{"id":58785,"date":"2025-04-30T11:39:37","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T11:39:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=58785"},"modified":"2025-05-02T13:07:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T13:07:37","slug":"pepes-island-boogie-vibes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/pepes-island-boogie-vibes\/","title":{"rendered":"Pepe\u2019s Island Boogie Vibes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An unforgettable week of skydives, sunsets, and music on a tiny island off the coast of Panama<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a reason Pepe\u2019s Island Boogie is one of the most beloved beach boogies in skydiving. Held on a tiny island off the coast of Panama, it brings convenience, beauty, and community in a one-of-a-kind experience. Everything from the loading area and packing mat to the beach bar, hotel, and manifest is within 200 feet. The sky and water are beautiful shades of blue, the landings are always on the beach, the evening dinners are  communal, and the energy is electric from sunrise jumps to late-night jam sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gia Castillo and Brennan Melchiori
Photo by Norman Kent <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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In March 2025, Pepe\u2019s hosted its 9th edition with 115 registered jumpers, 22 companions, and 40 staff. With 85 loads flown, a helicopter on site, legendary organizers leading the way, and a vibe that\u2019s part tropical retreat, part family reunion, it\u2019s no surprise the event sold out. And for one longtime skydiver, it marked a return to boogie life after more than two decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kate Cooper Jensen organizing a great shape above Panama
Photo by Norman Kent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Pepe\u2019s Island Boogie 2025 was my first non-home DZ boogie in over 20 years, and I couldn\u2019t have made a better choice for that milestone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things didn\u2019t start smoothly. My outbound flight was canceled! But, once I arrived at the Sortis Hotel in Panama City, the stress melted away. While checking in for gear, I found myself next to Skydiving Hall of Famer Norman Kent, whose photographs I\u2019ve admired since I started jumping 27 years ago. We ended up chatting about his 20 Minute Call<\/em> podcast interview, and just like that, I was immersed in the magic of Pepe\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Location, location, location
Photo by Norman Kent <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The next day, the transfer to the island went off without a hitch, a bus ride followed by a ferry that was more party than commute. We got a thorough safety briefing and a delicious welcome dinner, then turned in early for the first full day of jumping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My first jump was Load 3: a three-way head-down with Artem and Anna, both of whom I\u2019d just met at the loading area. It was the first Pepe\u2019s jump for all of us. We exited last on green, and when my canopy opened, I realized we were way<\/em> off course from Playa Larga, our intended landing beach. I honestly thought I was heading for a water landing, but with some careful flying and a lucky crosswind, I followed Artem and Anna into a hot stand-up on Executive Beach, a tiny strip of sand just big enough for three canopies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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BFR by Kate Cooper Jensen
Photo by Norman Kent <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A local boatman gave me a lift back to Galeon Beach (home base for the boogie), and when I told Toby Shacalo, our boogie organizer, about the landing, he just grinned and said, \u201cWelcome to Pepe\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite a few weather delays, the week was incredible. I made 22 Otter jumps and one from the helicopter. Fifteen of those were organized freefly and angle jumps led by Alethia, Carla, Rodrigo, and Remi Angeli, who was new to me but an absolute force of nature in the sky. The highlight was being invited to fly my slot on a full-plane 22-way angle jump. I nailed it. After so many years in the sport, it was one of the most thrilling, soul-satisfying jumps I\u2019ve ever had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wide open beach landings every jump
Photo by Norman Kent <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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But Pepe\u2019s Island Boogie isn\u2019t just about the skydives<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The island itself is stunning, and the community vibe is unmatched. My wife Patty (a proud non-jumper) and I met incredible people from all over the world. The manifest (shoutout to Sara and Brittany), the packers, the organizers, the nightly dinners, the laid-back energy and open arms, it was unforgettable. We were so taken with the experience, we booked our spot for next year the moment we heard the dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yes, I brought my travel guitar just like I promised Toby I would if he saved me a first-timer slot. I\u2019ve been singing and playing professionally since 1978, and when Skydiving Hall of Famer Kate Cooper Jensen gets everyone on their feet, you don\u2019t stop playing when your set is over. You keep going<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Author Derek Lewis full of joy
Photo by Norman Kent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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DJ Murli spun ethereal sunrise sets and high-energy nights that kept everyone moving. His endurance was rivaled only by his guitar and vocal chops. And in one magical jam, Toby picked up the bass, I played lead, and Norman Kent jumped in for vocals on Don\u2019t Stop Believin\u2019<\/em> and La Bamba.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yes, Norman also captured our 22-way angle jump lead by Tex, Alethia and Remi. That photo is saved in at least six different folders on my phone. It’s worth more than gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Derek’s first bigway lead by Tex, Alethia and Remi
Photo by Norman Kent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Welcome to Pepe’s indeed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

VIsit the Pepe’s Island Boogie website<\/a> for more information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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