Lake Wales, Fla. – On Veterans Day, Jump Florida’s drop zone will host a daring world‑record attempt by a multinational team of 26 skydivers. The group plans to create the largest vertical stack canopy formation ever recorded, a feat that has eluded jumpers since the British Royal Marines linked 24 parachutes in 1986.
What the record entails
Unlike typical skydiving jumps where each participant descends alone, canopy formation skydiving requires pilots to maneuver open parachutes close enough to connect in mid‑air. For this attempt, the skydivers must build a single vertical line, each jumper positioned directly beneath the one above, forming a long chain that stretches through the sky.
Organizers note that differences in parachute size, age and wing loading – the amount of weight each canopy carries relative to its surface – add complexity to the maneuver. The vertical stack discipline was once popular in competition but fell out of favor as jumpers shifted to larger offset and diamond‑shaped formations, helping explain why the record has stood for four decades.
International team and military tribute
The effort brings together experienced canopy‑formation specialists from the United States, Canada, Argentina and Australia. Eight participants are active‑duty service members or veterans, including a current member of the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, Marine veteran Jorge Chacon of Florida, and Army veteran Steve Archuletta. Their presence underscores the event’s Veterans Day significance.
Local skydiving history
Jump Florida is no stranger to record‑setting attempts. In November 2025, the facility hosted a 104‑person canopy formation, a different design that allowed a broader arrangement of jumpers. This year’s vertical‑stack challenge involves fewer participants but presents a distinct technical hurdle.
Schedule and spectator information
Attempts run from Wednesday, November 11 through Friday, November 13. Each day the team will begin jumps around 6 a.m., with the first attempts expected between 6:15 and 6:45 a.m. Spectators may watch from the drop‑zone once it opens at 7 a.m. Jump Florida will also continue its regular operations, offering tandem jumps for first‑timers and training programs for aspiring skydivers.
Whether the record is broken on the first try or after several days of effort, the event highlights Lake Wales’ vibrant skydiving community and honors the service of military participants.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
