WICKER CLAN 2nd ANNUAL BALLOON JUMPS
Posted November 30, 2005

The 2nd Annual Wicker Clan Balloon jumps will be happening January 7th... early early early in the morning. As of now we are planning on having 5-8 balloons depending on the number of jumpers and weights. Jumpers who are qualified are asked to register with Tiffany Before December 10th at the DZ so we can get an accurate headcount.

WATER BOOGIE UPDATE
Posted September 1, 2005

FOR A GOOD TIME, DON’T CALL THE NUMBER ON THE STALL…

INSTEAD, GO TO WATER BOOGIE!!!
Skydive New Mexico’s annual gathering of skydivers, water, free beer, and fun is almost here. Another famous WATER BOOGIE is set to go all weekend long, from September 9th-11th.

WHO: YOU! Jumpers, non-jumpers, family, lovers, dogs (on leash), imaginary childhood
buddies, bring ‘em all!!!
WHAT: Water Boogie is SNM’s annual event where skydivers jump into water or onto the
designated beach area of New Mexico’s largest and most popular lake.
WHEN: Friday, September 9th-Sunday, September 11th. Jumping from dawn ‘till dusk from two Cessna 182s. Some will be arriving early, on Thursday night.
WHERE: Elephant Butte State Park, Elephant Butte, NM on Lion’s Beach:
http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/nmparks/PAGES/PARKS/BUTTE/BUTTE.HTM
HOW MUCH: Boogie fee is $25, jumps are $23, admittance to the park is $8 per carload, per night. RV hookups and camping sites are free with admittance. Electricity, public phones, showers, and a restaurant/Inn are all on site. Select beer is free until it runs out. Bring your own food, water/beverages, and paper or plastic dinnerware (glass is NOT allowed in the park). We will provide several grills for your food.
PLEASE BRING CASH FOR FEES AND JUMPS!!!

End the summer not with a bang, but with a jump, fall, and swoop. Join the easiest-going group of adventure- seekers this side of the Rio Grande—join Skydive New Mexico for the best Water Boogie yet! In addition to water jumps, there’ll be a Hot Air Balloon Regatta and dragboat races, too. Hiking, fishing, and other non-skydiving activities are also available at the park for those not wanting to “jump out of a perfectly good airplane.”

We’re also holding a raffle Saturday night at 8pm to give away lots of free goodies like:

• 2 FIFTEEN minute blocks of tunnel time at Skyventure Colorado!!!
• Pro-Tracks!!!
• Pro-Dytters!!!
• 30% off certificate from Javelin
• 35% off certificate from Icarus Canopies
• $50 gift certificates from Para-Gear!
• 50% off certificate from Velocity Sports!
• 50% off certificate from Wings!
• 30% off certificate from Performance Designs!
• $75 Factory Rebate Cards from Wings!
• Closing Pin Necklaces from www.Groundrush.com!
• $5 Para-Gear catalogs!
• Go Fast goodies!
• L&B t-shirts!
• PD t-shirts!
• Dinner for two ($60 gift certificate) at Vivace on Central!
• And even MORE to come...

Raffle tickets are available out at the DZ (505-864-7942) and will be sold at the Boogie, too. They are $5 each or 5 for $20, and all proceeds will be used to buy equipment for Skydive New Mexico.
We'll see YOU at WATER BOOGIE 2005!


Get your raffle tickets NOW--Contact Tiffany Dyer through freefly@unm.edu or out at the DZ. She's working hard to round up even more boogie goodies for us. Wait, is it true?!? I can win cool stuff AND help the club out?!? Get yer damn tickets and win some free stuff!!!

WATER BOOGIE PROMO VIDEO
Posted August 27, 2005
Watch a short clip of footage from the 2004 Water Boogie... now you REALLY want to go!

C-Ya there September 9-11, 2005... Elephant Butte Lake

Click HERE or click the logo to the right to watch the short Windows Media Clip.

TANDEM VIDEO UPDATE
Posted August 20, 2005
It has been a very busy summer at Skydive New Mexico!

