It's been a while since our latest post we've been up to a lot! Too much for one post, but here's a quick summary:

From Summer Jumping, training, and competing at SDC and Paraclete

We moved to SDC on May 1st, where the weather has been awesome all summer! Team jumping has been going great and our various coaching programs have all been going awesomely as well.

From Summer Jumping, training, and competing at SDC and Paraclete

While here at SDC, most of our team jumping is during the week, and the loads have been flying consistently during the week days. During the weekend, between team-for-a-day, JaNette's 8way project "Synergy" and Steve's 4way project "the Hawks," and additional organized jumps, skydivers at all experience levels have been joining us for some great RW jumping.

From Summer Jumping, training, and competing at SDC and Paraclete

From Summer Jumping, training, and competing at SDC and Paraclete

From Summer Jumping, training, and competing at SDC and Paraclete

The 8way project will do 75 jumps over the season in addition to 4 hours of tunnel time, and compete at Nationals at SDC. The 4way project will do 50 jumps plus 1.5 hours of tunnel per person, plus an MWSL meet. What's more, about once per month we have a tunnel coaching camp at the Paraclete wind tunnel in Raeford, NC. Competitively, Rhythm competed in the first annual "Battle at Midway" Money Meet on June 12,13. While this weekend turned out to be a rare exception for weather, keeping us from completing the full 10 rounds, it was still a world class competition both from how it was run, to the Camscore judging, to the level of competition, with the likes of Airspeed, Perris Fury, and Canada's Evolution all attending for RW, and members of SDC Standard and Arizona Arsenal competing in VFS. With US Nationals at SDC this year, it was as close as you could come to the real thing before the real thing.

From Summer Jumping, training, and competing at SDC and Paraclete

From Summer Jumping, training, and competing at SDC and Paraclete

Rhythm scored a 21.6 over 5 rounds at the Battle, and followed that up with a 19.6 over 10 rounds at an MWSL competition the following weekend at SDC.

From Summer Jumping, training, and competing at SDC and Paraclete

The rest of the summer is quite busy for the team, including a lot of training (come out and join us during the week!), organizing all through Summerfest (consider signing up for the 16way competition during the last weekend), more Synergy and Hawks training, and more organizing. And of course, Nationals at SDC!

From Summer Jumping, training, and competing at SDC and Paraclete

2010 has been a great year and we look forward to more fun and jumping!

Announcing SDC’s Midwest 16 Way RUMBLE!!!

What: A 16 way Invitational Formation Skydiving Event at SDC, with competition across multiple Drop Zones
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Where: At Skydive Chicago
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When: Saturday, July 31, 2010 – 7am to 7pm (Weather day Sunday, August 1, 2010 – 7am to 3:30pm)
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How many Jumps: 5 Jumps
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Cost: Your jumps plus a one time $25 fee
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Application Due: June 23rd

On July 31, 2010, SDC Rhythm XP will be organizing a 16-way event at Skydive Chicago during the last weekend of Summerfest. The goal is to draw some of the best formation skydivers around for a day of challenging sequential skydives and tons of fun. We will organize one or more teams at SDC to compete against each other and teams at other drop zones who will be doing the same jumps on the same day. This will be a quasi-invitational event, meaning that participants will be asked to fill out a short registration form to ensure a consistent experience level within each group. The event will have 5 structured jumps for the day, with optional additional jumps if there is time and interest. Each group will be led by one or two team captains. There will be a planned progression of dives that will grow in complexity and difficulty over the course of the day. Some will be national style sequential dives, others will require more intricate and delicate builds, and some will have FS "tasks" you've never seen or heard of before.

The kind of skills folks should have is at least a basic background in 4/8 way training and/or solid experience in 16-40 way events. The interest form available on request is intended to gather as much information as possible to work out the line-ups. This will be a one day event, running from 7AM to 7PM. However, if weather is bad on Saturday, we will resume jumping on Sunday, August 1st. Therefore, all participants need to be available on Sunday to land from the last load by 3:30pm if weather requires it. Anyone interested in participating should request an application and send Steve the completed form by June 23rd. Rosters will be finalized by July 7th. A one-time fee of $25 will include all the organization and video. You cover your own jumps. Note that because this event occurs during Summerfest, all participants must pay the Summerfest registration fee as well. Still pictures will be available for purchase directly from the photographers.

