World Skydiving Day 2024: Soaring for a New World Record
On Saturday, July 13, skydivers around the globe will join forces for the inaugural World Skydiving Day, striving to set a new world record for the most skydives completed in a single day. Among them, Coffs Skydivers, operating locally for over 20 years, will participate in this ambitious endeavor, touching down at Park Beach.
“We are thrilled to be part of World Skydiving Day,” shared Jimmy Callaghan, an instructor at Coffs Skydivers, speaking to News Of The Area. “Participants not only contribute to a potential world record but also get to enjoy breathtaking views of our stunning Coffs Coast while experiencing the thrill of freefall.”
The Australian Parachute Federation (APF) is collaborating with skydiving associations in the USA, UK, Canada, and New Zealand to organize this historic event, with more countries expected to join in. Stephen Porter, CEO of the APF, emphasized the significance of World Skydiving Day 2024 as a milestone for the sport.
“World Skydiving Day is more than just a global adrenaline rush; it’s a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together and showcase this exhilarating sport,” Porter stated.
Skydivers of all levels—tandem, student, and licensed—are invited to participate, with jumps from designated drop zones worldwide counting towards the record. The APF will compile proof of jumps completed on July 13 and submit them to the United States Parachute Association (USPA) for verification.
Mr. Porter encouraged anyone interested in skydiving to seize the opportunity on World Skydiving Day. “Experience the thrill of a lifetime, connect with the skydiving community, and be part of history,” he urged.
In Australia, the first jump of the day will take place at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, with 33 drop zone sites across the country scheduled to participate. Following the day’s jumps, the USPA will oversee the verification process to confirm the world record attempt.
It’s a day set to celebrate both the thrill of skydiving and the unity of the global skydiving community, promising unforgettable experiences and potentially making history in the skies.
Source:
https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/coffs-harbour-jumps-in-on-world-skydiving-day
Learn more: https://www.adventurefilm.academy/
Surfing Stars Shine at Perfect Coolum Beach for Queensland Junior Titles
SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND (Sunday, 2 June 2024) – Queensland‘s finest junior surfers showcased their talents at Coolum Beach for Event One of the 2024 Queensland Junior Titles. With excellent offshore winds and 3-foot surf, the conditions were ideal for a day of thrilling competition.
Intense Battles and Close Finishes
The Under 16 Girls Division kicked off the finals with Rosie Richardson emerging victorious in a closely contested battle against her sister, Eliza. The final scores were incredibly tight, with less than half a point separating their totals out of a possible 20.
In the Under 16 Boys Division, Caden Francis, determined to improve on his runner-up finish from last year, delivered a dominant performance. His powerful surfing secured him the win against formidable competitors Jai Nield, Jesse Fergusson, and Hayden Danswan.
Stellar Performances in the Under 18 Divisions
Sarah Young triumphed in the Under 18 Girls final, outsurfing Jordy Halford and ISA World Junior Champion, Ziggy Mackenzie. Reflecting on her win, Sarah expressed her excitement, “I was just trying to stay busy. The waves were starting to slow down a bit, but there were still plenty of opportunities. I’m looking forward to doing it all again on the Gold Coast to get a spot in the Australian Junior Surfing Titles.“
The event concluded with a nail-biting finish in the Under 18 Boys final. Rico Haybittle clinched the win, defeating Zyah Hession and last year’s Junior Title Event One winner, Landen Smales.
Looking Ahead
Junior competitors will head to the Gold Coast on June 24-25, where their combined results from both competitions will determine the overall series winners and State Champions. Full event results and series placings are available below.
Event Winners
U16 Girls
Rosie Richardson
Eliza Richardson
Brisa Canina
Sea White
U16 Boys
Caden Francis
Jai Nield
Tommy Horn
Hayden Danswan
U18 Girls
Sarah Young
Jordy Halford
Ziggy Mackenzie
Stella Green
U18 Boys
Rico Haybittle
Zyah Hession
Landen Smales
Darcy Dwyer
Event Support and Acknowledgements
The 2024 Queensland Grommet and Junior Titles are supported by Cooee, DriTimes, We Are Feel Good Inc, Suzuki Queensland, QMS Media, The Point Coolum Beach, Queensland Government, Sunshine Coast Council, and Ancestral Nutrition.
Source: https://surfingqueensland.com.au/queensland-junior-titles-finals-day-showdown-on-coolum-beach/
Learn more: https://www.adventurefilm.academy/
Sunshine Coast to Repair Coastline After Surf Life Saving Championships
The Sunshine Coast Council is gearing up to repair sections of the coastline impacted by the recent influx of more than 8,000 athletes and their supporters during the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. The restoration efforts will focus on Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore, areas heavily utilized during the nine-day event.
Greg Laverty, Group Executive for Economic and Community Development, highlighted the economic benefits of the event, which injected an estimated $15 million into the local economy. However, the large number of visitors left a mark on the environment.
“Sometimes these events have a temporary and minor impact and we are working as high priority to undertake repairs and remediation,” Laverty said.
Repairs to parkland turf at Alexandra Headland are slated to begin in two weeks, weather permitting. Laverty acknowledged the delay in addressing the issue, attributing it to recent rains that have hindered local turf farms from cutting turf as quickly as needed.
“Whenever we purchase materials and services we aim to support and use local suppliers, and unfortunately recent rains have meant our local turf farms haven’t been able to cut as quickly as we – and our community – would like,” he explained.
The parks and gardens team is exploring all options to expedite the restoration process. Once the new turf is laid, some areas may need to be fenced off to allow it to establish properly.
“We are also taking on board some very constructive community feedback on how we may be able to better protect the turf during future events,” Laverty added.
The repair works are part of the contract arrangement with Tourism and Events Queensland and Surf Life Saving Australia. A council press release noted that there was minimal damage within the designated dune environment reserve area, with natural revegetation expected in the coming months. Spinifex and beach bean plants are already recovering in various areas along Maroochydore Beach.
Additionally, the council has reprofiled the dune at Beach Access 147, where the first aid tent was located. Laverty also mentioned recent ocean swells causing some dunal vegetation loss due to erosion. The site will be monitored for six months to allow for natural regeneration.
“We will continue to monitor the site for six months to allow it time to regenerate naturally thanks to lots of intact spinifex still on site,” Laverty said.
For more updates and stories that inform, connect, and celebrate the Sunshine Coast, subscribe to our FREE daily news feed at the bottom of this article.