Our videographers are going as fast as they can to get your videos and photos edited and out to you! Because of the busy schedule and the fact that one of our "vidiots" got married and moved to Phoenix, AZ... we are a little short handed. Adam, Elijah and Kelly extend their most sincere apologies for the delay in getting your DVDs out and are working as fast as they can to deliver... please be patient.

JUMP FOR THE CAUSE CALENDARS
Posted August 20, 2005
We have a few more calendars left and they need new homes for the next 16 months!

Five Reasons to get your "JUMP FOR THE CAUSE" calendar:

• You get 16 MONTHS, not 12, of wall-hung (no, not well hung, Mac) calendar goodness.
• You can tell people at work that Miss July showed you how to do a Horny Gorilla.
• You'll be supporting SNM's very own Adam Buckner who had an enormous part in the calendar's production (no, his breasts will NOT be featured this year).
• All proceeds go to raise money for Breast Cancer Research through
  JUMP FOR THE CAUSE.
• It's your one opportunity to have a different hot skydiving chick
  every month!!!

Get your JUMP FOR THE CAUSE calendar from Adam Buckner (email) or at the SNM manifest office.

Each is only $30 and ALL proceeds go to Jump For The Cause to benefit breast cancer research.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

MORE PHOTOS ADDED TO GALLERY
Posted August 16, 2005
We have added 43 more new photos to the Misc gallery... view them HERE

WATER BOOGIE RAFFLE INFO
Posted August 10, 2005
My Dad went to Water Boogie, and all I got was a stinkin' t-shirt... because he kept the PRO-TRACK that he won for himself!

Whoa, Nelly!!!! The Water Boogie Raffle is growing into a Beast of the Best Booty Beyond the Bosque! Check it out--YOU buy raffle tickets, YOU could get FREE stuff, like:

• FREE Pro-Tracks!!!
• FREE Pro-Dytters!!!
• 35% off certificate from Icarus Canopies
• $50 gift certificates from Para-Gear!
• 50% off certificate from Velocity Sports!
• 50% off certificate from Wings!
• 30% off certificate from Performance Designs!
• $75 Factory Rebate Cards from Wings!
• Closing Pin Necklaces from www.Groundrush.com
• $5 Para-Gear catalogs!
• Go Fast goodies!
• L&B t-shirts!
• PD t-shirts!
• PD pull ups!
• PD stickers & patches!
• Dinner for two ($60 gift certificate) at Vivace on Central!
• And even MORE to come...

What a deal at only $5 a ticket or 5 for $20! All proceeds go toward buying much needed student gear and equipment for our club.

Get your raffle tickets NOW--Contact Tiffany Dyer through freefly@unm.edu or out at the DZ. She's working hard to round up even more boogie goodies for us. Wait, is it true?!? I can win cool stuff AND help the club out?!? Get yer damn tickets and win some free stuff!!!

(Even though the raffle will be held at the Boogie Sept. 10th at Elephant Butte, you need not be present to win you dang lazy skydiver, you. If you’re not going to the boogie or won’t be there Saturday night, talk to Tiffany and she’ll work something out with you so you can still win these great prizes!)

MORE PHOTOS ADDED TO GALLERY
Posted August 9, 2005
We have added a few more new photos to the Misc gallery... view them HERE

SNM JUMPERS COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONAL RATING COURSES
Posted August 7, 2005
Skydive New Mexico is proud to announce that 8 members of our staff have completed a rigorous training program for new instructional ratings.

Candidates Lee Norris, Kelly Wilson, Mac McLaughlin and Elijah Combest completed the static line instructor's course this past week under the direction of Course Director Jay Stokes. All of us at SNM are very proud to have these fine additions to our instructional staff.

Course Director Stokes also had his hands full training 4 new Accelerated Freefall Instructors. After many years of not offering AFF at Skydive New Mexico, Allen Welch, Adam Buckner, Dave Strobel and S&TA Ken Mascarenas have completed the course and requirements for their AFF Instructor ratings. Skydive New Mexico will soon offer AFF in addition to Static Line and Tandem Student programs.