Email steve"at"rhythmskydiving"dot"com if you have questions or to apply.

Labels: Events

Last Saturday, Rhythm competed in the second meet of the FSL season at Skydive Sebastian, our winter training home. We were proud of our performance, scoring an 18.2 average over 6 rounds. On Sunday, we sat down with Kurt Gaebel from Skyleague for an interview update on our season so far.

We've made great friendships here at Sebastian. The staff and fun jumpers are excellent people, and the dropzone is a beautiful place to jump. We're in the middle of our final two-week training camp for 2010 at Sebastian, and after a tunnel skills camp at the end of April we'll be heading to SDC to continue our training at our home dropzone.

We'll miss our friends and home at Sebastian, but we're also really excited to be going back to our friends and home in Chicago. SDC, we'll see you soon! Then it's more training, 8way & 4way player-coaching, team coaching, team-for-a-day, organizing and tunnel camps. Life is good!

From Bedford World Challenge 2010

From Bedford World Challenge 2010

Rhythm flew to England over the April 3rd weekend for a quick trip to take part in one of the biggest meets of the year. The World Challenge tunnel meet in Bedford, England had 51 teams from all over the world. Before going to the meet, everyone we knew who had attended in previous years said how great it was, and we were not disappointed!

From Bedford World Challenge 2010

We had a great time and were proud to score a team high for the tunnel with a 25.3 average, finishing in 10th place overall.

From Bedford World Challenge 2010

Hanging out with many of the world's best skydivers was truly a privelege, and making new friends with people from all over the world makes the trip even more memorable. Plus, JaNette, Steve and Thiago got to visit family in England!

From Bedford World Challenge 2010

From Bedford World Challenge 2010

From Tunnel Skills Camp March 27, 2010

Over the weekend of March 28 we had our largest skills camp yet at Paraclete.

From Tunnel Skills Camp March 27, 2010

Between JaNette's 8way team, 4way teams SDC Jetstream Tango, Spaceland Mamba, and Dallas Khaos, a bunch of solo skydivers and even one person joining us before their AFF, it was a busy 4 days!

From Tunnel Skills Camp March 27, 2010

Our Tunnel Camps are always an excellent time, and the more great people that join us the more fun they are.

From Tunnel Skills Camp March 27, 2010

From Tunnel Skills Camp March 27, 2010

JaNette and Steve organized at the Sanchez Boogie this past weekend in Sebastian. This is the third Sebastian boogie the team has organized at recently, including Becca's Bootie Boogie and the Invasion Boogie. The event was another great time! Here are videos from the GoPro camera showing a few of the jumps:

Here's some video showing some of what we've been up to over the past two months.

The team just wrapped up two great weeks of training capped off by a coaching camp at Paraclete. It went like this:
Monday - Thursday: Train at Paraclete
Friday - Sunday: Jump at Sebastian
Tuesday - Friday: Train at Paraclete
Thursday - Sunday: Coach at Paraclete

Thanks to the SDC Flying Fish, Dallas Khaos, and Will Riga for joining us, and thanks as always to XP4 for training with us and sharing much appreciated 4way wisdom.

From Training 2/18/10

From Skills Camp February 28

From Skills Camp February 28

From Skills Camp February 28

From Jump Training in Sebastian 2/13/10

From Jump Training in Sebastian 2/13/10

From Jump Training in Sebastian 2/13/10

From Jump Training in Sebastian 2/13/10

From Tunnel 02/05/10

On February 5-8, 12 skydivers joined us for first skills camp of 2010.

From Tunnel 02/05/10

The crowd was a fun one, and we had a great time flying together during the day and hanging out at night. We had some familiar faces and a number of new participants too.

From Tunnel 02/05/10

From Tunnel 02/05/10

Thanks for joining us guys, now who's up for the next one?

After the departure of awesome cameraman and all around super guy Kevin Naftzger from the team, we began an extensive search for the right person to fill the empty slot. We are happy to say that the team selected Jason Imamura as our new cameraman, and he accepted. Jason was teammates with Rob as recently as 2008 when the two won the Intermediate division of the USPA nationals. Now that the team is complete, we're excited to do great things this year!

