Wendy “Kiwi” Smith

Wendy Elizabeth Smith is one of the most accomplished and visionary figures in the history of skydiving—a pioneering aerial cinematographer, elite athlete, and global ambassador for the sport. With over 22,800 jumps, 10 world records, 2 European records, 3 Guinness World Records, and an Emmy Award, Wendy has captured some of the most iconic and complex formation skydives in the history of the sport. Her legacy is defined by a rare blend of technical mastery, artistic brilliance, and unrelenting dedication to safety, education, and innovation.

Her extraordinary career spans more than three decades. Wendy’s cinematography has not only appeared in commercials, live global broadcasts, and Hollywood productions but has also served to document milestone achievements that pushed the boundaries of human flight.

As a Chief Safety Officer and aerial coordinator for Everest Skydive, Wendy helped execute some of the highest-altitude skydives ever attempted, facilitating jumps in one of the most demanding environments on Earth. Her leadership in these extreme conditions helped showcase the technical sophistication and daring spirit of modern skydiving to the world.

Wendy has served in key safety leadership positions across the New Zealand Parachute Federation and commercial drop zones, shaping national standards and influencing international practices. She has contributed to instructor training programs, safety protocol development, and the mentorship of hundreds of aerial professionals. Her commitment to structure, discipline, and education has made her a trusted voice in skydiving communities worldwide.

A lifelong coach, instructor, and founder of the Freefly Kiwi School of Bodyflight, Wendy has been instrumental in the advancement of freeflying as both a discipline and an artform. Through her teaching, she has helped cultivate a new generation of bodyflight athletes, instilling in them a philosophy rooted in precision, creativity, and continuous self-improvement.

From operating aerial filming companies to leading global safety initiatives, Wendy’s influence can be felt across continents. Her ability to blend high-level athletic performance with cinematic storytelling, instructional excellence, and thoughtful mentorship has elevated the perception and professionalism of the sport.

Her induction into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame honors not only a trailblazing career filled with extraordinary accomplishments but also the lives she has touched through her lens, her leadership, and her unshakable passion for the sky. Wendy Elizabeth Smith remains a symbol of what is possible when art, science, and soul converge in flight.