SA skydivers set to attempt record-breaking mid-air formation
A group of South African skydivers is gearing up to attempt a record-setting jump over Delmas in Mpumalanga.
Most thrill seekers find free-falling enough, but a group of local skydivers plans to push the limits and make history in the South African record books.
On 30 and 31 August, thirty skydivers will jump from three aircraft simultaneously above Skydive the Ranch in Delmas.
They aim to link up mid-air in a perfectly choreographed formation within just 55 seconds.
If they succeed, they will break the current South African record of 24 skydivers in formation, which has stood since 2017.
A high-flying team skydiver effort
Some well-known figures from South Africa’s skydiving scene will join the record attempt.
Brad Curnow, Warren Dent, and Mohan Chudalayandy are organising the feat, while Stevan Boskovic will participate as both a jumper and videographer.
“It has been such a wonderful collaboration and team effort,” Curnow told the Roodepoort Record.
“I believe that this programme will contribute to some positive momentum for the sport of skydiving in South Africa.”
Beyond the adrenaline lies a deeper goal: to revive South African skydiving, which has seen a dip in membership and activity since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Skydiving in South Africa has an amazing history, and some wonderful achievements, and we would love to get the sport back to somewhere near those former levels,” Curnow added.
Watch the record unfold
This weekend’s event is open to the public, offering a full day of entertainment with food, parking, and even on-site camping. For those brave enough, tandem skydives will be available too.
Organisers promise a fun and unforgettable experience, showcasing the skill, nerve, and teamwork it takes to set a national record at terminal velocity.
Women in the air
Meanwhile, a group of elite female skydivers from across Gauteng broke a 30-year-old formation record to celebrate Women’s Month.
On 2 August, the all-female team set a new South African women’s record with a 15-person formation. The following day, the group broke further ground by completing a two-point 15-way formation in the Large Formation Full Break Sequential Female category.