Congratulations to all of our new Instructors! You earned it!

TIME CHANGE FOR WATER TRAINING
Posted July 29, 2005
John Walter has reported that the YMCA pool WILL BE available to SNM for water training starting at 18:30 hours
(6:30 pm) on August 12, 2005 AD. The pool was previously only going to be available at 8:00 pm.

SNM's OWN ON NBCs TODAY SHOW
Posted July 28, 2005
SNM's own CJ Hartwigsen shown swooping at Skydive Elsinore on a broadcast of the Today Show on July 22nd. The full MPG video is in our Video Gallery... click the photo for a enlarged screen capture of CJ or watch the video!

High Speed Connection recommended to watch the video!

MORE PHOTOS ADDED TO GALLERY
Posted July 24, 2005
We have added 100 new photos to the Misc gallery... view them HERE

WATER BOOGIE INFO RELEASED!
Posted July 12, 2005
boog•ie
       1. To dance to rock music.
        2. To get going; leave: We're late; let's boogie.
        3. A gathering of skydivers, usually focused on fun
            rather than competition.

Sure, summer is great. But seeing it through to the scorching end is even better! That's when Skydive New Mexico temporarily relocates to the shores of Elephant Butte State Park for their annual tradition known as WATER BOOGIE.

Make your plans now to join Skydive New Mexico September 9-11th (the weekend after Labor Day) to jump or just to watch canopies glide down from the sky to kiss a part of the 200 miles of shoreline off Lion's Beach. Whether you land in water, on the beach, or in a lounge chair with a tall, cool one, bring your gear and camping equipment because you're about to have the best weekend of the summer! The camping facilities include electric hookups, tables and sun shelters, water hydrants, public phones, nearby showers, a packing area, and a shaded drying area for wet canopies. Hotels are available nearby, 5 miles south, in Truth or Consequences.

WATER BOOGIE isn't just about jumping! There's non-stop burgers and dogs cooking on the grill; bonfires that glow with laughter, stories, and s'mores throughout the night; there's boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking trails to view the non-jumping wildlife. Bring your friends and family--there's something for every summer-loving one here at Water Boogie 2005.

Come back here for developing information. As it gets closer to September, we'll post specific details about the event. (Possible hot air balloons, raffles, boogie fees, Sunday morning 911 memorial service, Harvey's Student of the Year award, commemorative t-shirts, etc.)

Otherwise, you can get a map and park information here:
http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/nmparks/PAGES/PARKS/BUTTE/BUTTE.HTM

We'll see YOU at WATER BOOGIE 2005!

SKYDIVE NEW MEXICO TO HOLD CPR CERTIFICATION TRAINING!
Posted July 11, 2005
NOTICE TO ALL SNM MEMBERS:
A CPR course being offered for FREE at Allen Welch's house this Thursday evening, July 14, 2005 at 6:30pm. Interested parties need to arrive at 6:30 and we anticipate it will require approximately 2 hours to complete.

A written test and practical test is included as part of the training. All participants will receive a CPR card certifying that they have completed the course... not suitable for framing.

SKYDIVE NEW MEXICO WEBSITE GETS A NEW LOOK!
Posted July 10, 2005
Things change and we all benefit from change! After 2 years of great service to our little skydiving community, the club website was in need of a little facelift. We are adding more new ways to enjoy our little slice of electronic heaven and hopefully make it easier for all of you to get more benefit and good information from our website..

Take a look around and see what's new... visit the reformatted photo galleries, video archives and we will soon be adding the ability to purchase Gift Certificates, small gear items and things online.

If you have any specific comments of suggestions or if you find any bugs or mistakes, please contact the webmaster.

RON WEAGLEY TURNS 50, MAKES 50 JUMPS AND SETS NM RECORD!
Posted May 26, 2005
On a special day, May 24th, 2005, one of our instructors, Ron Weagley, turned 50 years old. A momentous day no doubt, but made more so by the fact that he completed 50 skydives that day at Skydive New Mexico!

