Blending decades of skydiving exposure with a passion for education, DQ is helping shape the next generation of canopy pilots and community leaders.
Where are you from, how many jumps do you have, and what are your ratings?
I was born in Minnesota but lived in Wisconsin for the first six years. We moved back to Minnesota for a while, and then I spent high school in Montana. When I was 15, I started spending summers at Skydive Twin Cities packing. Skydive Spaceland Houston is my home DZ now. I have 8,500 jumps. I have my Coach and Tandem Ratings, and I’m an S&TA.
How long have you been in the sport, and what got you started in it?
I’ve grown up in the sport. Skydiving has always been part of my life. Both my parents were skydivers and ran a club dropzone. It was a natural path for me.
Did you have any influences growing up in the sport that really stand out as someone who drove your passion in a certain direction?
There have been so many throughout the years. From Team Xaos and the PD Factory Team to friends like Kritter and Jon “Boston” Hartley. But the two who’ve had the biggest influence on me both as skydivers and as people are Stephen Boyd and Danji Marvin.
What does it mean to you to be part of a dropzone community?
Family isn’t always defined by blood. Skydiving has introduced me to lifelong friendships with people from all over the world. Being part of such a diverse and tight-knit community has taught me so much. Not just about the sport, but about life.
What has been a challenge in your years in the sport that, looking back, has been a huge point of growth for you?
Dealing with death. I lost my dad to the sport as a kid, and it kept me from wanting to start at 18. I started educating myself on how to approach it safely, and that has helped me be a better coach and mentor to those who might be pushing it too hard for their abilities.
How do you define growth in skydiving?
For me, growth in the sport is stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether that’s trying a new discipline or competing or traveling to put yourself out there.
What’s the secret to continuing to evolve and stay passionate when you’re fully immersed in the sport?
Education. Learning about disciplines I don’t personally participate in and getting excited for the people who are passionate about them.
What are two things you wish everyone knew about canopy piloting that are often overlooked?
All canopies are fun, no matter the size or brand, and time is your friend.
Has skydiving taught you anything about yourself you maybe didn’t expect?
Teaching and sharing knowledge with others not only helps them progress, but it also deepens your own understanding. It’s a learning process in itself. I think it’s one of the most powerful ways to grow and evolve as a skydiver.
What’s really firing you up about flying these days?
XRW! From getting people their first docks to competition. The competitions are still in the early stages, but we’re already seeing high-scoring rounds.
How can we fly with you, learn from you, or follow your life?
I’m at Spaceland Houston almost full time! I work with The Ratings Center, running fundamental canopy courses and offering coaching. You can find me on Instagram at @dqisrad.
Sponsors?
Skydive Spaceland, The Ratings Center, LB Altimeters, Cookie, Velocity Sports Equipment, Fluid Wings, Option Studios, and my wife Ivy.
