In 2012, following the FAI announcement of a big-way World Record sequential category, a new record assault was launched… The long-running POPS team headed by Carey Peck decided to go after the mark in a break from their biggest-only pattern. In 2012 with Roger Ponce and team captains Fortson Rumble, TJ Hine Tom McLaughlin, Hal Spence, and Carey the POPS group, renamed ML (Mid Life) set a new 120 way POPS record at DeLand. Instead of going for one bigger, the feeling was that big way series too often tend to exhaust themselves, and the sequential mark gave the organizers a welcome way to keep the fun (and records) going.

Skydive Deland

Skydive Deland has been the home for the series for several years, and the ML team coordinated their schedule with the Kaleidoscope dives run by BJ Worth to accommodate foreign jumpers who want to lengthen their skydiving vacation, and to save on ferry costs for both events. It’s been a successful formula.

Rock Solid Team

The first invites went out in the spring, and with many fine jumpers available the captains had to pare down the list. That was the most difficult task facing the organizers. Applicants were vetted through each of the six captains, and had to win a majority of yes votes in order to even be considered, which meant that many quality local jumpers didn’t get enough votes. Jumpers typically had to garner five out of six votes to get a slot. As difficult as the process was, though, it yielded a very strong team. Many of the jumpers were going straight to the Kaleidoscope jumps, or had just completed the European big way sequential record at Empurabrava, and virtually all had done the 120 record in 2012.

Mother Nature

The only problem was Mother Nature. The Florida prediction was for thunderstorms all three days. Undaunted, the jumpers checked in and renewed old friendships, there was a dirt dive, and a morning break in the clouds let the team up for their first of only two jumps on day one. The day went well, aside from weather holds, and the second jump got one point, but blew point two. One lone jumper missed the key. It was a disappointment but the solid dives made the record look like a lock.

Discouragement

Day two dawned, and there were enough clear holes to launch four jumps. But it was a day of disappointment. One after another team committed went low – even some very experienced jumpers flailed. It was discouraging and the clouds were rolling back in.

Grim

On the third and last day, the team arrived early geared up and with a small hole showing they went up. Ponces’ spotting skills were put to the test, but even dodging clouds all day not one jumper landed off field. Two quick jumps though produced two quick failures, and the clouds rolled in solid. No one said quit, but the mood was grim.

Gloom to Glory

Then after four wet hours, and with only 30 minutes to go before sunset, it cleared. What drama. The team went up to 18,000’ once more…… and it was perfect. The first point built fast and was held for six seconds. The second point built, held for three seconds, broke and rebuilt. (The team called that the BONUS POINT). World Record!!!

Job Done!

What a difference a jump makes! The weekend went from gloom to glory in that one minute. There were smiles and high fives and hugs on the ground, and a raucous celebration, and another record on the rolls for the ML team. Thanks to Skydive Deland and the whole team, here’s looking forward to 2014!

POPS World Record Skydiving Sequential, 2 point 64-way, video by Brian Festi. Unedited footage