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Skydive MagJune 23, 2026

What Is AFF? How to Get Your Skydiving License

Everything you need to know about the world’s most common path to becoming a licensed skydiver If your goal is to become a skydiver, not just do a tandem skydive, AFF is where the journey begins. Short for Accelerated Freefall, AFF is the training program that takes complete beginners from their first solo freefall to […] The post What Is AFF? How to Get Your Skydiving License appeared first on Skydivemag.

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Radio Skydive UKJune 18, 2026

111 Andrew Draminski, Marcus King talk Canopy Formations: World Records and Night Jumps

Andrew Draminski & Marcus King talk to us about Canopy Formation records Andrew Draminski is a Canopy Formation guru Marcus King is newly annointed Front Cover of the 104way World Record, photo by Gustavo Cabana Marcus talks about night jumps Someone on the show talks more than Craig. Wtf! We talk about some other stuff too but no-one reads show notes so it doesn't really matter Prove me wrong - email studio@radioskydive.uk and we'll delive a crisp high five the next time we see you and read ...

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Radio Skydive UKJune 11, 2026

110 Amber Forte, Red Bull Athlete, and her plans to cross the English Channel in a wingsuit

• Amber Forte, Red Bull Athlete • Amber plans to fly across the English Channel in a wingsuit • The entire journey will be over the sea. • Through one of the busiest commercial flight corridors in the world. • Amber is officially bonkers. Brian tells her this. • Amber discusses glide ratio • Amber discusses wing suits • Amber discusses navigation • You won't be able to guess what will be in her pockets. HELP US SPREAD THE WORD If you enjoyed this show please share #RadioSkydiveUK with your so...

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Radio Skydive UKJune 2, 2026

109 Even Rokne, Fredrick Wendt from Skydive Voss discuss Extreme Sports Week

Even Rokne & Fredrick Wendt talk to us about Skydive Voss and Extreme Sports Week Even Rokne is the king of innhopps - the Kinghopp? Fredrick Wendt is the Operations Manager at Skydive Voss Front Cover of the Norwegian Flag being flown on Mational Day by Chris Todd, photo by Morgan Mackay Rainbow boogie at Skydive Tilstock raincheck Quick Aerodyne Icon Update - new Technical Notice release by Icon. It's not a Service Bulletin or a Safety Bulletin though. Because that would make them liable. #...

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Radio Skydive UKMay 11, 2026

108 Lucy Mancey, Head of Membership and Engagement at British Skydiving

Lucy Mancey, Head of Membership and Engagement at British Skydiving Lucy explains wtf she actually does Lucy talks all things British Skydiving Craig gets jealous and wants to talk about British Skydiving too Craig and Lucy have a dance off to see who loves British Skydiving the most. Aerodyne Icon news. Lucy puts the boot in. Or she's very diplomatic. We forget which. Craig borrows a friends rig Headcorn resumes fun jumper skydiving. Yay. Headcorn has increased their fun jumper training requ...

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Radio Skydive UKApril 28, 2026

107 Knives with Simon Soper, UK Advanced Instructor

Knives with Simon Soper, UK Advanced Instructor Front Cover photo by Andy Ford Charlie Wakeham tags along to eat pizza We feel incredibly emotionally supported School of Hard Knocks with Simon Simon discusses his winter in NZ Simon discusses how excited he is to be back on a rainy little island in the middle of the Atlantic for the 'summer'. Jet fuel running dry? Gliding bailout rigs and pencil packing drama Aerodyne Icon speculation Skydive Headcorn pauses fun jumpers 'temporarily' Craig's d...

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The 20 Minute CallApril 26, 2026

Jens Gronemeyer: CEO of Alti-2 and Formation Skydiver

Tell Us What You Thought Of This Episode Jens Gronemeyer is the President & CEO of Alti-2 Technologies. A computer engineer, entrepreneur, active skydiver, experienced jump pilot, and former drop zone operator, Jens made his first skydive in Höxter, Germany in 1997 and has since logged more than 8,900 jumps. Before acquiring Alti Two in 2021, he built and sold successful technology companies in Europe. He competes in 4-way, 8-way, and 16-way formation skydiving and brings a rare perspective s...