With a veritable army of packers, assistants, spectators and staff, Ron began his birthday at 6 am with his first jump and continued throughout the day, jump after jump from 3,000 feet, landing on the field just north of the SNM hanger, shrugging off the used canopy to be packed and donning another packed parachute to do it again. At about 7:15 pm, after a couple wind holds, Ron and 7 other jumpers climbed into the two Cessna 182's SNM uses, climbed to 10,500 feet, and completed Ron's 50th jump by doing a high altitude cross-country skydive. Ron not only marked his day by completing 50 jumps for each of his 50 years, but he also set the New Mexico state record for most jumps completed within one day! Following the final jump and landing, a celebration for Ron's accomplishment and birthday followed, with barbequed food, drinks, and the presentation to Ron of some really great birthday gifts. Special thanks should also go out to his lovely wife, Darlene, for helping to organize this event, as well as surprising Ron with a special gift that all of the SNM members helped her create, a quilt made from various donated skydiving shirts, all signed by various members. Ron was especially taken aback by this unique and special gift.

Local news had coverage for this event as well. Both channels 13 and 4 marked Ron's day as well during their early evening news casts, and we're working to obtain all of the footage to provide here. Adam Buckner supplied the video footage used during the reports, including the first jump made that day.

We at Skydive New Mexico would like to again congratulate Ron for completing this awesome feat, and to give him another Happy Birthday!

2005 BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTION RESULTS, CLUB DUES NOTICE
Posted May 4, 2005
Two things to announce to all members of Skydive New Mexico. First, on Saturday, April 30th, through both in person and email voting, the 2005-2006 Board of Directors was elected! Below are the results of the voting, and the club would like to thank those that put their hat into the ring for consideration for serving on the board. We had a really good turn-out in regards to voters, and this was the first time in years that we had this many candidates for the 7 positions on the BOD! The results of the voting are:

• Carey Olson
• Adam Buckner
• Lee Norris
• Danny Combest
• Tiffany Dyer
• Laurie Wilson
• Mike Astle

The other thing we need to remind everyone of is that the 2005 Club Membership Dues are now due! You need to pay your dues as soon as possible, as this allows us to keep our club status as well as provide various services and plan for events. 2005 Dues are $45.00, and should be paid before you make your next skydive with us. These dues are for current/new club members ONLY, if you are someone who has scheduled or would like to schedule a tandem of static line course jump, dues are not required. Temporary membership dues are still $5.00 per month for visiting experienced jumpers.

CONSUMER ALERT
Posted April 13, 2005
Skydive New Mexico has posted a Consumer Alert to assist those looking for reputable skydiving web sites where they can enjoy the sport of skydiving in New Mexico. Click here for the full alert.

SEE "ADRENALINE RUSH: THE SCIENCE OF RISK" AT THE NEW MEXICO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM!
Posted March 15, 2005
The New Mexico Natural History Museum is proud to begin showing "Adrenaline Rush: the Science of Risk" in the Lockheed Martin Extreme Screen Dyna-Theater from March 19th through Fall 2005. This movie takes you on a breathtaking journey from extraordinary heights. Feed your adrenaline rush on the 5 story tall large format screen as you witness some spectacular footage of extreme skydiving and base jumping.

There is a special premier event March 17th at 6:00 pm, where Skydive New Mexico shall have staff and members available to demo skydiving gear, discuss the sport of skydiving, and answer any questions you may have. We have also been granted the opportunity to put up a display in front of the theater depicting a skydiver under canopy, and will also have literature available for the public to learn more about skydiving and Skydive New Mexico in particular.

MOVIE TIMES: (Beginning March 19th) 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m.
Movie times and schedule subject to change without notice.

See ya'll at the movies!

