As we fast approach the end of this season, it’s time to start thinking about the year and what we have in store for next year.
When I wrote the last magazine club news, we had just completed the 8-way Nationals competition and a very busy August, which usually means the season starts to slow down but not a chance!
Following straight on from the 8 way, we went into a BPA AFF and Tandem instructor course. Congratulations to all that passed and to our very own Rob Johns on obtaining his Tandem Instructor rating.
And whilst we are talking about ratings, well done to Eric Valentanavics on gaining his FS Coaches Rating
At the end of the course we started to see the arrival of many overseas visitors and UK jumpers for the 3-day European Big Way Camp with Lesley Gale, Sian and Milko and helped along the way with Billy Payn, Rob Kendall and Herman Landsman. Great success despite the first day’s weather being a little testing but the 3 plane formations did get to fly on Saturday and Sunday. Thank you to everyone that came and participated and look out for the dates of next year’s event around the same time.
Following on from this we should’ve been looking at another record, which we’ve had quite a few off this year at Hib but alas the SOS attempt was thwarted by the good old weather. Hats off though to Ron Wands for his organising and persistence but I’m sue next year these guys will smash that record.
Jim Bradwell made his first visit with us for some organising in October which was so well attended he needed some help from Brian Cumming. Thanks Brian. Using both the Dornier and Caravan they again made the most of the weather and produced some really nice formations. Great to have Jim here and we’ve already booked him for events next year so please keep an eye out for these and book early.
The final event of the year was NFTOs 6-way competition with Anna Hicks and Simon Brentford, fresh back from their success at the Worlds gaining another medal in the process. NFTO has been one of our sponsored teams for a few years now and we are very proud of their success and achievements. We hope they continue for many years to come.
And on the subject of the Worlds, well done to another sponsored team of ours, Team Nova with Chris Mayhew and Ed Cracknell on coming 4th in the Freestyle. Well done also go to Hib Team Alola in the Female 4-way and Team Groomed in the Open 8-way. Awesome job everyone.
As the end of the season draws to a close, I’d like to say thank you to all the staff at Skydive Hibaldstow for their amazing work this year and to all the Load Organisers and Coaches for their help. Next year starts 11th Jan and we’ve already got loads to look forward to and hope we have something for everyone. Our list of 2020 dates will be out very soon.
We wish everyone a very festive Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Ash Kemp
Achievements: B LICENCE Neil Leetham JUMP NUMBERS 50 Neil Leetham 100 Huw May 1000 Rob Johns, Eloy Fisher 3000 Kris Cavill
Find out more about Hibaldstow: https://www.skydiving.co.uk/
Photo: European Bigway by James Stevenson