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The 20 Minute CallApril 19, 2026

Wendy "Kiwi" Smith - Hall of Fame Skydiver & Aerial Cinematographer

Tell Us What You Thought Of This Episode Wendy Kiwi Smith is one of skydiving's most decorated figures - an aerial cinematographer, athlete, coach, and safety leader with over 23,000 jumps, 10 world records, three Guinness World Records, and an Emmy Award. In 2025, she was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame. Topics covered: Growing up on a farm in rural New Zealand and what shaped her fearlessness How she stumbled into skydiving and never looked back Building a career as a...

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Radio Skydive UKApril 14, 2026

106 Icons and Sundays with Alex 'Buzz' Busby Hicks

• Alex 'Buzz' Busby Hicks is Chief Instructor at Skydive Tilstock • Buzz has even more opinions than Craig. • Wait… is that even possible? • Aerodyne Icons currently grounded in the UK • Craig's Icon is grounded. • Luckily he doesn't jump anymore so he won't even notice. • Skydive Langar leading the investigation • British Skydiving response • Worldwide response as of Mon 13 April 2026 • World Cup of Indoor Skydiving. FS at Weembi in Lille, FF at iFly Aix-Marseille • Cloudbase logbook app by ...

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The 20 Minute CallApril 12, 2026

Jim Cowan - Hall of Fame Skydiver and Flight-1 Instructor

Tell Us What You Thought Of This Episode This is a must-listen episode. Jim Cowan's passion for skydiving is infectious, and his storytelling will have you hanging on every word. A second-generation skydiver from St. Louis who started packing parachutes at age 10, Jim recounts jumping into a Cardinals game at 18 and being interviewed by Jack Buck - then taking Jack on a tandem jump 20 years later. He also talks about forming Quantum Leap with his brother and best friend, winning the World Cha...

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The 20 Minute CallApril 6, 2026

Pete Allum - International Skydiving Ambassador & Flight-1 Instructor

Tell Us What You Thought Of This Episode Pete Allum (36,000+ jumps, 19+ British national titles, four Italian national championships, 2022 Hall of Fame inductee) sits down for a candid look at four decades in skydiving. He reflects on finding his identity on the drop zone as a teenager, how he transformed crippling competition anxiety into a refined mental performance system, and his ongoing work continuing Vince Reffet's UPT Mutant legacy. Pete also speaks with rare honesty about processing ...

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The 20 Minute CallMarch 30, 2026

Jackie Smith: The First Woman to Join the British Army’s Red Devils

Tell Us What You Thought Of This Episode Jackie Smith is one of the most decorated and pioneering figures in the history of competitive skydiving. She was the first woman to earn the Red Beret of the British Army's Red Devils parachute display team, the first female member of any full-time military parachute team in the world, joining the ranks in February 1972. A multi-time British National Champion in both style and accuracy and 8-way formation skydiving, Jackie's defining competitive achie...

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Radio Skydive UKMarch 24, 2026

105 European Skydiving Symposium Review

- Euro Skydiving Symposium review - Front Cover by Andy Ford of wing suits over Swakopmund in Namibia - Back Cover photo of Craig receiving a sword at the Expo - Craig talks - Craig talks some more - Craig interrupts Brian to carry on talking - Craig says something else but we weren't listening by that point. - Craig says something interesting. - But we missed it. - Craig talks - Craig said something else interesting and revealed some true emotion. - It was authentic but not worth the wait - ...

