On April 8, 2024, a group of 30 skydivers are planning to come together to witness the solar eclipse in a unique way by jumping from the sky. The idea was inspired by one of the co-owners of Skydive the Falls in Youngstown, New York, who wanted to create a special experience for his friends and customers. When he realized that the eclipse would reach totality directly above his skydiving center, he and his team started planning the event to make it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The skydivers will be traveling from all over the U.S., including states like Texas and California, to participate in the celestial jump. Timing is crucial for the jump, as they plan to leap one minute before totality to enjoy the full eclipse under their parachutes. The divers will be wearing eclipse glasses during the freefall and will deploy their parachutes to safely land on the ground. The event aims to provide a unique and extreme experience for the participants.
To ensure safety and avoid congestion in the sky, the team has planned for three airplanes and different parachute sizes that open at various altitudes. The planes will be arranged in a way that they are not directly above each other, and the divers will maintain separation to mitigate any risks. The skydivers are prepared for the jump and are excited to witness the eclipse in such a unique and exhilarating way.
Tickets for the event went live in January and were quickly sold out within seven minutes. While most spots were reserved for licensed skydivers with extensive experience, a few first-timer slots were also made available for participants who will jump in tandem with highly skilled instructors. The excitement surrounding the event is palpable, with participants gearing up for a memorable experience thousands of feet up in the air while watching the solar eclipse unfold.
For the co-owner of Skydive the Falls, this event represents a new experience in his skydiving journey. Having already accomplished many feats in the skydiving world, he sees the solar eclipse jump as an opportunity to add another memorable moment to his logbook. The excitement and thrill of planning and executing such a unique event are what keep him engaged and energized in his passion for skydiving. For both the organizers and participants, the solar eclipse jump promises to be an unforgettable experience that will be cherished for years to come.