WINTER/BALLOON BOOGIE 2005 VIDEO CLIP AVAILABLE
Posted March 15, 2005
Yes, we've finally collected the first of a few video clips from the Winter/Balloon boogie held with the Wicker Clan in January, 2005 in Belen, NM. The video clip is available to view/download on our Video gallery page. Check back soon for more video clips and pics from the event.

SNM SAFETY TO BE HELD ON MARCH 19, 2005
Posted February 9, 2005
TO ALL JUMPERS - Safety Day for Skydive New Mexico will be held on Saturday, March 19th, 2005, at Belen Alexander Airport. Day to start at 8:00 am. ALL jumpers need to attend this day. Please don't forget to bring your log books and equipment, and plan to attend for most of the day. For info to follow as it becomes available.

USPA SAFETY DAY - DZO INCOMING BULLETIN
Posted February 2, 2005
U.S. Parachute Association Publications
DZO INCOMING
A Bulletin for USPA Group Members
Vol. 9, Issue 1
Jan. 27, 2004

March 12 is Safety Day  USPA is compiling an online list of DZs participating in National Skydiving Safety Day on March 12. To make sure your DZ is listed, simply click “reply” and give us the name of your DZ. If you schedule a date different than March 12, let us know. Also, Parachutist is soliciting all DZ write-ups and photos for an after-action article. For more information contact USPA’s Patrice Hall at 703-836-3495 ext. 326 or at phall@uspa.org.

USPA’s New Safety Award   USPA has created the Chesley H. Judy Award to be bestowed by each DZ to a deserving USPA member on Safety Day. The S&TA, along with the DZO, may select an individual who, through example, deed, training, or innovation, has promoted safety at that DZ within the past year. USPA will provide a customized certificate for presentation on Safety Day. Details on this program were announced in the February Parachutist and in the latest S&T Newsletter which is available at http://www.uspa.org/safety/newsletters/STNews010505.pdf.

New GM Committee Chair   USPA’s board of directors recently concluded a successful meeting in Jacksonville, FL. Sherry Butcher, Mid-Eastern Regional Director and DZO of Aerohio Skydiving Center, was appointed chairman of the Group Member Committee. She welcomes any DZO input via sbutchermed@earthlink.net.

USPA BOD Actions include:

• An owner of 1-800-SKYRIDE appeared before the Executive Committee and was strongly urged to alter business practices within a short, specified timeframe.
• Beginning Jan. 2006, USPA will stop issuing the Instructor/Examiner rating under its current requirements. However, rating holders may continue having their I/E rating renewed.
• Effective March 1, applicants for demo jump insurance for jumps into Level 2 and stadium venues will be required to have at least 1,000 jumps.
• Two new AFF Course Directors were approved, bringing the number to 11. Contact info for AFF Course Directors can be found at http://www.uspa.org/contact/coursedir_aff.htm.

Jump Planes Exempt from TAWS   Turbine jump plane operators are exempt from the March 29 deadline to install a Terrain Awareness and Warning System. Due to USPA action in 1998, language in the FAA final rule exempted “parachuting operations when…within a 50 nautical mile radius of the airport…” But what about ferrying jump planes? The final rule only applies to aircraft “configured with six or more passenger seats, excluding any pilot seat.” It may be assumed that ”passenger seat” means a TSO’d seat approved for passenger use, not straddle benches, jump seats, etc. Therefore, jump planes with fewer than six regular seats may be ferried without the need to install a TAWS.

RVSM Impacts High Altitude Jumps  Operators offering high altitude jumps should be aware that airspace rules have changed and will restrict parachute operations above 29,000 feet. Beginning January 20, airspace between 29,000 and 41,000 feet (inclusive) has become “special qualification airspace,” meaning that both the operator and the aircraft must be individually FAA-certified for those flight levels. Aircraft will need to have precise (and expensive) altimetry, autopilot, and collision avoidance systems installed and certified in order fly at or above 29,000 feet. There are provisions for the FAA to authorize “non-RVSM” flights, but the agency intends for those to be rare. The FAA introduced “Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum” procedures to reduce the required vertical separation above 29,000 feet from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet for more efficient use of the airspace.

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