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The 20 Minute CallMarch 23, 2026

Joe Jennings - Skydiving Aerial Cinematographer

Tell Us What You Thought Of This Episode Guest: Joe Jennings Joe Jennings is one of the most accomplished aerial cinematographers in the history of skydiving. Alongside sky surfer Rob Harris, Joe won gold at the 1995 Extreme Games and captured two World Championship titles in sky surfing. He later became a sought-after stunt coordinator and aerial DP, working on more than 40 television commercials — including Pepsi's famous Goose ad, the top-rated commercial of Super Bowl 1998 — and major mot...

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The 20 Minute CallMarch 16, 2026

Kyle Salvato: DZO, Skydive City, Z-Hills

Tell Us What You Thought Of This Episode About This Episode Kyle Salvato shares the remarkable journey from maritime engineer to co-owner of Skydive City in Zephyrhills, Florida. This episode explores what it takes to revitalize one of skydiving's most iconic drop zones while honoring its deep legacy connected to names like Jerry Bird. Kyle brings a unique perspective with over 9,000 jumps, A&P mechanic credentials, commercial pilot licenses with 4,000+ flight hours, and hands-on experience i...

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The 20 Minute CallMarch 9, 2026

Doug Barron - Behind the Scenes of the 250-Way State Record Attempts

Tell Us What You Thought Of This Episode About This Episode Doug Barron returns to share the incredible story behind organizing the 2025 All American Big Way - a 250-way skydiving record attempt at Skydive Chicago that ran simultaneously with a 200-way vertical record. This is a masterclass in event logistics, leadership under pressure, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in skydiving. Resources Mentioned 📺 250-way Documentary - 25-min film by Anthony Armandiraz 🎙️ Episode 19 - Do...

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Radio Skydive UKJanuary 14, 2026

104 Adrian 'Ferg' Ferguson Tail Strike & Crazy Hook Knife Story

• Adrian 'Ferg' Ferguson tail strike and crazy hook knife story • Front cover photo by Jarrad Nolan of Adrian 'Ferg' Ferguson hung up on the tail wing by his *reserve* canopy. Wild. • From climb out to landing - the full story • Ferg is just too helpful on climbout • Hook knife preparation for just this eventuality • Main canopy and reserve entanglement • Thoughts on social media commentators • Craig is too busy to show up • Everyone's favourite host from everyone's 2nd favourite podcast is a...

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The 20 Minute CallJune 2, 2025

George Tang - Skydive Thailand DZO and Flight-1 Instructor

Tell Us What You Thought Of This Episode Presented by SSK Industries, CYPRES, Free Fall Films, SKYCRU and Burble. 📲 STAY CONNECTED Website: The 20 Minute Call Instagram: @20MinuteCall Facebook: /20MinuteCall 💙 SUPPORT THE SHOW Love the podcast? Join our Patreon community for early access, bonus content, and exclusive perks. → patreon.com/The20minutecallPodcast ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW Your 5-star review helps us reach more skydivers like you. Apple Podcasts: [direct-link] Spotify: [direct-link] 🎧 ...

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Radio Skydive UKApril 13, 2025

103 Craig Girard | World Team 400way Deep Dive

• Craig Girard talks 400way skydiving formations (00:36:30) • How the green suit was made overnight. • Jumping with radio. • Hypoxia issues. • Craig Girard is our favourite Craig. Definitely Craig #1. • Front cover photo of Brian's 4000th celebration skydive. A wingsuit rodeo with a handful of trackers alongside. Self portrait. • Flight-1 announce their Parachute Landing Assistant. For USD 3500. • Indoor World Championships at ParacleteXP • Tariffs on US companies could raise gear prices. • W...

