Sport
24 July, 2026
Skydivers soar to new highs
FAR North Freefall Club soared to new heights on World Skydiving Day 2026, smashing its previous record with an extraordinary 229 jumps on 11 July, more than double last year’s tally of 110.
The achievement cemented the Mission Beach-based club as one of Australia’s most active skydiving communities and delivered a spectacular day of action for locals and visitors alike.
A standout highlight was the 42 beach landings at Mission Beach, giving crowds the rare chance to watch skydivers touchdown against one of the country’s most picturesque backdrops.
The display once again showcased Tropical North Queensland as a premier destination for the sport.
Two major demonstration jumps drew huge applause throughout the day.
A team of experienced canopy relative work (CRW) skydivers built a striking six canopy stack while flying the World Skydiving Day flag, creating a colourful formation above the beachfront.
Later, 16 skydivers linked together in freefall to form a heart-shaped formation – a tribute to the spirit of the event and the club’s efforts to help revive 16-way formation skydiving competitions in Australia.
Coach Andrew Barker said the formation was a fitting finale to the camp.
“It was a magnificent way to finish, landing on the beach with a perfect heart that we built over Mission Beach,” he said.
Club chief instructor Valérie Schmied said the day couldn’t have gone better. “We were absolutely stoked for World Skydiving Day. We couldn’t ask for better weather and a better performance,” she said.
Participants from across Australia echoed the excitement.
South Australian jumper Yvonne ‘Evie’ Ullmer said the weekend’s 16 way camp had been a standout experience.
“It was an amazing camp. We had so much fun and we can’t wait to do it again,” she said.
Mission Beach local Charlotte Cooper said being invited to join the camp was a thrill.
“I got to jump onto the beach with some beautiful people. I learnt so much over the last few days and I’m excited to do the 16 ways for nationals,” she said.
Fun jumper Mia Clough summed up the atmosphere simply: “It’s awesome to celebrate World Skydiving Day on Mission Beach. I’m stoked to be here.”
Across the nation, Australian skydivers recorded an impressive 2446 jumps.
Far North Freefall ranked third nationally for fun jumper participation, behind Moruya Skydivers Club and Byron Bay Skydivers.
Globally, skydivers from 43 countries completed 31,075 jumps, setting a new record.
With World Skydiving Day complete, attention now turns to the club’s biggest annual event, the Tight Ass Boogie from 21-25 July, which is expected to draw around 100 skydivers to Mission Beach.
The next World Skydiving Day is on 10 July 2027.
Anyone interested in learning to skydive can visit www.farnorthfreefall.com.