Two Atlas Angels, four surreal locations, 850 jumps and an unofficial Namibian wingsuit formation record over the Pink Salt Pans
Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert is a beautiful spot for skydivers, Swakopmund. The only DZ in Namibia, a five-hour trek from Windhoek International Airport, this tiny piece of skydiving heaven is well worth a visit.
Pauline Ravaudet put together an event for both wingsuit flyers and freeflyers with top tier LOs Aurel Marqet and Fabian Ramseyer for the FF and angle crew, and Fiona Jansen and Pauline for the wingsuiters.
Twenty-five participants from China, Korea, Lithuania, Switzerland, France, Germany, the UK and South Africa descended on the Swakopmund DZ to jump the two Atlas Angel turbines into multiple locations.
Four Locations, One Unforgettable Backdrop
We started on the DZ, moved onto the beautiful sand dunes, flew inland to the mountains to jump into the “Moon scape” DZ used for the movie Mad Max, and finally the photographer’s dream: the pink salt pans that look like a palette of pastel eye shadow.
All incredible in a different way and all equally stunning as a backdrop.
To say this DZ went above and beyond would be an understatement. The word no did not exist for the whole week.
Can we jump a two aircraft formation?
Can we jump the dunes again?
Can we jump onto the beach again?
Yes. Yes. Yes.
An Unofficial Record
As an aside, the 16-way wingsuit formation over the Pink Salt Pans was not only a first for the area but also an unofficial Namibian wingsuit formation record.
I asked the coordinator Danelle at the dropzone if they would change anything for next time. She replied, “No, you guys were great, but I think we need another bus.”
Twenty-five participants.
850 jumps.
320 in-hop jumps.
No injuries.
No cutaways.
Until Next Time
So yes, I am sad, more than I imagined I would be, to leave this hidden gem. But until next time, Namibia, it has been “lekker good.” Now, to edit some 500 images…
