THIS WEEKS INTERVIEW IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Tell me who you are.
I’m Jo! I’m originally from the UK but have lived in the states since I was 12. I have two major passions in life - making costumes and skydiving. I’m in utter ecstasy when my two passions combine and I get to jump in a ridiculous get up!
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What do you do for work?
I’m the Digital Media Manager for the parent company of the LASIK Vision Institute and a few other smaller LASIK surgery brands.
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How did you become interested in skydiving?
My dad was airborne in the military so I had always wanted to do a skydive. It wasn’t until I was bar tending and some random customers invited me out with them. One of the people I met was my future BFF Stephanie Offut. She had just done her ground school and was getting her skydiving license. I told her immediately that I wanted to go with her to do a tandem (I wasn’t going to get my license or anything, that sounded crazy! What if I didn’t like it?). Long story short I did the first jump and (obviously) fell in love and signed up for AFF that same day!
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When did you start?
I did my first jump in 2008 and signed up for AFF immediately after. It was a whirlwind after that, next thing I knew I had ratings and was teaching others how to skydive!
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Thick or Thin?
Thick!
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Well Shucks lol
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What is your most memorable moment as a skydiver?
I’m part of the Air Sports Parachute Team demo crew and last year for the Fourth of July we all dressed up like superheroes (I was Captain Marvel, we had the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, etc.) The huey landed on the Melbourne causeway and we all ran over and climbed aboard with the crowd going wild! The huey took off over the crowd with us all waving and blowing kisses at the spectators. When we got to 4k directly above the intracoastal my dive from the helicopter (captain marvel style of course) was the trigger to begin the fireworks show! It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I felt like a true superhero!
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What is your favorite part of the skydiver life?
It doesn’t matter who you are, where you are from, or where you end up. The community doesn’t care and will accept you with open arms. I’ve truly found my people!
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What is your least favorite part of the lifestyle?
Having to go back to the real world after a boogie. It’s seriously depressing and makes you rethink your whole life every time!
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Tell us about a day in your life
Right now it’s all work and no play. I work from home so I just count down the hours until it’s time to con someone into having a virtual happy hour with me :) **Currently accepting new applicants for virtual happy hours**
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Tell me about your shenanigans at boogies.
My previous jobs were pre-school teacher and bartender… This makes me the perfect catalyst to convince “sensible” skydivers to partake in ridiculous shenanigans! If you want to learn more you’ll have to come and play with me!
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Do you prefer your men in speedos or booty shorts?
Depends which ones he can fill out the best!
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Do You travel often?
I used to! I’m getting a little stir crazy right now! But the longer we are on lock down the more fun plans I make for when we are finally free to travel again!
Chocolate?
Yes but only the good stuff, you can keep your Hershey's *Puke*
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What's next for you and your adventures?
Since most summer adventures have been cancelled/postponed I think I am probably going to check out the Point Break Boogie at Skydive Coastal Carolinas. I haven’t visited that DZ yet and I’ve heard great things.
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Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years?
I’d really like to commit to a team and have gone to nationals a few times. I’ve been saying that I want to compete for years and I lack the discipline to commit to putting the time into practice. Maybe in 10 years I will be mature and won’t be so easily influenced by the parties? LOL
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What was your favorite boogie and why?
This question is like asking which kid is your favorite! I would have to say that Carolinafest is one of the best boogies out there. There’s so many people and yet it’s never a long wait between loads. They time the planes so well that I have rarely seen traffic. The fun jumpers and staff are amazing and welcoming and the party is incredible! It’s a great balance of skilled skydives, zoo dives, and shenanigans!
Sweet or sour?
Sour - Picklebacks for the win!
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Mhmmmm salty
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What is the craziest thing you have done at a boogie?
I’m always one of the last ones standing at the bonfire and have lots of great stories to share - just never in writing! ;)
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Never mind a boogie, what's the craziest thing you've ever just done?...
See above answer ;-)
Favorite Movie?
Right now it’s Hamilton! I can’t get enough of it <3
I heard you like to pal around with some guy named Hatz. What's that like?
Hatz is hands down my favorite adventure buddy! He’s always down for something new and exciting and is just a great person!
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Hey Robert!
Hatz off to you
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Pool or Beach?
Pool! Always having the option to go into air conditioning is key for my pasty British skin!
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Do you have any advice for a new skydiver?...
It’s lame advice, but pay attention to the old timers/experienced folks. It may not be *that* windy/turbulent/etc. but if they are all pulling off, you should follow suit!
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Do you have any advice for anyone looking to progress in this sport?
Don’t beat yourself up too much! We all doubt ourselves and are our own worst critics, but keep learning and have a blast while you’re doing it!
If you were a drink what would you be and why?
A Jell-O Shot - seems innocent at first but well get you into trouble by the end of the night!
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What could go wrong?
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Do you prefer the number 37 or 51?
37
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Correct.....
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After a few of them drinks, how would you feel if I whispered “cream pie” in your ear
I would feel like you might be drunk and we should def get another round!
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All I can imagine when I hear the words
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Thank you Jo for taking some time to do this with me. I am lucky to call you a friend and cant wait to jet back up in the air with you this year, ESP at Point Break.
Until then stay safe, keep on keeping on and Blue Skies
What a great article. Congratulations ❤️ Makes want to jump!
Great interview!
Jo is the most thoughtful, loyal (to everyone, btw, it’s just who she is), and fun-spirited person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. There hasn’t been a dull moment since the day we met (and if you know that story, you already get it). She embodies the kind of energy every drop zone would be lucky to have — she’s safety-conscious, loves learning and helping others learn, is a champion of all skydivers (young, not-so-young, new, experienced, whatever!), and is always able to see the positive. I’m lucky to know her and to be able to call her my best friend. Simply put, she makes an already amazing sport an even more amazing experience just by showing up. :)
Hey Dave… why do you have to live so far away?
I miss you…
Jo absolutely is AWESOME! It’s definitely not a boogie without Jo!
Great read even thought im only here for the food.
Who is this Robert guy lol
Kelly