Sky Queens Take Flight at a Boogie Fit for Royalty
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Sunday, October 12, 2025
Above: Cheyenne Baer exits with everything she needs for a hula-hoop dive. Photo by Laszlo Andacs.
Every season, the ladies at Skydive the Ranch in Gardiner, New York, transform the drop zone into a hub of mentorship, community and celebration of women in the sport with its annual Sisters in Skydiving event. While the boogie welcomes all genders, the organizers are always women from The Ranch. Each year brings a unique theme—past favorites include The Girls of Summer, Camp Shawanga and Ranch Round Up—and this year introduced Sky Queens! Everyone in attendance was dubbed “Ranch Royalty” and took to the skies for flying, connection, growth and play.
Sisters in Skydiving fosters mentorship and community in a sport where women remain the minority. USPA describes SIS as a program that “provides opportunities for women to connect, encourage one another, and strengthen their role in the sport.” To align with this mission, the women at The Ranch established the SIS Scholarship in 2023, funded by surplus proceeds from the event. The scholarship is dedicated to advancing the training and development of women in skydiving and may be the only SIS event in the country to offer this type of long-term support.
This year proved just how meaningful the scholarship has become. One of the very first recipients, Gia Castillo, returned not as a participant but as an advanced angle organizer. Her progression from scholarship recipient to organizer reflects the true spirit of SIS: when women receive opportunities, mentorship and encouragement, they rise to lead, inspire the next generation and truly pass the crown. This year’s scholarship recipient will be announced at the “Rookie Roundup,” which happens in the fall.
From belly to freefly, angle to wingsuit and cucumber to hula-hoop jumps, women of all experience levels found their place in the sky. An all-female roster of organizers led the way, creating jumps that built confidence in newer skydivers while also pushing seasoned jumpers into more complex skydives. The balance of challenge and encouragement highlighted exactly what SIS was designed to offer: skill-building in an environment of support and camaraderie, with proof that true queens do whatever they can to elevate those around them.
The SIS boogie participants pose together in front of the Twin Otter. Photo by Laszlo Andacs.
Between loads, the hangar (a “castle” for the day) buzzed with connection. Tiaras and crowns sparkled across the packing mats while conversations flowed about gear, training and personal experiences in the sport. One of the organizers even built a throne for the event to honor the Sky Queens. The sense of community was strong as skydivers of all experience levels and backgrounds found common ground in their love for skydiving and their commitment to supporting one another.
When the sun set, the celebration shifted gears into a royal feast and dance party. The TSK Taco Smash Division, led by John Donahue and Liam Hughes, served a dinner that fueled the crowd. Freefall Sangria kept the glasses raised, and DJ Matty Beatz kept the dance floor alive late into the night. The social element of The Ranch’s SIS Boogie has always been a highlight, creating a space where mentorship extends beyond the drop zone and friendships are built for years to come.
Sky Queens 2025 reminded everyone that when women are given space to connect, share knowledge and support one another, the results ripple outward. This event is not only shaping individual journeys but also helping to shape the future of women in skydiving.
Lisa Bermudez C-46786 & Cheyenne Baer D-40520
Kerhonkson and Gardiner, New York