Eli Simmons leads a wingsuit flock. Photo by Alex Ogden.Above: Mike Vasquez stings a hybrid. Photo by Alex Ogden.
Everything’s bigger in Texas—and Skydive Spaceland-San Marcos proved it once again with the May 24-26 Come and Take It Boogie, throwing down three days packed with skydives, parties and good vibes.
Jumpers had every opportunity to send it, with two Twin Otters running all weekend. Big-ways, angles, freefly jumps, hula-hoop stunts and everything in between filled the skies. From start to finish, the planes kept flying and the action never slowed down.
The energy on the ground matched the action in the air. Load organizers Sam Borisov, Chris Fikes, Matt Gagne, Norris Gearhart, Donaldo Grajeda, Scott Hamlin, Scott Latinis, Kellen Mead, Eli Simmons and Corey Smith kept loads turning, jumps organized and the stoke level high. In addition to load organizing, Mead also took the reins as entertainment director, keeping the crowd engaged throughout the weekend with announcements, games and high-energy mic work that kept the party vibe rolling.
When the sun went down, the party fired up. Musician Derek Lewis lit up the stage on Saturday night, with his signature guitar set. After his set—and some lively karaoke—DJ Zacha Evetts kept the dance floor moving late into the night. DJ Temple brought the party to life on Sunday, spinning tracks for a wild foam party. Earlier that evening, boogie-goers competed in games for prizes.
Chef Julliano DeBride cooked up fresh gumbo on-site Monday, sending everyone home with full stomachs and big smiles.
Skydivers came out in force for the kind of boogie they circle on their calendars every year. With a coffee truck, food vendors, clear skies and gear manufacturers like Airtec CYPRES, Alti-2, Cookie Helmets, and Vertical Suits on site, Come and Take It lived up to the hype once again.
James Akins D-34418
San Marcos, Texas