The first year - 2004 to 2005

Skydive Choreography was established informally by Caroline Hughes in 2004 to provide a safe and structured progression for any jumper with an aspiration to participate in larger formations. The original concept was inspired by Pete Knight - one of the experienced jumpers at Langar.

Pete wrote down his thoughts; outlining how he felt walk up organising could be made more successful. It was the proposals made in the document that Caroline implemented at Netheravon after moving back there for location reasons.

Pete's insight also formed the basis of the original self-assessment questionnaire.

The success of these early days can be attributed to sound vision, strong determination to put it into action and the benefit of the blank 'organising canvas' and support of Netheravon.

Read Caroline's story

Testing the concept - 2005

Managing the groups, manifesting, finding camera flyers and the event planning itself gave the first year at Netheravon a steep learning curve. But, with APA Secretary, Robin Durie, supporting the vision and Graham Harrison onboard as the camera flyer, a real commitment to getting it right soon spread across the dropzone.

The early concept did not work exactly as anticipated but was no less successful than hoped. By the end of year one a dropzone that had few 'big way skilled' local jumpers initially, started to put itself on the big way map in the UK. 'Zoos' became a thing of the past and the progression began.

Regular structured load organising on the dropzone also started to create links between people who did not previously jump together; even when an organiser was not present, those jumpers continued to practice together. Friendships grew and experienced people joined organised loads of all levels to show support to what was being built. It was these early days that formed the basis of the 'big way family' and the loyalty that is shared by all the members of Skydive Choreography today.

Driving growth - 2005 to 2006

Years two and three at Netheravon saw the formal creation of the name "Skydive Choreography". The quality of skydiving, camera work and aircraft flying went from strength to strength - as did the events themselves. In year three Billy Payn supported many events as a guest organiser accompanied on occasion by Brian Knight on camera. The Skydive Choreography awards were also created in year three (although not formalised); rewarding jumpers who had shown the best progression over the period.

Expanding the visibility of Skydive Choreography was essential to provide bigger events and to make them accessible to more and more people. With this in mind Caroline had returned to her second home DZ - Langar - to rekindle some of the early contacts she made with big way jumpers there.

In a very short space of time jumpers from both dropzones would tailor their weekend plans according to where load organised events took place. This expansion saw the number of jumpers participating in organised jumps begin to grow exponentially, and while at Langar Caroline was fortunate enough to work with Langar's excellent regular organiser Billy Payn and world class organiser Milko Hodgkinson.

Read Billy's story

Formalising things - 2007

Skydive Choreography was registered properly in year four and the previously 'personal focused' website was redesigned to reflect a more professional operation. 2007 also saw mailing lists, number of events, size of groups and expectations of jumpers grow massively again.

During the year, while Netheravon remained its' home dropzone, Skydive Choreography ran no fewer than 17 events across the whole country. Other DZs included Langar, Hibaldstow and Dunkeswell.

The flagship Big Way Beginners event concept was born during this time (attracting 60 - 80 people) and the first Skydive Choreography Challenge was held (albeit on a very small scale).

A high percentage of these events required three organisers and multiple camera people. Guest organisers Billy Payn and Dave Lewis plus camera flyers, Brian Knight and Zuzana Tilner soon became familiar faces at a number of events.

Skydive Choreography today - 2011

Now in our fifth formal year, Skydive Choreography continues to offer a range of events to jumpers of all levels. We will also be doing some late announced 'good weather forecast' walk-up weekends.

2011 is yet to run its course, but with fewer-bigger events in the diary and a return of the hugely popular Big Way Beginner events plus lots for experienced jumpers, we are certain that it is going to be ta great one!

Note of thanks

Skydive Choreography would like to take this opportunity to thank all the jumpers and individuals who have offered support over the founding years. In particular the dropzones of Netheravon, Langar, Sibson and Hibaldstow.