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Posted By: Marty Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/17/11 02:28 PM

The annual skydiving event known as Boogie in Belize became such a big event in Belize and a positive impact on tourism that even the Belize Tourism Board gave it special recognition and endorsement. But sadly there will be no more Boogies in Belize; after its seventh annual straight run this past February, 2011, creator/owner Rich Grimm has made this announcement official this week.

Since the news started to spread through Facebook and other websites, Rich Grimm explained why he is now moving the Boogie in Belize to Nicaragua. He outlines the three main reasons why the Boogie is moving to a new location:

"Safety
The landing area is not safe to fly our parachutes into. It's getting way too crowded with "stuff."  That worries a lot of the jumpers that arrive for the first time. The winds also play havoc with us due to the Reef Village complex. When the wind comes off the lagoon side, we get strong rotors (wind chop) off of the condos. We are really limited by the wind direction now for good jumping days. Safety is reason number one. Unfortunately there isn't another area on the island that is north of the airstrip, on the ocean side and close enough for a quick trip back into the SunBreeze Hotel dock.

The new location in Nicaragua has a runway right next to a lovely all inclusive resort, right on the Pacific with miles of open beach to land on and acres of open grass area next to the runway.

Government Relations.
The Nicaraguan tourism board (INTUR) is handling all aspects of the boogie with their own civil aviation department. They are also providing our aviation fuel and a tanker for the event. They see the value in this and have assigned a high level staff person in their office to work with me directly. They want to make this into a national festival for the locals and visitors alike. INTUR will post it on their website and also get the word out to all of their contacts in the tourism industry. The Nicaraguan government is waiving all aviation fees for our jump plane. INTUR will be spending about $25,000usd promoting and sponsoring the event. This will be huge in keeping the cost low so the jumpers can spend more on local activities.

Logistics and Cost
The new site will make operations MUCH easier to oversee and control. We will have our own manifest, packing and dirt diving area in the resort. This will be right on the beach that we will land on. A tram will take the jumpers to the airstrip to await the plane. We won't have the added expense of a transport/safety boat. I won't have to barge a fuel truck out from the mainland. The jumpers will get 20 skydives and an extra night stay, plus all of their food and drinks for just $300 more than we charged in Belize for 17 jumps, nine nights and no food or drinks. We can also host the entire group at one hotel. That makes reservations MUCH easier for me. And the jumpers like the idea of all staying in the same location.

The "Boogie in Belize" events are legendary in skydiver lore now. The Blue Hole jump and other video and photos have done more for tourism to Belize than you can imagine. We have brought over one thousand participants in seven years. So many local business members and residents have helped me so much over the years. I thank them all. Without their support, "Boogie in Belize I" would have never happened and the following years would not have been as successful.

I'm not sure what the future holds for me in Belize. I would like to have a tandem operation for a few months each winter. We could also bring some smaller groups down and jump on Caye Caulker and other areas of the country. Belize is in my blood, like many of you reading this. I have made so many wonderful friends over the years. Hopefully a boogie will be back some time in the future."

Time will tell.
Reaper

Posted By: Otteralum Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/17/11 03:00 PM
Rich,

I have so enjoyed scheduling my yearly Belize trip to coincide with Boogie. 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 trips all were with you and the the Boogie. I will remember these adventures forever -- not just experiencing my first ever tandem jump, but getting to know you and all your friends.

I'm sure we'll cross paths again.

Good luck and take care!
Posted By: shuffles Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/17/11 09:54 PM
Rich,

I know we have already talked about this, and I totally understand your position. It does sadden me, as we have had many of your jumpers stay with us, and have made some great friends in the process. San Pedro will miss you all, but I do understand your decision. Maybe we will just have to come and see you in Nicaragua. It sounds like the government there has done a great job to see that all your needs are met and taken care of!!

Breezy days, and safe landings.

XX
The Boogie was a great supporter of Be Kind Belize and many other important local causes. They brought a great group and a great spirit to San Pedro and will be sorely missed. Thank you for everything you have done for our community. I understand why you've moved but we hope you'll come back on day! The kids will certainly miss your generous donations of stuffed toys.
Posted By: Gela Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/18/11 03:13 AM
Rich, I wish you well in Nicaragua. I've been deep in ressearch to visit Nica, and already can tell this will be a great place for you and your jumpers. You will give a big boost to tourism there as you did for AC. It's very easy to add on a trip to BZE on the way back from MGA so you can get your fix and visit the hundreds of friends you've made throughout the years.
Posted By: LaurieMar Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/18/11 05:55 AM
Nicaragua has been on my travel bucket list for some time, so going to make it happen next Spring. In my travels to other Central American countries, have heard nothing but good things, so will curious to know how it turns out. Would love to see pics, etc. when it happens.

That said, you are all still crazy to jump out of a perfectly good airplane! Go forth and conquer!

Posted By: seashell Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/18/11 08:13 AM
Please, please, please, LaurieMar, just tell me that Nic is not on your list for May!! Hot, hot, hot, fricken, hot, lol.
Posted By: KaraokeJoe Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/18/11 01:34 PM
There's no such thing as a perfectly good airplane! Airborne! laugh
Posted By: Gela Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/18/11 05:50 PM
SS, agree that Nicaragua is hot, hot, hot in May - but so was Panama smile
Posted By: LaurieMar Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/18/11 08:25 PM
Yes, Panama was hot, hot, hot; in fact, I don't remember it ever being that hot in my prior visits. It is also hot, hot, hot right here in Northern California! smile
Belize is a better place thanks to Rich Grimm & "the Boogie in Belize" folks and I wish them well in their new endeavor in Nicaragua. The friends we met while attending just one year are lifelong friends and we wouldn't trade it for the world.
Posted By: chunkyruth Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/18/11 10:00 PM
Damn, guess I'm not gonna bite the dust skydiving...
Posted By: reaper Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/19/11 12:29 AM
Thanks for the kind words everyone.

The boogie was an amazing undertaking and an incredible journey. There isn't enough bandwidth to thank everyone that made it a success. Marty and this board has been an incredible help.

We'll probably be back at some point. We have discussed smaller boogies, jumping around the country like we did with the Europeans this year.

The people I have met in Belize have been incredible. Nine years ago, who knew it would have been like this. So much fun.

We always tried to leave the island a better place in some small way.

I was just discussing Belize with Kristine yesterday. We miss it and need a trip there soon!

So many adventures, so many dear friends, so many laughs,what a great run.

I know this is a Belize forum, but I want to invite all of you to join us next March in Nica!
Posted By: Barbara K Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/21/11 05:56 PM
Keep in touch!
Posted By: CayeMarie Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/22/11 12:10 AM
Where in Nica will you be and when???
Posted By: reaper Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/22/11 05:32 AM
www.skydivenicaragua.com

Posted By: t42 Re: Boogie in Belize Skydiving No More! - 06/23/11 03:22 PM

All the best to your group what makes Belize special won't be found in Nicaragua but it will be a diffent kinda fun enjoy!
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