Bridge the Gap 2003

Skydive Elsinore held its 3rd annual Bridge the Gap on June 7-8. Nearly 50 participants attended the weekend’s activities. The goal of the event is to help “bridge the gap” that is commonly encountered between novice and more experienced skydivers. Often, these newer skydivers get lost in the crowd and don’t get the advice and direction that they want and need. A few years ago, Skydive Elsinore recognized this gap and initiated an effort to target these skydivers and encourage and provide assistance to help them grow in the sport. Each year, the number of participants grows as novice skydivers continue to see the benefit of using the resources that are available to them. The key to bridging this gap is to let new skydivers know what resources are available to them (coaching, advice on gear selection, etc.), allow them an opportunity to meet key individuals in the sport that can help them, and, providing a fun atmosphere that reminds us why we do this and meet new friends (this is crucial).

The event targets skydivers with less than 300 jumps, and this year included jumpers still on student status. It’s a full weekend packed with seminars, coaching – on the ground and in the air, packing lessons, socializing, a grand raffle, and more. John LeBlac with Performance Designs has made it a priority to attend every year, giving seminars on wing loading, landing your canopy, and individual coaching. A mix of 14 coaches with a vast level of experience in formation skydiving, freeflying, and canopy flight volunteered their time for the weekend to give back to the sport and their fellow jumpers. We have all experienced the difficult time when we try to discover how we want to progress in a sport that offers so many opportunities. Coaches included Lou Ascoine, Melanie Curtis, Wyat Drewes, Chris Fiala, Stan Gray, John Hamilton, Mike Inabinet, John LeBlanc, Michael James, Kama Mountz, Tammi Rettig, Andrew Staich, Leon Toson, and Brett Willard. Special appearances were made by DZ rigger Greg Beecher, Alti-2 representative Bob “Smitty” Smith, and Regional Director Scott Smith.

The weekend finished with an incredible raffle for prizes donated by a slue of sponsors. Prizes ranged from a free PD canopy, discounts on Infinity and Javelin containers, and free Pro tracks to discounts on jumpsuits and helmets, and free coaching jumps. Just about everyone walked away with something tangible and a load of useful information to digest. Elsinore’s free 2 way skills camp hosted by Michael James is a continuing effort to help bridge the gap. See for more information.