The secret skydiving paradise!
A Vision Takes Flight
The inaugural STX Boogie wasn’t just another skydiving event—it was a groundbreaking moment in the history of the Caribbean and the US Virgin Islands.
The idea was sparked in June 2024 when Moe Abdullah, CEO of Fyre Parachute—an elite skydiving event producer based in Egypt, and known for their boogies in the Maldives, Bahamas and Venezuela—was chatting with skydiver Fiona Horne at a jumping event over the Pyramids. During their conversation, Moe turned to Fiona and asked, “Where is the secret skydiving paradise?”
Fiona, also a longtime resident of the Caribbean, didn’t hesitate. “St. Croix,” she answered. “It would be an absolute first.”
Moe saw the vision instantly and invited Fiona to partner and direct the event. The two set out to make Caribbean aviation history, creating an event that had never been done before in the US Virgin Islands—and in the process, redefining what a boogie could be.
To ensure the skydiving experience was truly world-class, Moe assembled a team of the world’s best Load Organizers, who designed and executed some of the most epic jumps for the first time in the Caribbean. From high-energy formation jumps to intricate multi-way sequences, the sky became a playground for elite skydivers.
Belly flyers formed beautiful, synchronized formations, often rounding off tandem jumps as wives and partners of skydivers took the plunge themselves, sharing in the adventure.
Horne’s deep roots in the Caribbean aviation and business communities played a crucial role in making STX Boogie a reality. As a longtime commercial pilot in the region, she has built strong relationships with local businesses, aviation professionals, and cultural organizations, ensuring that STX Boogie was not just a skydiving event, but a meaningful and enriching experience for St Croix as a whole.
750 Skydives, 50+ Loads, Zero Incidents
STX Boogie set the bar high for safety, professionalism, and execution. Over the course of the event:
• 750+ individual skydives were made by 50 participants and tandems
• 50+ loads were flown in a Cessna Caravan
• Zero incidents or injuries—a testament to meticulous planning and the skill of all involved
• 56 local tandem jumps were completed, allowing islanders to experience skydiving for the first time in their homeland. Expert tandem instructors from Skydive Puerto Rico rounded out the team.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the event was that Delta international airspace, St. Croix Tower and San Juan Approach had never coordinated skydiving operations before —yet they executed it flawlessly, ensuring smooth air traffic integration throughout the event. Their professionalism and expert coordination, alongside S&TA Matt Yount, who played a crucial role in overseeing skydiving operations, maintaining safety protocols, and ensuring jumpers adhered to best practices.
An Earthquake, a Tsunami Warning and a Lost Beach Landing Zone
Just one week before STX Boogie kicked off, an earthquake off the coast of Honduras triggered a tsunami warning for St Croix and, although ultimately the island did not experience a tsunami, the resulting ocean surge washed away a significant portion of the primary beach landing zone, making it unsuitable for landing.
With only days to adapt, the Fyre team sprang into action, securing an alternative landing area. Leatherback Brewing Company, a boutique beer brewery next to the airport, became the new primary drop zone, offering their lush green landing fields and a perfect post-jump atmosphere, where skydivers could walk straight to the bar and grab a well-earned drink.
Despite the setback, the event thrived, with skydivers embracing the adventure.
World-class Facilities on a Little Island
Ground ops airport handler, Bohlke International Aviation provided seamless, top-tier services for the event. Family owned and the number one Fixed Base Operator (FBO) in the Caribbean, Bohlke offered modern facilities, professional ground support, and safe overnight storage for skydiving rigs. Their team ensured efficient fueling and turnaround times, even providing the skydiving aircraft with its own dedicated fuel cart.
Meet the Skydivers: Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond the adrenaline, STX Boogie was about giving back to the community. One of the standout moments of the event was Meet the Skydivers, an outreach program designed to introduce local high school students to the world of skydiving, aviation, and adventure sports.
Skydivers took the time to break down their craft, giving students first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be a professional in the sport.
• Coto Rodrigo Rocha (Brazil) introduced students to the various disciplines within skydiving, from belly flying to free flying, explaining the choreography and precision required for both individual and group jumps.