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Skydive RadioOctober 10, 2023

Episode #264 with Extreme Sports Psychotherapist Chloe Svolakos

Steve and JaNette report on the 2023 US National Championships Dave gets a tour of the Paraclete wind tunnel DoorDash driver on the runway Steve and JaNette Describe Your Jump Safety First with Brian Germain discusses unusual jumps Pic of the Week #264 - A 60-way builds over Eloy at the Arizona Airspeed Challenge. Photo by Niklas Daniel Feature interview with extreme sports psychotherapist Chloe Svolakos

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Skydive RadioSeptember 7, 2023

Episode #263 with Dan BC, Larry Henderson and Doug Barron

Jason Russell, Steve Lefkowitz and JaNette Lefkowitz join Dave and Stump in the home studio at Skydive Chicago World cup report from J-Russ JaNette gets back in the air again Rookiefest discussed Tips for upping your skydiving abilities as a fun jumper A Pulp Fiction style restaurant robbery in Zephyrhills Florida Steve and JaNette describe your jump Safety First with Brian Germain discusses exploring a new parachute Pic of the Week #263 - The Total Break Illinois state record completes over ...

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Skydive RadioAugust 1, 2023

Episode #262 with USPA Executive Director Albert Berchtold

Mid Summerfest update Stump reports on the Dog Daze Boogie Jason Cooke gives us a deep dive on skydiving helmets Nicole discusses the state of women's issues in skydiving Safety First with Brian Germain discusses free fall weights Pic of the Week #262 - UK National 4-way team Chimera training over Eloy. Photo by Niklas Daniel. Feature Interview with USPA Executive Director Albert Berchtold on the Air Tour and Parachuting Safety Act, and it's negative impact on the skydiving industry Skydiving...

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Skydive RadioJuly 18, 2023

Episode #261 with Skydiving Pioneer Kim Emmons-Knor

Melissa Nelson and J-Russ join Dave and Stump Tom Cruise Project SpaceX Project Melissa discusses some USPA goings on Safety First with Brian Germain discusses getting current Dropzone of the Month? Not really, but Stump discusses CRW and The Raw Dogs Pic of the Week #261 - Kim Emmons-Knor before jump #570 with tandem instructor Anthony Ebel and pilot Dave Schwartz at Skydive Chicago. Photo by Karry Schwartz. Feature interview with skydiving pioneer Kim Emmons-Knor More iFly discussion with J...

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Skydive RadioNovember 19, 2021

Episode #259 with Pete Allum

Melanie Curtis joins Dave and Stump Mel discusses her book How to Fly: Life Lessons from a Professional Skydiver. The Stumps celebrate their 300th and 3000th jumps together Discussion on Project 19 and the Highlight Pro Skydiving Team A crazy cutaway recovery story from Sebastian Discussion on trackers for recovering cutaways Safety First with Brian Germain discusses downsizing Pic of the Week - Lee Barraclough swoops the pond at Sydney Skydivers. Photo by Craig Garbutt. Feature Interview - P...

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Skydive RadioSeptember 20, 2021

Episode #258 with iFly CEO and Senior Management

Steve and JaNette discuss what's next for them and Rhythm Andy Malchiodi and Matt Fry discuss the new vertical sequential world record DZ of the Month - Skydive Tecumseh Electric 8-way Mike Gruwell discuss PIA Steve and JaNette Describe Your Jump Safety First with Brian Germain discusses altitude awareness Pic of the Week - The second point of the 77-way vertical sequential world record completes over Skydive Chicago. Photo by Norman Kent. Feature interview with iFly CEO and senior management...

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Skydive RadioSeptember 5, 2021

Episode #257 with Bill Booth and Tom Noonan Q&A

J-Russ and the Lefkowi (all 3 of them) join Dave in the home studio at Skydive Chicago. World meet discussed Summerfest Discussed Landing off in the corn Steve and JaNette Describe Your Jump First jump excitement iFly Corporate Christopher Fikes of kravtofly.com Mike Gruwell of www.chutingstar.com discusses covid supply chain issues Safety First with Brian Germain - What's in your jumpsuit pockets? Pic of the Week - Bill Booth lands in front of the pyramid of Gyza during Jump Like A Pharoah, ...

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