VIC Mentor Update for Barwon Heads February 2019

Mission Victoria!

The number crunching is on in earnest for the Perris record-breaking mission in 2019. And Victorians are stacking up well. Thanks team!

It’s just over 100 days away! We have more than 100 Aussies registered, and heaps of Friends of Aussies too.

We have 25 Victorians who’ve signed up, plus 3 part-time Victorians. Woo hoo! The Victorian numbers are similar to what we had in 2015 but our skill levels overall are higher and we have a much better understanding of what’s required. Almost all of our team members so far have been to a P3 multi-plane event, and those who haven’t done this yet are doing all the right things to prepare.  Most of the Vic Squad have been to Perris Valley before, so they’re enthusiastically doing their bit for team building and information sharing.

If you are on the fence, I urge you to make a decision now.

Perhaps you are worried that you’re undercooked or you have other expenses in life that are more ‘worthwhile’ for you. That’s how I felt when I went in 2010. I was there to support the REAL skydivers. You know, the ones who were ACTUALLY going to come home with a record. I was pretty certain I’d make it to 40-ways and I’d have a wonderful time. But I didn’t think I’d make it all the way through to the record. Well, call me a pessimistic optimist, but that was the best decision I ever made, and it was the beginning of a remarkable adventure.

If you don’t go, you won’t know. And there’s no guarantee that such an opportunity will happen again.

Barwon Heads action…

We’re doing our best to keep the bigway players active and engaged at Barwon heads. We have two more Star Crest weekends ahead. (Feb 16/17and March 16.) We are filling slots so quickly that we’re  outgrowing our space and funding. Thanks for your patience as we shuffle days and groups!

We also have a training camp with European superstar Pete Allum on March 9 and 10. This is already fully booked, but why not come and watch the super-coach in action? I’m sure you’ll be able to get something from his briefs and debriefs, and any seminars that we do in downtime.

There is also another event in late April, 27^th and 28^th, a ‘Chicks Can Fly’ fundraising weekend. This will be celebrating women in skydiving, but with all our wonderful male skydivers involved as well. It’ll be a great chance to do some biggish ways with a fantastic vibe around the DZ.

Celebration time…

There’s a chance for a big celebration very soon. Remember those record achievements in Toogoolawah? They’ll be acknowledged at the APF Awards night and it’s being held in Melbourne this year!!!

You’ll be able to treat your partners to a dinner out with skydivers, you’ll be able to take your bow, and get your moment in the spotlight. What a wonderful opportunity for us all to get together and feel the bigway love just before we catch our flights overseas.

Put May 14^th and 15^th on your calendar for the APF Annual conference and symposium at the Novotel Hotel in St Kilda. I assume the Awards dinner will be the night of the 14^th, but stand by for details. They’ll allow people to come to the dinner only, but why not come for a day or two of the conference as well? It hasn’t been in Melbourne for ages, so grab this chance while you can!

Media moments…

Please help out with media coverage for the Aussie Bigways record. We need as many of you as possible to get yourselves on radio, in the local paper or out there on TV. If you need some tips, please touch base.

Local papers are usually keen on local achievers. So that is an excellent place to start. That’s what Joe ‘Rummy’ Clarke did in Perth, and he got front page!!!!

https://www.communitynews.com.au/guardian-express/news/150-australian-skydivers-aiming-for-new-heights-with-national-record/

Close-out …

I just want to thank you all again for being fantastic friends and wonderful jump buddies. When I’m dragging my fat arse out of bed for morning walks and trying to ride my shiny new bike up massive hills, I remind myself how much fun we’re having!

Kelly Brennan – VIC Mentor for Barwon Heads