I wanted to compete at Nationals as a requirement for D licence. Carin Smit asked me if I wanted to join her in a 2way novice team, and I was delighted. We only did 5 training jumps together and we both were very nervous. I had never jumped at Wonderboom nor from the PAC.

When I arrived in Pretoria I expected a lot of rivalry and competition among the skydivers but instead, I found myself among a group of people that care about each other, shared their experiences and the love for the sport. All the people started talking to me and when I was free, skydivers came to me and explained the blocks to me. They were kind and helpful from the start, they gave me all the information so I can be a better skydiver. To be the only black South African skydiver at Nationals made me anxious. But the kindness I received was just amazing. From the creeping sessions to exits from the plane everybody was prepared to help. Claire in between judging checked our blocks, Amy started laughing when we pitched with our little pieces of paper showing the dive pool images, asking who’s black? - sorry - who's solid? Lots of laughter and fun.

I would like to thank all the people who supported me in achieving one of my dreams. The SSA and Mike Teague, the FS committee and Mohan. Also all the skydivers from Skydive on the Vaal - Ralph and Liz for my training jumps, Jimmy, James, Niel & Elmarie, Bernard and Harry Sinko for financial contributions and Dino Paulo for starting a Gofundme campaign to raise funds. Most especially, thank you to Carin for being my Team BEE partner and sharing this experience with me and finally Pieter, our personal caterer who packed our cooler box with nice food for Nationals.

My skydive vision is to be a Jumpmaster, get my Pro-rating and become an AFF Instructor so that I can be able to teach our young generation. I want to travel all over the world representing South Africa. I am still young and I know that I can make it.

My dream is to set a record that no one can ever break. As I weigh only 48kg - maybe jump the smallest canopy!? 

PAB is offering a special discounted rate to PASA members for the Makgadikgadi Epic Boogie to be held in Botswana from the 12th to the 15th July! (Arriving on 11th and departing on the 16th.)

There will be a luxury coach leaving from Monte Casino (return) at a very affordable rate of $60.00 (USD) - exch R 896.72.

The following Tailgate Aircraft are already confirmed:

• Hercules C130
• CASA 235 (Takes 40 Skydivers)
• Both Aircraft will be higher altitude skydiving friendly with oxygen support enabled

We will be having International load organisers in the following disciplines:

Formation Skydiving: Milko Hodgkinson and Sian Stokes

Freefly: Andre du Preez and Alethia J Austen

Wingsuit: Chris “Douggs” McDougall

This is a huge opportunity for SA Skydivers to get the International exposure our exchange rate normally prevent them from experiencing.

Parachute Association of Botswana has motivated with Botswana Tourism Organization that PASA members only pay BWP 7500.00 for full registration which will include:

• Tented accommodation (with maintenance, comfortable maintained bedding)
• Meals (three buffet meals per day)
• 13 Jumps (non-refundable due to government subsidised event)

The BWP 7500.00 registration comes to R10,303.13 for PASA members at today’s exchange rate where the normal rate of $1050.00 USD would be R15,606.47 which is more than 30% discount.

You can register at www.makgadikgadiepic.com

This experience would set one back over 50K, should you go to the home DZ’s of these organisers to go jump with them. We already have 44 experienced overseas jumpers registered, so awesome skydives are lined up!

Hoping to see many South Africans in Botswana!

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