We are proud to announce two new Sponsors. Rhythm has decided to partner with UPT for our container needs, and with Sky Systems for our helmets.

With nearly a 40 year history in designing and manufacturing harness/container systems, and over 50,000 units sold worldwide, Bill Booth's companies have long set the standard for for innovations in engineering and safety in skydiving. Among these are the hand deploy pilot chute system, the three-ring release system, the sky-hook, and magnetic riser covers. With the growth in popularity of free-flying, the Vector saw improved riser, pin and bridle protection to address the high-speed airflow rigs were now being subjected to from all directions. We are proud to be sponsored by UPT and look forward to making our own contributions to the continued development of this awesome equipment.

Sky Systems has been the premier company for skydiving helmets for over 20 years. With quality helmets like the Factory Diver, first released in 1988, and later the Oxygn, A3, Hurricane, Nvertigo-X, and others, countless world champions and weekend jumpers have enjoyed the fit, comfort, style and protection of Sky Systems helmets. Sky Systems also sells quality accessories like the Sky Tie, Tube Stoes, and Sky Eyes goggles. With the countless kicks and knees to the head we've given each other over the years, we are especially glad to have Sky Systems equipment protecting us!

Click on the logos above or the links below to visit our newest sponsors' websites.

Sky Systems
UPT

Labels: Sponsors

SDC Rhythm XP is looking for a Cameraman (or woman) for 2010.

Rhythm is passionate about doing the best jumps we can do and having tons of fun doing it. We are proud of building a strong team based on open-mindedness, commitment, a positive attitude, no excuses, and confidence in ourselves and one another.

Besides working every year to reach new competitive levels, we are also dedicated to contributing to the sport through various coaching endeavors, including 8-way and 16-way player coach projects, team-for-a-day, team coaching, and tunnel coaching.

We are looking for a videographer who is interested in being part of this project and acheiving something big. Team schedule is available, and will include about 12 days per month, 10 of which are during the week, amounting to ~750 jumps for the year. We will train out of Sebastian, FL through April and then move to Skydive Chicago around the beginning of May to finish the season.

The benefits of being part of our team include tons of jumping, the opportunity to become among the top in your discipline, having a lot of fun, strong sponsorship, great competition experiences, and playing a key role in helping others reach their skydiving goals. Our cameraman would also have the opportunity to lead the group of videographers who support our organized events.

While experience is a plus, we believe the right level of commitment and positive attitude is more important than a long resume. Also, strong work ethic and professionalism are required. Please contact all@rhythmskydiving.com if interested.

Labels: Miscellaneous

Here's a video of Nick Whitmer, one participant at our December tunnel camp who made great progress over his hour of tunnel time.

After an extensive process to find a new teammate, we are excited to announce Thiago Muradas as our newest member of Rhythm.
Starting with a search that began shortly after nationals and ending with tryouts at the Paraclete wind tunnel, we interviewed various prospective teammates, many of whom would have been excellent choices. We would like to especially thank Nick Grillet and Samer Haija for coming all the way to Paraclete to fly with us.

Are you looking for a way to improve your RW skills? Want to train on a team? Want to compete at the US Nationals at Skydive Chicago next year? Check out Rhythm's 8 and 16 way projects for the 2010 season.

Each 8 and 16 way team will have a member of Rhythm as captain, teammate and player-coach. Teams will train at Skydive Chicago and Paraclete XP, over 5-6 weekends, to leave time for other activities. Teams will be matched up based on similar goals and experience, so whether you're new to the sport and looking to learn more about competitive RW, or are a seasoned 4 way competitor looking to compete in 8 way, there will be an option for you. The best part is, all of the planning and organization are taken care of. Schedule and budget is set ahead of time so there are no surprises.

See attahced for more information and an application.

Please feel free to email (janette@rhythmskydiving.com) or call (312.543.4857) if you have any questions.

Rhythm 8 and 16 Way Information Sheet
Rhythm 8 and 16 way Application

Labels: Events

The November tunnel skills camp was a lot of fun, and December is going to be huge. For anyone interested in joining us who has not signed up yet, there is some time Thursday and Monday, but we're otherwise full in December. So....

