European and half American participants, but word got out and a handful of Canadians showed up for the fun. The group included jumpers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Ukraine and the United States. In a time of global political tension, it was an interconnected and positive front, with Zephyrhills’ DZO Kyle Salvato doing a stellar job of welcoming both locals and foreigners to a fun and engaging event.
“Safety is our number-one concern,” said Salvato in his welcome address Monday morning. “We want you to leave here safely with more experience than when you arrived.”
World-class coaches Milko Hodgkinson and Siân Stokes (along with Kirsch) completed the coaching triumvirate for the week. They established an encouraging tone focused on skill development—by making pretty pictures and turning points.
The weather (mostly) cooperated, and jumpers were split into groups of 16- and 20-ways with formations ranging from basic to complex two-plane loads. Stokes said this was some of the best plane-formation flying she has ever seen, thanks to the skill of the drop zone pilots.
The excited group poses after a day of great formations.. Photo by Ralph Wilhelm.
Dive plans allowed participants the chance to hone their flying skills throughout the event, and on day three, the full group joined forces to attempt 60-ways out of three planes. “I accidentally got to be the super floater,” said Papatango. “What a view! How can I ask for better?”
There was also a big barbecue dinner one evening, with raffle prizes from Jyro, Skydive Wings, TonySuits and Papatango’s June Starhopp event in France. DZ staff also arranged a mobile sauna and portable cold plunge for jumpers Wednesday night.
Flamingo Challenge will return March 23-27, 2026.
Lana Starchuck CSPA #4045
Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada