{"id":58426,"date":"2025-02-28T15:24:31","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T15:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=58426"},"modified":"2025-03-05T18:48:57","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T18:48:57","slug":"stx-boogie-making-history-in-the-caribbean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/stx-boogie-making-history-in-the-caribbean\/","title":{"rendered":"STX Boogie: Making History in the Caribbean"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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T<\/strong>he secret skydiving paradise!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hassan Shahmani enjoying the view of St Croix, photo by Heidi Miguel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Vision Takes Flight<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The inaugural STX Boogie<\/strong> wasn\u2019t just another skydiving event\u2014it was a groundbreaking moment in the history of the Caribbean and the US Virgin Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea was sparked in June 2024 when Moe Abdullah, CEO of Fyre Parachute\u2014an elite skydiving event producer based in Egypt, and known for their boogies in the Maldives, Bahamas and Venezuela\u2014was chatting with skydiver Fiona Horne at a jumping event over the Pyramids. During their conversation, Moe turned to Fiona and asked, \u201cWhere is the secret skydiving paradise?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fiona, also a longtime resident of the Caribbean, didn\u2019t hesitate. \u201cSt. Croix,\u201d she answered. \u201cIt would be an absolute first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014and in the process, redefining what a boogie could be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure the skydiving experience was truly world-class, Moe assembled a team of the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horne\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ryan Leeper peacing out over St Croix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

750 Skydives, 50+ Loads, Zero Incidents<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

STX Boogie set the bar high for safety, professionalism, and execution. Over the course of the event:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022          750+ individual skydives were made by 50 participants and tandems<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022          50+ loads were flown in a Cessna Caravan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022          Zero incidents or injuries\u2014a testament to meticulous planning and the skill of all involved<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022          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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014yet 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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First angle flight in US Virgin Islands and first jump of the boogie \u2013 image by Jesse ‘Tex’ Leos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An Earthquake, a Tsunami Warning and a Lost Beach Landing Zone<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the setback, the event thrived, with skydivers embracing the adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A last minute change of landing area was executed flawlessly \u2013 image by Norman Kent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

World-class Facilities on a Little Island<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Virgin Islands Youth Aviation Programs VIYAPI and VICTAI members and STX Boogie Participants \u2013 Image by Norman Kent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Meet the Skydivers: Inspiring the Next Generation<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022          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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022          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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022          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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022          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\u2019t just about jumping\u2014it involves flying airplanes, ground operations, and administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: LO Coto Rocha demonstrates how to put on a rig<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Capturing the Magic: Norman Kent Joins STX Boogie<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014both jumpers and the local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u201cI\u2019m happy to be here on St. Croix having a great time. The views are amazing from the air and I have a straight passion for skydiving, so I love shooting these kinds of events and people having fun, especially in a new area as beautiful as this one.  And I love connecting with the kids \u2013 encouraging them to aim high in their lives.\u201d<\/em><\/div>