I remember when Jari came to WFFC in 1999 representing the Wings container. Max Dereta and Jari were both flying wingsuits at the time. Russell Thornton from Australia and Annie Trach from Florida began flying wingsuits in 1999. Russell bought Skyflyer #1 and Annie bought Skyflyer #7 off the production line when that model was released.
In 2000 at WFFC, Jari, Max, Russell, Annie, JC Colclasure, Chuck Priest, and Brian Germain did the first wingsuit record way of seven flyers. Since then, flying with the flock has truly transformed and developed into some incredible skydives.
As for me, Russell & Annie put me out on my first wingsuit jump over Sebastian at the turn of the new Millenium 2001, and it's absolutely my favorite! I had the honor, along with Rob Tonneyson, of leading flock dives to the AirZone at WFFC 2002. I think the largest flock dive that week had 14 flyers.
Many thanks to the great pioneers of wingsuit flight.
Look forward to flying with you all at DeLand, WFFC & Summerfest!
Blue Skies,
Olivia