Watch 104 skydivers from 20 nations shatter an 18-year-old record by linking parachutes into a colossal diamond formation over Florida.

Historic Skydiving Achievement at Lake Wales

On November 22, 2025, the skies above Lake Wales, Florida witnessed an extraordinary moment in skydiving history. A team of 104 skydivers from 20 countries successfully broke the world record for Canopy Relative Work (CRW), also known as Canopy Formation skydiving. This remarkable achievement at the Jump Florida Skydiving Center shattered the previous record of 100 participants that had stood unchallenged since 2007—a remarkable 18-year reign that many thought might never be broken.

What is Canopy Formation Skydiving?

Unlike traditional formation skydiving where jumpers link up in freefall, Canopy Relative Work represents one of the most technically demanding disciplines in the sport. CRW skydivers deploy their parachutes almost immediately after exiting the aircraft, then maneuver their open canopies to build intricate formations mid-air. This requires exceptional skill, precision timing, and perfect coordination among all participants. The slightest miscalculation can cause dangerous canopy entanglements or collisions, making large-scale CRW formations incredibly challenging to execute safely.

The formations are built by carefully approaching other skydivers' canopies and "docking" onto them using specialized techniques. Participants grip the lines or canopy fabric of adjacent jumpers, creating interconnected geometric patterns that can be seen from the ground. For a 104-person formation, the complexity multiplies exponentially—every single person must perform their role flawlessly while accounting for wind conditions, altitude, and the movements of over a hundred other canopies.

The Beast: Building the Diamond Formation

The record-breaking formation, aptly nicknamed "The Beast," took the shape of a massive diamond in the sky. Creating this formation required meticulous planning and multiple aircraft flying at different altitudes. Skydivers exited in carefully choreographed sequences, with timing calculated down to the second. The first jumpers to exit had to hold their position while subsequent groups deployed and maneuvered into their designated spots in the formation.

The coordination involved in such an attempt is staggering. Ground crews, pilots, organizers, and judges all played critical roles in the success of this jump. Weather conditions had to be nearly perfect—stable winds, good visibility, and appropriate cloud ceilings. The team had been preparing for months, with many participants traveling internationally to train specifically for this historic attempt.

Bridging Generations of Skydivers

What makes this achievement even more special is the participation of 23 skydivers who were part of the original 2007 record-setting team. These veterans brought nearly two decades of additional experience to the endeavor, mentoring newer participants and sharing the knowledge gained from holding the previous record. Their involvement created a beautiful bridge between generations of extreme sports enthusiasts and demonstrated that age is merely a number when passion and skill combine.

The international nature of the event also highlights the global community of skydiving. With participants from 20 different countries, this wasn't just an American achievement—it was a testament to the worldwide appeal of canopy formation flying and the bonds formed through shared pursuit of excellence in this demanding sport.

Jump Florida: Premier Destination for Extreme Skydiving

The Jump Florida Skydiving Center in Lake Wales proved to be the ideal venue for this ambitious world record attempt. Located in central Florida, the facility offers excellent year-round jumping conditions and has the infrastructure necessary to support large-scale skydiving events. The center's experienced staff and safety protocols were essential in coordinating such a complex operation involving multiple aircraft and over a hundred participants.

This record attempt puts Lake Wales on the map as a destination for premier skydiving achievements and demonstrates Florida's continued importance in the extreme sports world. The state's favorable weather patterns and established skydiving community make it an attractive location for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the sport.

The November 2025 world record represents years of dedication, countless practice jumps, and the courage to attempt something that many considered impossible. While the accompanying music in the highlight video may not suit everyone's taste, nothing can diminish the spectacular visual achievement of 104 canopies linked together in perfect formation—a true marvel of human coordination and athletic excellence that will inspire skydivers for years to come.