The International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame was pleased to present the 2025 Pioneers of Excellence Award to The 1975 US Freefall Exhibition Team for significant contributions of enduring high value to the world of skydiving made in the 1970s and before.
About The 1975 US Freefall Exhibition Team
The 1975 US Freefall Exhibition Team was sanctioned by the USPA to perform demonstration jumps at the 1975 US Nationals and the 1975 World RW Championships at Warendorf, Germany.
Scenes from what would become the 16mm film Wings were shown to hundreds of jumpers from around the world in Germany. Coming from an era of mostly round stars and moving to sequential RW, many new techniques were being experimented with, like flying pieces, no-contact, back-ins, side docks, etc. Color-coordinated jump suits were used to make it easy to see the different formations and transitions.
A whole new framework of skills had to be incorporated, including planning a sequential maneuver, where to grip, how to grip, with an emphasis on planning and dirt diving. New ways of how to signal or “key” breaks from one formation to another had to be established, as well as how to break off from the formations. The list of innovations is endless . . .
