California’s 103-Way Head-Down Skydive Record
For the first time in a decade, the world saw more than 100 skydivers successfully complete a head-down vertical formation, setting a new state record with 103 participants. The previous attempt at a triple-digit vertical build in California, back in 2017, had fallen short due to weather and design constraints. But in the scorching heat of Southern California this May, an inspired and carefully curated team came together to rewrite history.
Traditional pod-based “spider web” models, while iconic, often fall short under the stress of big-way vertical formations due to low fault tolerance and complex sequential builds. Organizers Matt Fry and Andy Malchiodi opted for a revolutionary design, borrowing ideas from belly-flyer formation evolution. Their structure centered around a daisy-chain core of 40 flyers; extended ribs and spines to fill out the outer formation. This new layout proved faster, more stable, and more forgiving—evident when early training camps built fully in as little as two attempts.
DAY 1: Decompression & Dial-In
Smaller groups practiced in 16-way sections to rehearse slot approaches and clean leg traffic, while the inner core of 40 perfected their timing and presentation. This calmed nerves and pre-empted potential burble issues.
DAY 2: Tailgates & Tactical Timing
To beat the heat and dodge Perris’s infamous dust devils, jumps began early. Another game-changing approach: the first three aircraft were tailgates. Their clean exits allowed the inner core to build quickly. The first two jumps were largely non-contact jumps to allow skydivers to familiarize themselves with the fall rate, approach and sight pictures. Jumps 3 (first official record attempt) and 4 had 103 of 104 docked, giving proof that the new design and approach are yielding results beyond the wildest imaginations of the organizers. On jump 8, the stars aligned and a 103-way vertical formation was completed, with the final flyer docking just frames before break-off.
Photo by Norman Kent
Skydive Perris
Skydive Perris hosted the event with top-tier facilities, experienced pilots and dependable aircraft. The legendary Dan BC made a few appearances and even gave some tips to keep the team motivated. But no one expected the beer light to be on as early as 3pm on the third day; giving participants a choice: head home early, or stay and celebrate the most efficiently executed vertical record in recent memory.
All in all, an excellent record breaking experience!
Photo shared from Norman Kent
“I love records and I am always looking for new perspectives, for me it is not about showing all the grips, it is about the esthetics of the image and how we fit in to the environment. To view my full gallery for this event please go to https://www.normankent.com/photogallery-eventphotos-californiastateheaddownrecord103way “ Norman Kent.
