Above: The record holders take grips over Skydive Spaceland-Houston in Rosharon, Texas. Photo by Daniel Angulo.
There is always something enchanting that transpires when women gather with passion and purpose. This is not surprising, considering studies have suggested that when women gather in supportive environments, stress levels may decrease while bonding hormones like oxytocin increase. This might help explain why women’s events feel so powerful; there’s real chemistry behind the connection.
Jumpers exit the Twin Otter on a record attempt. Photo by Daniel Angulo.The weekend of June 27-29 was no exception to this phenomenon. Alethia Austin assembled a team of women at Skydive Spaceland-Houston in Rosharon, Texas, for attempts to set a state head-down sequential record. The lineup included both seasoned returning record-holders from last year’s Texas women’s records, each bringing their unique strengths to the formation. For some, this was a continuation of a long skydiving legacy; for others, it marked a milestone moment in their vertical journey. Martin Aviation graciously sponsored one of the group’s jumps plus all the jumps for the event videographer, Daniel Angulo. Jesse Leos also blessed the group by flying an artistic viewpoint that would capture the ladies in all their glamorous glory, as well as collecting clips and shots on the ground to create a documentary-style video. Two women, who were meant to join so they could set their very first record, couldn’t make it, but their energy and support was felt from afar and through the group’s chants of their names after the dirt dives.
As is typical for Houston, the weekend did succumb to a few periods of high winds and short rainstorms, but even while grounded, the team’s energy never dimmed. They utilized downtime by sharing stories, backgrounds and words of encouragement, turning weather holds into opportunities for deeper connection. The first day of warm-ups was filled with smiles and giggles all around, but the following day, the team focused on the record attempts. From almost 14,000 feet, they successfully completed a two-point 10-way vertical sequential formation on the first jump, and yet, they weren’t satisfied; one more lady needed to join in. Successful completion of multi-point formations requires precise timing, unwavering confidence and quick thinking in freefall. As bodies rotate and grips lock in mid-air, the choreography resembles a delicate dance, one where every move counts and every second matters. Through calculated slotting and grip changes, these women set the Texas Record for Largest Two-Point Head-Down Formation with an 11-way, verified by the on-site judge, Christy West. The determination in the new record holders was steadfast, so they immediately went back up and set another record: a three-point 11-way. The exhilaration was palpable. To celebrate, Chef Jared prepared and served a Mediterranean dinner at the Cutaway Cafe. The group celebrated their accomplishment with visible joy and a strong sense of connection.
Eleven women added their names to Texas skydiving history with their latest achievement. While they set records, the real legacy is the reminder that when women support and lift each other up, the sky is not the limit.
Kiara Baugh C-40518
Spring Valley, California