Formation skydiving and freefly have been my focus for over a decade. I’ve competed internationally, coached national teams, and logged well over five thousand jumps in every kind of condition — from calm morning loads to turbulent afternoon freefalls. Competition taught me precision and timing; coaching taught me how to break complex body-flight skills into progressions that actually work for different learning styles. Writing for this site allows me to share the technical details of body flight, the training structures that produce consistent improvement, and the culture of the skydiving community that keeps people coming back year after year. I want readers to understand both the pure joy of flying in a group and the disciplined practice required to do it safely and well. My articles aim to be useful for jumpers at every stage — from those just leaving the student program to experienced flyers looking to refine their craft.

Research Field

Formation skydiving and freefly specialist with international competition and coaching experience.

Introduction

Derek Collins is a highly experienced skydiver specializing in formation skydiving and freefly. With more than a decade of competitive and coaching experience, he has represented teams at major international events and has helped numerous jumpers progress from their first freefall to advanced group flying. His jump count exceeds five thousand, spanning a wide range of conditions and disciplines.

As Skydiving Correspondent, Derek writes about the technical and cultural aspects of the sport. His work covers body-flight fundamentals, team dynamics, training methodologies, exit and docking techniques, and the evolving equipment used in modern skydiving. He is known for clear explanations and for emphasizing progressive, safety-conscious development rather than shortcuts.

Derek’s articles often explore the gap between what looks effortless in videos and the years of deliberate practice required to achieve that level of control. He addresses common plateaus, the mental side of performing under pressure, and the importance of building strong fundamentals before advancing into more complex formations or freefly moves. Readers value his practical, experience-based approach and his refusal to oversell rapid progress.

Derek remains an active jumper and coach. He continues to fly with teams, mentor newer skydivers, and contribute to the broader conversation about how the sport can grow while maintaining its core values of safety, skill, and community.