Skydivers around the world took to the skies for the second annual World Skydiving Day

The U.S. Parachute Association, Australian Parachute Federation, British Skydiving and Canadian Sport Parachuting Association held the second annual World Skydiving Day on July 12, inviting first-time jumpers and longtime skydivers alike to “celebrate the thrill of the sport while aiming to break the world record for the most skydives completed on this day worldwide,” according to the groups’ prepared statement.

Last year, skydivers made 30,351 jumps in 51 countries in a single day. This year, the groups hoped to break that record.

In Oxnard at iSkydive America Los Angeles, beginners and experts waited for several hours to start their jumps because fog and mist created dangerous issues for skydivers. But they happily took to the air when the sun came out. Skydivers included a range of participants, from first-time jumpers who were strapped to an expert jumper — known as a tandem jump — and seasoned licensed skydivers.

“We live for taking people on their first skydive – it’s what we specialize in,” said Luther Kurtz of iSkydive America. “And taking people for their first jump on a world record day makes it so much more exciting for us and for our customers.”

He said, “We love first-time jump students because they bring all the excitement that we get to enjoy with them. And World Skydiving Day makes it so much more exciting, to be a part of something happening around the world – and a world record.”

U.S. Parachute Association Executive Director Albert Berchtold said in a prepared statement, “Last year, skydivers from around the world came together to make history, and this year, we’re aiming even higher. World Skydiving Day is quickly becoming a global tradition that brings people together through a shared spirit of adventure. Whether it’s your first jump or your thousandth, this is your chance to be part of something bigger than yourself – a worldwide celebration of the sport of skydiving.”