Ready. Set. Jump.
View Arches and Canyonlands National Parks from 17,500 feet. Enjoy a four to seven-minute canopy ride overlooking the La Sal Mountains and the Colorado River.
Beginning Wednesday Skydive Moab hosts its ninth-annual Mother of All Boogies (M.O.A.B.), a five-day festival inviting thrill-seekers to free-fall over one of the most spectacular landscapes in the country.
The event welcomes first-time jumpers and well as experienced skydivers. In collaboration with Skydive Arizona and SkyVenture Colorado, Skydive Moab plans to deliver a “boogie” for approximately 150 participants.
“People come from all over the world to view Moab’s one-of-a-kind scenery–the red rocks and canyons, the Colorado River… And taking in the views from above is the best way to do it,” said Jimmy Peterson, a Skydive Moab tandem master.
Wednesday, on the first day of jumps, tandem student can jump and land at the Moab airport. C-licensed skydivers, those with at least 200 recorded jumps, can jump in more remote areas, such as a specialty jumps from a Cessna 182 into Caveman Ranch, a scenic site with its own runway along the Colorado River 25 miles south of Moab.
The adrenaline picks up on Thursday morning with the arrival of a Skyvan and Super Otter provided by Skydive Arizona. These aircrafts can accommodate up to 22 skydivers who prefer to jump in large groups or alongside friends and family. Boogie members interested in harnessing up with a tandem master can skydive at the airport all day long.
Friday C-licensed jumps consist of skydives into Castle Valley, which features 1,500 red cliff walls and 13,000-foot mountain peaks of the La Sal Mountains.
“You can’t get views like this anywhere else, and the off-site jumps (during the Boogie) into places like Mineral Bottom, Caveman Ranch, and Castle Valley are worth the trip to Moab,” Peterson said.
On Friday night paid participants can celebrate another successful day of jumping with barbeque and a bonfire at Canyonlands Airport. Moab’s own Pyromancy will put on a fire show.
The airport party continues through the weekend with a $10 feast and rock and roll. Saturday’s entertainment will be provided by Stonefed, a local funk and blues band. The last of the boogieing will take place on Sunday, Sept. 30.
“Every Boogie so far has proved to be a real success. The crowds are great and the nightly entertainment just adds to the excitement of skydiving all day,” Peterson said.
Skydive Moab offers a $15 one-day pass for those with limited time in the area.
The curious are encouraged to make their first jump during the boogie.
“We use only the safest gear on the market and make sure customers feel comfortable and well-prepped before jumping. We also have at least 75 years of combined experience. Not to mention the awesome views that are unlike anywhere else on the planet,” Peterson said. “I have the best job in the world, and I love sharing the sport with new people every day.”
