Bigger in Texas
Photos by Zach Lewis.
A trend and a tradition converged at Skydive Spaceland-Dallas in Whitewright, Texas, on August 9.
The trend was total-break sequential (TBS), which consists of multiple large formations on the same jump with all team members dropping grips, showing complete separation then building a new formation with all new grips. It’s the rage in large-formation skydiving. As a relatively new record category, organizers nationwide have focused on setting state, national and world TBS records.
The tradition was a longstanding and highly regarded event. For many years, renowned large-formation organizer Larry Henderson has invited accomplished skydivers from throughout Texas and well beyond to spend a few days in August creating challenging and imaginative formations in the skies above northern Texas. This tradition provided a perfect setting for engaging the TBS trend.
Friday morning, the team of 56 gathered, ready to give their all toward setting a Texas two-point TBS state record. But something was amiss. As event visionary Henderson gathered the team, no one could miss the new full-arm splint. As luck, or lack of it, would have it, Henderson broke his wrist the day before. He was now faced with the additional challenge of orchestrating the record efforts from the ground.
Fortunately, Henderson had assembled a strong leadership team. Skydive Spaceland Event Director Scott Latinis seamlessly slipped into Henderson’s base-captain slot. Texas jumpers Tom Schroeder and Billy Whitaker filled out the leadership team by joining Latinis as plane captains as the event got underway.
Henderson showed his true organizing talents by artfully planning, evaluating and debriefing each jump from the ground. As with most big-way events, a few less-promising jumps were interspersed with jumps that showed progress and fueled optimism. As is common, weather challenges were also part of the mix.
Friday’s jumps focused on learning the picture when exiting three planes, then building the first formation. As is part of Henderson’s tradition, each day of jumping was followed by some wonderful Texas hospitality with a full dinner for the team at the drop zone.
Point 1
Point 2
Spirits were high Saturday morning. With the team at full strength, first-point 56-way completions were now becoming common. Henderson next guided the team into the full break and rebuild process. The day concluded with more improvement but no record. As is so common with large-formation record events, it was going to come down to the last day.
As the sun broke the horizon Sunday morning, the team assembled for its final assault on the record. Jump one was close but not a record. Jump two was better but did not include two complete points. On jump three, the magic happened.
Though it looked good, only an exceedingly detailed review of videographer Zach Lewis’s video by the team of onsite judges led by Chief Judge Ron Shipp would determine whether the goal had been achieved. After a delay that seemed endless, the announcement of success was made, which was greeted by cheers. The trend and the tradition came together as the team set a Texas two-point TBS record at 56!
About the Author
Jim McCormick, D-12379, is a Colorado skydiver, author and organizational consultant. He has earned numerous state, national and world large formation records. Jim is also the Director of Development for the International Skydiving Museum and Hall of Fame.