Skydiving Milestone: Kim Knorr’s 666th Jump at Skydive Front Royal

Kim Knorr, an experienced skydiver passionate about the skies, is celebrating a unique milestone at Skydive Front Royal. With a radiant smile and infectious enthusiasm, Kim is gearing up for her 666th jump, a number she humorously claims is her lucky charm.

“I’m trying to reach my thousandth jump to get my gold wings,” Kim explains. “Today is number 666, and I’m excited to dive into this jump under the beautiful blue sky.”

A Legacy in the Skies

Kim’s journey in skydiving started at a young age and quickly rose to prominence. “I began skydiving at 20 and was part of the first women’s U.S. parachute team for international competition in 1962,” she recalls. Her passion for the sport was sparked by a chance encounter at a drugstore where she overheard a conversation about skydiving. Intrigued, she asked to join, and the rest is history. “I made my first jump on January 13, 1959, and it was fantastic,” she says with a nostalgic smile.

Kim holds a Class 3-D Skydiving License, the highest level of certification in the sport. The skydiving D license, awarded by the United States Parachute Association (USPA), signifies a skydiver’s extensive skills and experience. To achieve this, Kim completed at least 500 jumps, including three hours of freefall time, and successfully passed the rigorous USPA D license exam.

The Joy of the Jump

As Kim ascends to 10,000 feet, she marvels at the breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys. “The mountains are magnificent up here,” she exclaims. The thrill of the freefall and the serene beauty of the landscape below make each jump an exhilarating experience. “It’s really fun, and at 10,000 feet, you’re not freezing cold like at higher altitudes,” she notes.

Upon landing, Kim’s excitement is palpable. “It was really fantastic, seeing the mountains and the valley,” she shares. The camaraderie and shared passion among skydivers at Skydive Pro Royal create a welcoming and supportive environment reminiscent of her early days in the sport. “This place reminds me of when I started – a small, friendly club without the rush and pressure of bigger operations,” Kim observes.

Tandem Jumps and Record-Breaking

Kim completed her 666th jump with tandem partners Alfredo Basile and Albert van Jaarsveld, adding to the thrill of the day. She managed to do three jumps, ending with 668 jumps on her record by the end of the day. Each jump brings her closer to her goal of 1,000 jumps to earn her gold wings.

Motivated by Family and Adventure

Kim’s dedication to skydiving is fueled by a desire to stay active and adventurous. “My children are grown, and my grandchildren are in their 20s. I didn’t want to sit at home and watch TV,” she explains. Instead, she channeled her energy into skydiving, setting her sights on completing a thousand jumps. “When I get old, I can write a book,” she laughs, “but for now, I want to keep jumping.”

Kim’s plans include achieving her gold wings and giving herself a special reward. “I want to jump over the pyramids in Egypt,” she reveals. Her adventurous spirit and determination are inspiring, as she shows no signs of slowing down. “I think I’ll still be jumping on my hundredth birthday,” she says with a twinkle in her eye.

Celebrating Milestones

For Kim, each jump is a celebration of life and adventure. As she continues to work towards her goal of a thousand jumps, she remains a beacon of inspiration for others.

Kim Knorr’s 666th jump at Skydive Front Royal is a personal achievement and a testament to her enduring passion for skydiving. Her journey is a reminder that age is just a number, and with the right mindset, the sky’s the limit.

Special thanks to Alfredo Basil from Skydive Front Royal for sharing the video footage from the jump.

Whether you’re looking to try skydiving yourself or give an incredible gift, get ready for the thrill of a lifetime with tandem skydiving! This unforgettable experience will have you safely attached to a highly experienced instructor with thousands of jumps and decades of expertise.

Skydive Front Royal and all our instructors are registered with the United States Parachute Association. To learn more, visit our website at www.skydivefrontroyal.com.