200 Way Head Down World Record

Posted on August 18th, 2018

I have just had the privilege to be part of a very special group. To shoot the attempts to build a 200-way head down formation. Rook Nelson invited Norman Kent, Jason Peters, Ewan Cowie, Ryan Patrick and myself, to form a team that spans 5 decades of camera work, with first jumps in 1975, 1988, 1991, 2002, and 2013 and over 80000 skydives altogether. I totally enjoyed working alongside such a nice bunch of people, thank you, guys!

As usual, a record camp is not easy: very early starts, long and cold rides to altitude, the pressure that comes with the chance of having any malfunctions with your gear, and with trying to get the best images without interfering with the jumps.

But nothing compares to what it takes to organize the entire operation: a fleet of 9 planes, pilots that need to fly in close formation, oxygen and maintenance crew, load organizers to lead each group and to decide who will be rotated in and out of the formation after each attempt. Also, the extra pressure of running out of time because of bad weather. All that done, with the support of the ground crew at the incredible facilities of Skydive Chicago that handled and fed over 250 skydivers altogether.

My utmost regard to Rook for having the passion and desire to keep doing it one attempt after another, leading such a big operation, making decisions, and assuming the responsibilities when things didn't go as planned. Not to mention jumping and performing at the same time.

As he told us on the welcome speech: "the first goal is that everyone goes back home safe". That was achieved, and that was for sure the most important thing! Thank you all!!!