Skydiving has its own language where an outsider would be curious to hear lingo like “boogie.” Skydivers would smile, knowing that a boogie is a term for a large skydiving event, where a skydiving center comes alive with the gathering of unique airplanes, world-class skydivers, and fun nightly activities where most, have life-changing experiences and fall in love with skydiving even more.
If you were to look up the word boogie, you might feel a slight flashback to the 70s thinking of a disco night. The dictionary even says that a boogie is to dance fast to pop or rock music – boogie down. However, the simplest explanation from Dropzone.com is that it is “a gathering of skydivers, usually focused on fun rather than competition.”
Skydive Chicago is synonymous with the word boogie as we hold several world-class events every year – from small weekend events to enormous week-long events that jumpers flock from around the world to attend. Skydive Chicago’s events are stocked with a list of world-class skydivers (skydivers with many world records, championships, or jump numbers to their credit) to get the opportunity for experienced jumpers to jump with, having unforgettable entertainment (such as themed parties with some of the best DJ’s in the industry), and bringing in large groups of jumpers (who usually set up camps to represent their DZ’s or sky fraternities) to it’s 250 acres of private land dedicated for just this sort of thing.
Just pulling up to a skydiving boogie will get your heart going in the excitement of seeing old jumping buddies, or making new ones, sharing fun skydives such as jumping in large numbers, jumping out of a new aircraft (like a helicopter) or doing memorable skydives such as jumping with inflatable animals! The sounds of turbine engines fill the air with some taking off, some on jump run about to drop a load of jumpers, and some refueling for the next round of jumps. The campground is full of colorful tents, people jumping in the pond to cool off from a day of jumping, and others hanging out at bonfires telling stories of their jumps of the day.
When you’re new, a skydiving boogie looks so incredible from the outside, and it’s motivating to earn your license to join in on the fun and be a part of the action. Boogies are an unforgettable experience often hard to put into words, just like your first skydive.
Is your interest piqued? Skydive Chicago has several famous boogies around the corner including Freedom Fest held July 4th – 7th, 2019 that includes a spectacular UFO jump and firework show, and Summerfest schedule for July 27th – August 4th.
It may sound intimidating to be around world-class skydivers, but skydiving is probably one of the few sports where world-class skydivers are the most inclusive welcoming newer jumpers into the community and onto fun skydives.
Not a skydiver (yet)? You can still enjoy the experience and excitement of a boogie by making a tandem skydive. You’ll share a ride in the plane with all the other attendees (and maybe you’re friends joining in on their first skydives). And who knows, you might be sitting next to a world champion skydiver!
Don’t miss out on being a part of the next boogie. Click below to discover how you can make your first jump today!