Annemarie Hammond

Email:
[email protected]

USPA License Number:
USPA 159345. D30103

USPA Ratings:
Coach

Number of Jumps:
4300

How many years in the sport?
20

When you were a kid, were there any early activities that might indicate you’d one day become a skydiver?
When I was little my friends and I would each take two long willow tree branches and tie them together to form a pair of “wings”. We’d secure the wings under our shirts and run really fast so the wings would trail behind.

What was the circumstance that led you to the DZ for the first time to make your very first skydive?
I asked for a tandem jump for my birthday. I knew I would love it. Consequently, I signed up for AFF a few weeks later. My mom like to take credit for my first jump (since she bought it) but it was my idea.

What made you want to continue skydiving after your first jump?
I knew I found my passion once I landed from my first jump. I was so excited that I played my tandem video dozens of times for friends, family and coworkers. I took out a bank loan to cover my AFF training.

What’s the best / most memorable skydive you’ve ever made?
There have been so many jumps. My 1000th was one of my most memorable. My friends (including my husband) and I waited all day for the weather to clear. It was a perfect 3-point 10 way which included a round with me in the center giving high fives to each.

Years earlier I jumped out of the bomb bay of the Nine O Nine B17 bomber. That was super cool. Sadly that plane was lost in a crash during a 2019 air show.

I’ve been on several world record big ways including a POPS 120 way in Deland. Big ways are amazing, fun and challenging.

If you could jump with anyone in the world, who would you like to jump with and why?
I missed out on the opportunities to do a women’s world record jump held several years ago. I hope to have another opportunity to help make that happen.

As an instructor, what has been one of the most meaningful jumps you’ve made with a student?
As the lead belly organizer at Skydive City, I am always coaching new and experienced jumpers to help them improve their flying skills. I remember when I was a new jumper how hard it was to find people to jump with me, so I always try to include someone new in a small group jump. I love to see their joy when I take them on their first 4 way.

What about your daily work at Skydive City contributes to FUN at Skydive City?
I am always welcoming, inclusive and positive. I try to put together fun, challenging, yet achievable skydives so that my groups land very happy and wanting more.

What is most gratifying about your work at Skydive City?
I meet so many awesome people from around the world. I’ve made lifelong friendships, shared some beautiful sunset loads, and watched skydivers I’ve trained become accomplished Sky athletes! I still have skydivers thanking me years later for teaching them skills. Now they’re passing that knowledge on to others. Some of them are teaching me new tricks!

Awards:

• POPS world records: 120 way
• 2012 60 way 2 point sequential
• 2013 72 way 2-point sequential
• 2014 90+ way 2-pt sequential
• 2015 IL Women’s State Record
• 2015: 39-way and 32-way 2-point sequential
• Women’s State Records in NC & SC