• Kelly and Eric Teabo (USA), a husband-and-wife skydiving adventurist team, gave a hands-on demonstration of how a parachute rig is structured and functions during a jump, sharing their experiences from skydiving expeditions around the world.
• Rob Jones (England, UK), a world record-holding skydiver, walked students through the step-by-step process of learning to skydive safely and responsibly, highlighting the importance of training, discipline, and continuous learning.
• Brooke Fleming (USA), who managed the Manifest desk, provided insight into the behind-the-scenes logistics of skydiving events, showing students that the industry isn’t just about jumping—it involves flying airplanes, ground operations, and administration.
Capturing the Magic: Norman Kent Joins STX Boogie
One of the most anticipated guests at STX Boogie was legendary skydiving cinematographer Norman Kent. With over 40 years of experience blending skydiving and photography, Norman has captured some of the most iconic moments in skydiving history. At STX Boogie, he not only filmed the action from the sky but also mentored and inspired attendees—both jumpers and the local community.
Making History: The First Wingsuit Flights Over the US Virgin Islands
STX Boogie was also a historic moment for wingsuiting—as it marked the first-ever wingsuit flights over the US Virgin Islands.
Reigning world champion and wingsuit LO, Luke Rogers, reflected on the historic moment:
For Moriah Day, making history wasn’t something she had planned—it just happened.
For Moriah, STX Boogie wasn’t just a skydiving event—it was an opportunity to grow as a skydiver and canopy pilot.
By the end of the event, she had new friends, better skills, and incredible memories.
A Skydiving Spectacle That Stopped the Island
Throughout the week, the island of St. Croix paused to look up as some of the world’s best skydivers danced in the sky above them and opened their colorful canopies to swoop in and land on the Leatherback field – they had never seen anything like this before and came out in droves to watch.
The pop up drop zone at Leatherback Brewing Company also hosted a fantastic public appreciation party filled with live music from local band Caliche, and as the sun set, skydivers swooped in and the crowd was mesmerized by a spectacular fire dancing performance from Purafire and the island’s infamous crab races.
The Soul of St Croix: More Than Just a Boogie
Skydivers were welcomed in true island style at a special cultural dinner, where Deputy Commissioner of Tourism, Shamari Haynes greeted them with an authentic local feast, complete with cultural dancers called, Mocko Jumbies, and steel pan drummers.
An event calendar called ‘Boogie Nights’ made sure the guests got fed and entertained every night with a variety of evening culinary and entertainment adventures.
This wasn’t just another boogie—STX Boogie was a bespoke, curated event that embraced everything St. Croix has to offer, both in the sky and on the ground.
When unseasonably high, gusting winds made jumping difficult, Event Director Horne sprang into action, ensuring that no moment was wasted. She quickly organized island tours, tide pool hikes, snorkeling and scuba diving excursions, and cultural experiences so that skydivers could immerse themselves in the beauty and history of St. Croix.
As an added surprise, there was a sunset cruise, where jumpers could relax and enjoy breathtaking views of the Caribbean.
Rob Jones, one of the superstar Load Organizers, reflected on the event’s unique atmosphere and world-class execution:
STX Boogie 2026: Bigger, Better & Bolder
With the USVI Tourism Board now in talks to make STX Boogie an official annual calendar sporting event, the next edition will be even more ambitious:
- Four drop zones, including a return to beach landings
- A Conservation Turtle Jump, raising awareness for marine preservation
- More tandem experiences, introducing even more locals to the magic of skydiving
- A bigger, faster airplane to turn even more loads!
Moe Abdullah confirmed,
STX Boogie 15-22 February 2025, St Croix, US Virgin Islands
- Attendees: 50
- FreeFly LOs: Tex Leos (USA), Alethia Austin (USA), Rob Jones (Germany), Coto Rodrigo Rocha (Brazil)
- Wingsuit LO: Luke Rogers (Australia)
- Belly LO:b Tom Schroder
- Camera Flyer: Norman Kent
- Safety & Training Advisor: Matt Yount
- Manifesters: Leslie Regan (Manager) & Brooke Fleming
