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

We hope you have fun watching this video from our May 2009 Tunnel Skills Camp. We definitely had fun making it! Thanks everyone!

Check out our 10 rounds at the Paraclete XP Meet on YouTube:

Labels: Competitions, Tunnel Trips

This weekend was the first MWSL meet of the season.

From 2009 MWSL Meet 1 at SDC, June 20

7 teams competed in 4 different classes and put up great performances.

From 2009 MWSL Meet 1 at SDC, June 20

Rhythm was meet coaching and judging (except for our own jumps!)

From 2009 MWSL Meet 1 at SDC, June 20

The meet went very smoothly, thanks to SDC and Alan Butt, and everyone had a lot of fun.

From 2009 MWSL Meet 1 at SDC, June 20

4way in the midwest is definitely growing, and it's exciting to see this many teams at the local competitions.

From 2009 MWSL Meet 1 at SDC, June 20

From Paraclete XP Wind Tunnel Meet - June 13,14 2009

Last weekend was the indoor skydiving championships at the Paraclete XP wind tunnel. These meets are a great experience for any team looking for competition experience. All the spectators can watch from just feet away and the teams enter the chamber in rotations of three to four per session. With everything that close and immediate, the pressure is unlike the relative isolation of a jump meet.

From Paraclete XP Wind Tunnel Meet - June 13,14 2009 - Photo by Chad Wilcox

There was 4way, 8way, freeflying and VFS. The variety kept things interesting to watch even for the inexperienced spectator.

From Paraclete XP Wind Tunnel Meet - June 13,14 2009 - Photo by Chad Wilcox

From Paraclete XP Wind Tunnel Meet - June 13,14 2009 - Photo by Chad Wilcox

We're proud to have scored a team best of 23.1 after 10 rounds, finishing in 4th place.

From Paraclete XP Wind Tunnel Meet - June 13,14 2009 - Photo by Chad Wilcox

As competitors, we especially appreciated the opportunity to compete alongside many of the best 4-way competitors in the world, including Airspeed, Fury and the Golden Knights. Rarely do we get to see skydivers flying at such a high level so up-close.

From Paraclete XP Wind Tunnel Meet - June 13,14 2009 - Photo by Chad Wilcox

The team from Virginia Tech, VTSD, also deserves recognition for putting up some impressive scores in the Rookie competition. Watch out for them at Nationals in the intermediate class.

From Paraclete XP Wind Tunnel Meet - June 13,14 2009

Thanks to Chad Wilcox and Yvonne Saa for taking some awesome photos, and of course to Paraclete for putting this event together.

From SDC Rhythm XP Skills Camp #3 - May 30-31, 2009

We held our third tunnel skills camp at Paraclete XP the weekend of May 30 & 31st. It was a fun group of 12 people, plus the Furies were along to share time with us as well. The group ranged from first time tunnel flyers to experienced 4 way teams. It was fun to see everyone improving over the camp and having a good time and cheering each other on.

Labels: Events, Tunnel Trips

From Team for a Day 3 - May 10, 2009

This past weekend was our third Team for a Day, and our largest turnout yet. We had three teams on Saturday and two teams on Sunday, and made 23 "team" jumps over the two days.

From Team for a Day 3 - May 10, 2009

The groups ranged from experienced skydivers looking for a day of good 4 way, young jumpers wanting to learn more about 4 way, and even a formed team using team for a day as a tool to start their training season. It was great to see everyone learning and having a good time.

Special recognition goes to Beth Schipke and Bob Moore who have attended at least one day of every TFaD weekend so far. :)

From Team for a Day 3 - May 10, 2009

Thank you to our cameramen, Pete, Henrik, and Kevin, our awesome packers, and the lovely SDC manifest ladies for keeping us in the air.

From Team for a Day 3 - May 10, 2009

Next Team for a Day is June 27&28th and will be the last one until fall. Contact JaNette@RhythmSkydiving.com to sign up or for more details.

From Team for a Day 3 - May 10, 2009

Labels: Events

From SDC Bar Night 2 - May 6, 2009

We had another great bar night in downtown Chicago this Wednesday. Old and new friends came out in full force.

From SDC Bar Night 2 - May 6, 2009

Bar night is a great way to catch up with all your friends during the week, and see how silly they look in work clothes.

From SDC Bar Night 2 - May 6, 2009

Along the way, we're spreading the word about Skydiving and SDC to other bargoers.

From SDC Bar Night 2 - May 6, 2009

And proving you don't have to wait till the weekend to get a little crazy...

Labels: Events, Miscellaneous