A group of UNC Charlotte students are hoping to dive onto campus with the creation of the UNC Charlotte Skydiving Club, “The Falling 49ers.”  The group is currently working to become a recognized sports club by the university.

“We have the support of the sports clubs office and have a working constitution and officers.  We are now finishing the requirements to be an official club,” said Sara Gleave, club president.

One requirement to become an official club is recruiting more members, something The Falling 49ers are working hard to do.

“There are no requirements for students to join other than wanting to know more about the sport of skydiving,” said Gleave.

“It is not a requirement for students to skydive to be a member of the club, we want everyone with any interest in skydiving to join.”

Gleave currently has 200 skydives under her belt but notes, “Believe it or not, 200 skydives is still like a baby in the grand scheme of the sport.  Many skydivers have thousands of jumps.”

Gleave now holds a “Coach” instructional ranking.  This allows her to jump with students who are learning to skydive after they have completed several solo jumps with other instructors.

Once the club has achieved membership status, members will have club outings at Skydive Carolina!, which will serve as the club’s home drop site.  Gleave also hopes to hold a fundraiser to collect money for equipment and gear.

“Club members will also have access to discounted rates for the Advanced Freefall Progression Program, a series of 16 jumps designed to equip students with the skills necessary to become a licensed solo skydiver,” said Gleave.

“It is an unequaled feeling of freedom.  For those 60 seconds of freefall there is literally nothing else on your mind other than what you are doing,” said Gleave on her skydiving experiences.

“Skydivers run the gamut from ages 18-85.  We are a collection of people from all walks of life brought together by our passion for skydiving and its an amazing experience I want to share with as many people as possible,” Gleave says when asked about her favorite thing about skydiving.

If you are interested in joining The Falling 49ers, or want to learn more about the club contact Sara Gleave at sgleave@uncc.edu.