Six Records in Five Days!

In August 2024, the Azelot airfield became the backdrop for an unforgettable moment in the world of French skydiving. Over five intense days, a passionate team of freeflyers pushed their limits and established six new French head-up freefly records. 

This wasn’t just a series of jumps but the culmination of three years of collective preparation, continuous effort, and a shared determination to push the boundaries of the discipline.

The path to these records was anything but easy. Since the first national records were set in 2021, the team had set ambitious goals, steadily progressing toward larger formations. The challenge of head-up freefly is particularly demanding, requiring perfect coordination, technical mastery, and unwavering patience.

Multiple Records

From the start of the five-day event, the team began with 23- and 30-way formations. By the third day, a 32-way formation was successfully completed. However, the ultimate challenge was to bring together 36 freeflyers in a single formation. After several attempts, it was finally on the seventh jump that this milestone was reached — an emotional moment that will forever be etched in the memories of all participants.

One of the key factors in this success was the strategic adjustment made by the team. With a core base of 10 experienced flyers, surrounded by a group of 26 stingers, the formation was built methodically, step by step. This progressive approach, inspired by methods from the “Stand Together” group, allowed the team to maximize their chances of success.

an emotional moment that will forever be etched in our memories

Beyond the large formation records, the team also took the time to involve reserve jumpers by setting two new sequential records. These shared moments reinforced the spirit of solidarity and unity that was at the heart of this adventure.

This collective achievement is a true tribute to three years of intense training and joint effort. While France now holds the largest national European head-up freefly record with 36 skydivers, the true significance lies not in the number but in the collaboration, humility, and commitment of each participant. This project demonstrated that even in the face of great challenges, a united and motivated team can accomplish extraordinary feats.

A project of this magnitude could not have been realized without the involvement and support of many people. We would like to express our gratitude to:

• Marjorie Ricbourg, president of the SC420 Avignon Parachutisme association, who co-organized this event and was a pillar of our collective success. Her dedication and passion inspired the entire team.
• Domi Kiger, Karine Joly, and Jérémy Saint-Jean, our coaches, whose leadership, discipline, and motivation allowed the team to push themselves with every jump. Their guidance was essential to the accomplishment of these records.
• William Dalban, Pierre Renie, and Anthony Malie, our assistant coaches, who provided valuable advice and logistical support throughout the training and the record attempts.
• Adrian Daskowski and Ewan Cowie, our talented videographers, who skillfully captured every key moment, immortalizing this adventure forever.
• The Skyvan and Caravan pilots, for their exceptional skill and contribution to the safety and success of every jump.
• The judges from the French Skydiving Federation (FFP), Gérard Foubert, Yves Letourneur, and Christine Letourneur, for their professionalism and diligence in validating the records.
• Yves Grosse, president, and Olivier Métrot, ground manager of Azelot Skydiving Center, for their unwavering support and providing an ideal infrastructure for this event. The efforts of the entire staff and volunteers at Azelot were key to our success, and we sincerely thank them for their dedication.

These records mark a turning point for freefly in France, but this is just the beginning. Together, we will continue to aim higher, ready to take on new challenges and reach new heights.