If you happened to be at PIA this year, you may have noticed the Funjumpr app that won the USPA’s Star Award. An award dedicated to highlight technology innovations in our sport. So, we asked the founder of Funjumpr, John Bindel, to tell us more about this app.
What is Funjumpr?
Funjumpr is the everything app for skydivers. It’s designed to help jumpers plan smarter, fly safer, and jump better. It brings together essential tools like weather, load clocks, winds aloft, who’s going, weather cameras, student mode, events, and even jump run/canopy pattern planning into one connected place. We’re aiming to make every day of skydiving feel more organized, collaborative, and safe.
What motivated you to build this app?
Skydiving is incredibly fun but the logistics at the dropzone can be chaotic. Especially when you’re trying to coordinate with friends, check weather, and be ready for the next jump. I built Funjumpr because I felt like we could modernize the experience and create a more connected, seamless vibe on jump days.
What’s on your roadmap for the future of the app?
Funjumpr is completely free for jumpers, and we’ll always offer a generous free version. We are also working on a premium version with some additional features. Long-term, we’re building out a paid dropzone management platform that will streamline operations, help DZOs better communicate with staff and jumpers, and give them best-in-class tools that integrate directly with what skydivers are already using. Think: load management, manifest, announcements, incident reporting, gear checks, student progress tracking. All in sync with the jumper side. We can definitely improve the experience and efficiency of dropzone operators.
What made you want to pursue this?
My inspiration came from being in the sport. I love the community, and see so many ways technology could reduce friction. I come from a software background, and I love solving real problems. Funjumpr is my way of giving something useful back to a sport that’s given me so much.
What’s the journey been like so far?
Challenging but exciting. I’m building this independently, so every decision—design, features, technical architecture, feedback—is very hands-on. I’ve had amazing support from jumpers who’ve tested the app, shared feedback, and helped shape it. It’s been a humbling and super rewarding ride.
What have you learned?
Skydivers are incredibly passionate, but time and attention are limited on jump days. The tech has to enhance the experience without getting in the way. I’ve also learned just how much potential there is to improve communication and safety with the right tools—without losing any of the fun or spontaneity that makes the sport so special.
What future plans are you excited about?
We’re focusing on getting Funjumpr into more jumpers’ hands, collecting feedback, and shaping the dropzone management tools. We’re also building a logbook and exploring integrations with GPS trackers, and working toward features that make the app even more useful between jumps—community, learning and jump planning.