Rhythm is adding another Tunnel Skills camp - February 5-8. Whether you're going through AFF or have 1000's of jumps, come join us for great flying and great fun. Don't let this one pass you by. Sign up early to reserve your spot.

From Tunnel 11/21/09

Last weekend we had another great tunnel camp.

From Tunnel 11/21/09

Saturday and Sunday were filled with awesome 1-on-1, 2-on-2, 3-on-1, 1-on-3, some freeflying and even a 6-way.

From Tunnel 11/21/09

With the winter coming, we'll be hitting the tunnel hard once again for skills camps and training camps.

From Tunnel 11/21/09

The next camp, December 12th weekend, is full, but we'll post the date for the following camp (some time in February) soon.

From Tunnel 11/21/09

More pics here:

Tunnel 11/21/09

We hope you enjoy the post of our 10 4-way rounds at Nationals.

Labels: Competitions

The 2009 season culminated with USPA Nationals at Skydive Spaceland the week of October 12th. What a great experience that was! The team ended up in 6th place with an 18.1 average, and we were all proud of a performance that included 10 strong rounds with some specific moves that demonstrated the team at its best. The entire 4way competition was challenged with weather holds that extended the competition by an extra day. Fortunately for us, our training prepared us for that!

We were also proud of the Furies, who won the Advanced class. It was great to see them represent and watch as they beat out the competition.

After 4way, we joined up with Sebastian Tempest in 8way, and that was great fun as well. While Laurent had to get home, Tempest's videographer Pat joined us as Kevin filmed the team. This was the last season of the Tempest-Rhythm 8way team, as next year each Rhythm member will be leading his own 8way in a player-coach 8way project. Contact janette@rhythmskydiving.com for details.

While the 8way competition was going, 4way VRW proved to be an extremely exciting competition that pitted Arizona Arsenal vs our own SDC Standard XP. In truth, we were more enthralled with 4way VRW than our own 8way. Standard performed excellently, keeping the competition close up until the last round, where unfortunately they were not able to keep up with Arsenal. Standard has come so far this year, and we're looking forward to watching them grow and to growing alongside them as both teams push each other in 2010.

Finally, Steve had a lot of fun in 16 way, and thoughts of putting together a 16way team to represent SDC in 2010 quickly began to brew...Contact steve@rhythmskydiving.com for details.

Throughout the entire competition, Kevin Kanaski's awesomely consistent pack jobs kept us jumping confidently without the slightest worry about our openings.

Thanks to everyone who supported the team this year. SDC, Manifest, our packers, all those who participated in our events, and friends and family who supported us with wellwishes.

This weekend, October 31 and November 1, we have our last Team for a Day of the season. There's still room both days. Contact janette@rhythmskydiving.com.

Labels: Competitions, Miscellaneous

Congrats Jetstream Tango on a great tunnel camp! JaNette just joined Jetstream Tango at Paraclete XP for three days of fun in the tunnel. The camp was a success on many levels. Lots of laughs, and good times, plus some awesome flying and great teamwork. We're looking forward to seeing Jetstream Tango in action at the next MWSL meet. Thanks again guys!

Labels: Tunnel Trips

From 2009 MWSL Meet 2 at CSC

Last weekend we had the second meet of the MWSL season at CSC.

From 2009 MWSL Meet 2 at CSC

Four teams competed, and every team showed great improvements from the first meet.

From 2009 MWSL Meet 2 at CSC

Unfortunately, we were only able to complete three rounds, but still there were a number of very noteworthy accomplishments: 1. CSC Pareto Optimal had a 13 point round, that team's highest single round score! 2. SDC Flying Fish scored a 10, blowing away their previous single round record! 3. Jetstream Tango more than doubled it's previous meet average! 4. Every team did a meet Personal Record!

From 2009 MWSL Meet 2 at CSC

Thanks to Amy and Gary for coming with us and supporting us with packing, to CSC (Doug, manifest, and all the staff) for hosting a great meet, and to Alan for running the show. Also, thanks to Andy Cam for donning the camera for us on Sunday and helping us to get 18 more jumps in when the weather cleared up! Read more about MWSL Meet 2 on the NSL website

Labels: Competitions