Women's World Record in Skydiving
| Roger Taranto |
Birthdate: 17-Sep-65 # jumps: 149 Jumps at: SkyDance Skydiving, Davis, CA Why I'm a Coyote: "Chicks." Seriously, I guess the two reasons I'm a coyote are that world record attempts have such a hard-to-define energy associated with them that who _wouldn't_ want to be around while the attempts take place. There's so much tension and intensity that it'll be exciting just being there in a support role. Second, I'm definitely not going to pass up a chance to meet all sorts of famous skydivers that I've only heard about and listen to their "no shit" stories. Awards, Ratings, Licenses: B-18968 |
Mary Traub![]() |
Age: 34 Home DZ: Skydive Arizona # of Jumps: 470 (200 RW, 150 Freestyle, 75 Freefly, 45 assorted "airbaths" Started Jumping in May, 1994 D-LIcense #19018, 4-Stack Award #4774 Nationally Rated Freestyle Judge Principal Judge at the 1996 US Freestyle Nationals Memorable Jumps include
Occupation: Administrative Secretary I want to be a Coyote because I would like to be involved in the Women's World Record Attempt. I am convinced that the goal is possible and given the right blend of experienced skydivers, confident organizers and diligent ground support, the record will be achieved. I would make an excellent asset to the Coyote team, because 99% of my skydives have been made at Skydive Arizona. I know the DZ and the staff very well and I am familiar with all of the aircraft and pilots. I am a natural efficiency expert and can ALWAYS be counted on to be where I am supposed to be and ON TIME. Personally, I get great satisfaction being around the smart, interesting, experienced skydiving women I have met since joining this sport. I believe that to be successful, you must surround yourself with the very best! |
Toby Harness![]() |
Birthdate: 10/3/59 # jumps: 1600 Jumps at: Skydance, Davis CA Awards, Ratings, Licenses: D14748; AFF JM; 12 and 24 hour; Gold Wings; First Jump: July 1990. Why I'm a Coyote: A women's world record in a sport whose participants do not benefit in any particular way from an over supply of testosterone is something of an anomaly. It is legitimate and worthwhile because there are so few women jumpers. Anything that encourages women to stay in the sport, or get into the sport, or become better at the sport, is good for skydiving. A women's world record attempt like this does all three. All world record attempts are rare, special events. The atmosphere is charged, and it's exciting to be around. Although I won't be a direct participant, many of my friends will, and it will be cool to be able to help them reach their goal. Skydiving record attempts need a great deal of logistical support, some that can be provided only by experienced skydivers. With the relative scarcity of experienced women jumpers, it only makes sense to have a mostly male ground crew. Jan Meyer has been a coach and a friend. She is very competent and knowledgeable about all aspects of the sport. She makes safety her first priority, as it has to be on any skydive. The 1997 Women's World Record Event will not lack for organization or leadership. I had the opportunity to be around 120 great women, at one of the best (and sunniest) drop zones in the world, helping a friend I highly respect on a well-run endeavor that will enhance the sport I love. Of course, I jumped at the chance (pun intended). |
| Duncan Meech |
Birthdate: 7-27-64 From England originally, living in San Francisco, CA Awards/Ratings: 12, 24 hours FF, gold wings, AFF JM # Jumps: 1500 Why I'm a Coyote: Because I want to support and encourage women in skydiving, a sport that continues to be ravaged by the sometimes fatal symptoms of testosterone poisoning. |
| Francis Wiser |
Age: 30 # Jumps: 1300 Awards and Ratings: D-14129, C-18538, Falcon-540, 4S-3338. Qualified for GW, GFF and all other USPA RW awards incl. Gold Eagle. (Just too lazy to fill the forms.)
Well, I'd have to say that 100+ to four is definitely my
kind of gender ratio...
Started 9/84 at Pacific Parachute Center in Oregon (now closed due to prosecution of owner on several manslaughter charges.) Have been regular in Oregon, South Carolina, and Perris Valley, albeit with layoffs in the late 80's. Incurred serious spinal injuries 2/1992, convalesced until 1993. I now have 1300 jumps, including 550 camera, 12 + night and 30+ on round canopies. 3 malfunctions, 4 reserve rides (one intent. cutaway w tert) Largest formation: 2 pt 64 way at 1996 Wilburs. Videoman for Perris Valley Eclipse 1995. Nationals pool video, 1995. Currently primarily team videoman, Faultline Express 8-way. Home DZ is Skydance in Yolo Co.
In straight life:
Born New York City, 1966 Public school education. |