On October 3, 2024, the DZ of Perris Valley felt different compared to most other days. Skydivers were arriving as usual; however, they were greeting each other with far more energy and joy. Why was the atmosphere different on this morning? Was it the sound of all the different languages, the presence of many nationalities or was it the quality of all the skydivers that were gathered together.
Yes, it was all of these, however the standout factor was the gender of the skydivers arriving. Around 70 women from 21 different countries, aged between 27 and 70, with jump numbers ranging from 400 to 22,000, were gathering with the aim of making skydiving history.
This was first official FAI, female TBS record initiated by Helaine Rumaner and amongst the organisers were also several leading ladies of the Bigway community, Kate Cooper – Jensen, Leslie Gale, and Christy Frikken.
The event began with training jumps, focusing on approach frames, slot flying, and docking for the first waves. On the second day, the record attempts commenced, we came very close to a beautiful 69-way 2-point skydive but missed by one grip on the second point.
It was challenging to then regain momentum, some slot switches were made, and the formation size was reduced to 64. On the eighth attempt, there it was, a beautiful 64-womans 2-point full break, setting a new world record in the clear blue skies of California.



When people ask me why all-female events are so important and special, I respond that I believe that there are two main reasons. Firstly, they serve as role models for new female skydivers. At many DZs around the world, female skydivers are still a minority, making it hard to find other women to jump with or to find female instructors and coaches.
Participating in these events shows new girls in the sport that they can also achieve great things, develop their talents, and find support.
Secondly, all-female events have a different energy and kindness. There is more discipline, less arguing with organizers, and there are more opportunities to fly different slots. We find that we have more support, fun, and camaraderie, resulting in less drama and stress.
Whilst this was a female world record attempt, it was an inclusive event, and we warmly welcomed our male allies who supported us to achieve our success. Kevin Kierce organized a support event with 50 men and women to back us up. Some girls were promoted from the bench to the actual Record Team during the event. We received help with packing, in particular supporting one of our wonder women who juggled breastfeeding her 3 months old baby alongside jumping, and they brought us food and drinks to prevent dehydration and hunger. They cheered us on at take-off and landing and we had a talented team of world-class video flyers to capture the event. We were incredibly grateful for everyone who gave their support
After four days of intense skydiving in 40°C heat, as we made our journeys home, we took with us a deep sense of joint achievement, new friendships, a new world record and an experience that none of us will ever forget. And the fun-fact that almost 40 percent of the participants jumped an Aerodyne rig and/or canopy.



Stroy by Ils Van den Weygaert and Jo Leslie.
Visuals by: Bruno Broken, Kristian “Xian” Caulder, Daniel Angulo, Mark "Trunk" K and Carl S.