There are many ways to see Kenya on safari, but how about from 14,000 feet above the ground, falling earthwards at 120 miles per hour? For adrenaline junkies, the Kenyan coast has become the latest hot spot for aerial adventure- where the equatorial atmosphere at sea level can give skydivers more than a minute of full freefall over the beautiful blue Indian Ocean, before touching down on pure white sands on one of the world�s best beaches. This is the draw for international skydivers who gather at Diani Beach on Kenya�s South Coast each year for the Kenya Skydive Boogie. This event, now in its 14th year, is proving very popular both with experienced skydivers and those interested in experiencing the thrill of freefall for the first time. What began as a social event organized each year among Kenyan divers has become a major event on the international skydiving calendar. The term "Boogie" is a generic term for a gathering of skydivers. The Kenyan Boogie is becoming increasingly popular- as it is one of the only such events where divers are based at a single beach resort and can depart from a nearby airstrip and dive from an aircraft directly over their base. Throughout the 2OO2 Boogie- a 2 week event, over 120 divers made continual skydives, the Air Kenya plane carrying an average of 13 loads throughout the day. The air over Diani was filled with color as parachutes drifted on the gentle ocean breezes, with divers making touchdowns on the palm lined beach, just a few feet from their hotel. Divers could wander back into the resort, compare their jumps with other divers- freshen up- collect a newly packed chute and within 10 minutes be airborne again. For the skydiving addict, this is a perfect arrangement- some of the divers at the 2002 event completed 19 jumps in a single day. But this is not just about frequency- the other draw is the freefall.

For most skydivers, it�s all about the fall- the pure freedom of flight that lasts from the time a jumper leaves the plane until the parachute is pulled at around 2000 feet. This is the nearest experience possible to flying free as a bird � freedom at its most pure and simple.

This is one of the main draws at Kenya�s Skydive Boogie- a combination of sea level altitude and equatorial temperature means a long freefall- often just over a minute as opposed to the usual average of around 30 seconds. That may not sound like much of a difference- but just try it- and you will relish every second of your freefall.

There is plenty to enjoy as you do. The views from 14,000 feet are literally breathtaking as you leap from the door of the aircraft into the thin cool air. You are plunging towards paradise - stunning blue water that stretches to the limits of the stunning blue sky. Then, as the air currents grow warmer, and your chute opens, the thin strip of white below is gradually defined as the sands of idyllic Diani beach, and the detail of the coral reef and tiny fishing boats become clear. This is a social sport, and the Boogie is a very social event. Skydivers from 16 different nations gathered at Diani, including members of skydiving clubs and specialist skydive formation teams. The international camaraderie adds to the Boogie experience, and being based in a single beach resort made this Boogie ideal for fun both on and off the ground. If you are a non-skydiver, there is no need to feel left out. The Boogie is an ideal chance to be introduced to the sport. Specialized tandem jump and skydive instructors are on hand throughout the event. Tandem jumps are the best way to discover skydiving. Physically attached to an instructor, you jump together, giving you all the thrill of a skydive, with none of the stress of managing your descent and parachute along the way. The Boogie also offers full accelerated freefall courses with professional instructors, in which students become fully fledged, qualified skydivers.

For all of the fun of the Boogie, this is a serious professional event, which is run to exacting international safety standards. The organizers- Kenya Skydivers- establish a full scale DZ (Drop Zone) on site at the hotel, with teams of Kenyan Army Paratroopers (each with 1000 jump experience) on hand to professionally pack and check each and every parachute used. Full safety equipment and rescue boats are on hand throughout the event. If you are over 18, physically fit and looking for adventure- come to Kenya for this year�s Diani Skydive Boogie, to be held in October 2003.

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Media Contact: Sarah Fazendin +1 763-212-4247 sarah@magicalkenya.com