MARATHON, Florida Keys — Many visitors land in the Keys by car, boat or plane, ready to enjoy a warm, gentle tropical breeze. But about 250 visitors will feel a 120-mph breeze when the Keys Boogie skydiving weekend comes to Marathon.
Set for Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 5-8, the Keys Boogie brings jumpers from Florida and beyond to the Keys to “drop in” on America’s only tropical island chain. The event is hosted by Skydive Sebastian, a recreational and educational skydiving center located in Sebastian, Fla.
During the Keys Boogie, nonjumpers interested in the sport can mingle with instructors and experienced skydivers to learn about training and jumping.
In addition, Skydive Sebastian is to offer a tandem skydive program where a newcomer to the sport is strapped to a professional jumpmaster who opens the canopy (parachute) and guides the jump.
Skydive Sebastian is to bring aircraft including two Super Twin Otters to the event.
Beginning about 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, the Boogie Dinner and Party is to be held at Coconut Cay Resort, mile marker 50.5 gulfside in Marathon. Porky’s Barbecue of Marathon is to feed the hungry jumpers.
Registration for the event is $45 for skydivers and includes access to a jump ticket (but does not include the jump ticket itself), Keys Boogie T-shirt and dinner Saturday. Nonskydivers can join the dinner festivities and receive a “goody bag” for $35.
Nonregistered guests are welcome to watch the jumps from one of two drop zones, Sombrero Beach or Marathon Airport, and mingle with jumpers and instructors. Guests are welcome to attend the Keys Boogie Party, but dinner is not provided.
A reduced registration fee of $20 is available to skydivers who can only jump on one of the event days. The reduced fee does not include the T-shirt and dinner.
A USPA C or D license is required for jumping, except for tandem jumps. All skydivers are required to have flotation devices.
The tandem jump costs $225 and can be booked online at www.skydiveseb.com/keys-tandem.htm or paid for at the event. A video of the entire jump can be purchased for an additional $95.
Spots are limited and fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Call (800) 399-JUMP (800-399-5867) to schedule.
For more information about the Keys Boogie, contact Amanda Owens at (772) 388-5672 or visit Skydive Sebastian’s Web site at www.skydiveseb.com.
To find out about accommodations in the Marathon area, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at (305) 743-5417 or (800) 262-7284, e-mail visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
# # #