Lew Sanborn

Lew Sanborn, known as the legendary D-1, holds a prestigious place in the history of skydiving as the first skydiver to attain expert status. Sanborn made his inaugural jump in 1949 with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, and his career has been nothing short of remarkable. By 1954, he had become a national champion, and in 1959, along with Jacques-André Istel, he co-founded Parachutes Incorporated in Orange, Massachusetts, the first commercial parachuting center in the United States.

Sanborn’s contributions to the sport are vast. He is not only an accomplished aviator, piloting aircraft at numerous national skydiving competitions, but also a pioneering figure in skydiving photography and videography. With over 6,000 jumps to his name, he has made at least one jump in every state except Hawaii. Sanborn currently resides in Missouri.

Starting his skydiving journey in 1948 with the Army Airborne, Sanborn performed 35 static line jumps before making his first freefall as an Army Sergeant in 1950. After leaving the Army, he continued to excel in the sport, placing third in the 1953 National Aircraft Show in Dayton, Ohio, and becoming the National Overall Champion in 1954. He was also a significant figure in the early World Parachuting Championships, serving as team captain and high scorer for the US at the Third and Fourth Championships.

In 1957, Sanborn and Istel founded Parachutes Incorporated and introduced the Telsan Technique, revolutionizing civilian parachute training by enabling individuals to learn and jump in a single day. Sanborn’s innovations extended to equipment and techniques, including being the first to jump with a sleeve tied to the apex and pioneering freefall filming.

Sanborn’s achievements include setting the first World Parachuting Record claimed by the US in 1961, placing second at the first Para-Ski Meet in 1961, and serving on the PCA Board from 1958 to 1965. He was also an accomplished pilot, flying at various national competitions and training Siamese Air Force Officers in 1969.

Despite a severe plane crash in 1958, Sanborn’s resilience saw him continue to contribute to the sport. He earned the Star-Crest Recipient and Soloist Awards in 1972 and became the first person to celebrate 50 years of freefall skydiving in 2000. Sanborn has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the USPA Achievement Award and the Leo Stevens Award, for his pioneering work in parachuting safety and equipment design.

Sanborn’s legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and dedication, cementing his status as a true icon in the world of skydiving.