The SOS World Record Series Event Coordinators are pleased to announce the location and dates for the 2012 SOS World Record. The 2012 event will be held at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, Calif USA. The event will be kicked off with a SOS big way skills camp the weekend of April 14th and 15th. There will be a tunnel day at the SkyVenture Wind Tunnel located at Skydive Perris on April 17th. The record attempts will begin on Wed. April 18th and run thru Sun April 22nd. Mark your calendars – this will be the year for 60/60!!
The SOS World Record Series Event Coordinators feel it is important to all the SOS membership that you understand how this decision was reached. Back in the beginning, when many of you had yet to turn even 50, this event was called the SOS Reunion and Record Attempt. Over the years, as the event has grown it has undergone a necessary evolution. The focus of this event is now setting a new record. This shift has created many changes. These changes include the skill level required of each participant and how the event is organized. There is a big difference between getting a bunch of skydivers together to jump and organizing an event that is dedicated to setting a new World Record. While understanding that change has to take place, the SOS event has remained unique to all other record attempts in that each year we also try to maintain the “reunion” type atmosphere. SOS is the only record attempt in which if you do not have the skills to jump on the record team, you are provided with a world class coach and can continue learning and even possibly be moved up to the record team.
In 2012, the SOS World Record Series is going to be focused on attaining the 60/60. That is the mission. To that end, there are many requirements that need to be fulfilled for a successful World Record.
1. There needs to be a facility that can provide the type of aircraft we require which are a tail gate aircraft such as a Sky Van and 2 other aircraft that can hold 23 passengers. There exists this year, for the first time, the possibility based on interest that SOS might require 4 planes. We need a facility that can quickly adapt to that possibility without incurring expense ferry costs that would be difficult for the SOS participants to cover. The facility also has to have a good working relationship with Air Traffic Control so that SOS might be able to get the altitude we require to set a new record.
2. It would work in the best interests of SOS to have a “exclusivity” at the drop zone hosting the record attempts. It would not be in the best interests of SOS to be slotted in with other record attempts, boogies or other large groups.
3. The facilities must be able to have sufficient packing area and packers, onsite food and beverages, debriefing rooms, bathrooms to accommodate a large group and large open landing areas with sufficient “outs” for safe landings.
4. In addition to what the drop zone offers, there needs to be conveniently located accommodations, restaurants, camping and RV facilities.
5. The skills camp and wind tunnel day have become integral parts of the event. Again this year, we watched SOS show up to the record attempts a little rusty or needing some tune-ups and by attending the skills camp they gained the tools they needed to become competent and confident flyers. The wind tunnel is not a requirement, but we have seen the benefits the wind tunnel day has given to the participants in the record attempts, especially those who took part in the skills camp and were able to practice new training in the wind tunnel.
6. The Event Coordinators also have to keep the bottom line in mind – just what is it going to cost the SOS – any ferry fees for jump aircraft, jump prices and whether or not load organizer and video slots are comped.
7. There are many competing events that occur during the skydiving season. To allow for the maximum number of qualified SOS to attend, we need to schedule this event where we have a minimum of other large skydiving events or boogies. It would be best for SOS to hold the event in early spring before a lot of these other events, both here and in Europe, start ramping up. There is going to be a significant increase in activity also due to the imminent 500 way. It has already been announced there will be a 253 way in Dubai in late Feb. Also, the World POPS is in July and we feel we should avoid conflict with that event.
8. And last but not least, the things that set the SOS record attempts apart from any other record attempts - is there something for non-skydiving family to do while their loved one is skydiving, is there a place for a social gathering (food, fun, beer and wine, etc.) either at the DZ or a conveniently located, reasonably priced banquet facility, and does the DZ management and staff welcome and support the SOS record attempts?
When the Event Coordinators took all of these factors into consideration, we felt it was in the best interests of SOS to return to Skydive Elsinore in 2012. For the 2011 Record Series, Skydive Elsinore comped Load Organizer and Video slots, charging $22.00 per jumper for standard altitude exits and $30 per jumper for exits from 18,000 MSL with oxygen. Price for individual coached Tunnel Training at Perris was discounted to $190 for a 10-minute block. The local Holiday Inn Express housed SOS participants for $79.99 a night which included complimentary breakfast and free Happy Hour food with beverage.
Our intent is that by sharing our reasoning, you will understand that this was not a decision that was made lightly or rashly. It was not a decision that was based on East Coast/West Coast politics. Other DZs, in many areas of the country, were considered but we felt that this decision is really what is best for the entire SOS membership.
Bill & Carol Jones
Russ & Julie Manhold