Sisters in Skydiving is the U.S. Parachute Association‘s female mentorship program. SIS invites experienced women skydivers to sign up to act as mentors to student and novice female jumpers. By giving new women jumpers experienced female role models to help guide and support them, SIS is be able to increase retention of female students, adding depth and diversity to the sport. On January 27th to the 29th, big sisters set up a slumber-party style event especially for Lil Sisters at Skydive Arizona. This event was geared toward the under 200 jumps girls. Organized by Lisa Mazetta, Amy Benton & Chazi Blacksher, this was the first official SIS event / boogie. Many females from around the country attended, getting to know some of the most established female skydivers in the world. In addition, venders were present to showcase and educate new jumpers on the latest equipment. Water training was available for those seeking to receive their B-license.

As the sun went down, the ladies migrated to the SkyVenture Arizona tunnel, where a one hour session was divided amongst the participants. For some of the little sisters, it was the first time they had ever stepped into a vertical wind tunnel.

In the evening, a banquet was held at the Bent Prop, where all participants were fed and able to bond while skydiving videos were playing in the background. After the festivities, some of the sport’s top female athletes gave speeches about their involvement in the sport and were later available for a little Q&A. Prizes were handed out that ranged from free helmets, jumps suits, gift certificates for containers, canopies, and the list goes on!

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Overall this event was very successful in connecting jumpers of varying skill and experience levels. Thank you Lisa Mazetta, Amy Benton & Chazi Blacksher for organizing this event. Looking forward to next time!