Mike Hoogsteden

USPA License Number:

D-15671

USPA Ratings:

Retired SL JM/I, Strong/ Vector Tandem I, Skydive U Coach

Current AFF/I

Number of Jumps:

10,000 +

How many years in the sport?

Since 1989

When you were a kid, were there any early activities that might indicate you’d one day become a skydiver?

Absolutely NOT..As a kid and young man, I was very active boating, fishing, riding bikes and snow skiing.

What was the circumstance that led you to the DZ for the first time to make your very first skydive?

A very good friend of mine joined the military and made a Static Line Jump.  After hearing his enthusiasm, I immediately was interested.

What made you want to continue skydiving after your first jump?

I was very scared to make my first jump, which was a Static Line Jump from 3K over Skydive Long Island.  However, as soon as I let go of the airplane, I felt an immediate need to continue jumping!

What’s the best / most memorable skydive you’ve ever made?

Having the opportunity to travel the world as an Organizer and Coach, there are just too many to list.  But if I had to pick one, it would be a demo night jump from a C-130 in Borneo with Herman Landsman.

If you could jump with anyone in the world, who would you like to jump with and why?

There is no one particular person in this world that I would like to jump with.  I would however like to jump with as many new people as possible.  There is nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up in freefall!

As an instructor what has been one of the most meaningful jumps you’ve made with a student? 

As a Tandem Instructor I took an 85 year old lady on her first jump, as she smiled at the videographer, her dentures went flying out.  When we landed, she gave me a hug and said, ” I did not like how they fit anyway..now I have a great reason to get new teeth and get on with living before I am dead.

As an AFF Instructor, I had the pleasure of working with a student for their entire AFF progression.  A few years later, I had the privilege of having that same person flying as an instructor with me on an AFF jump with a new student.

What about your daily work at Skydive City contributes to FUN at Skydive City?

There are so many aspects that make Skydive City a FUN place to be.  The smiles, the infectious positive energy, the friendships and the common bond that skydivers all over the world can relate to. As far as I am concerned, skydiving is something everyone should try.  It can truly change your life!