Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Skydivers Ande Bell and Dimitrije Dadic, instructors from Skydive Perris in Perris, CA, are in Borrego Springs not only for the desert rays and metal sculptures; they are here to do some speed flying.

Yolandi Jooste

Dimitrije Dadic, left, and Ande Bell, right

"We are speed flying off of the side of the mountains that are to the North of the airport. We hike up the side of the mountain from the trail at the base and foot-launch from a flat spot at the top. We fly down the mountain following the ridges and valleys staying close to the mountain side. We land at the bottom right by the road and our conveniently parked car," stated Ande.

Ande, with over 1500 jumps under his belt, is from Columbus, Ohio, and moved to California earlier this year. He states that "Part of speed flying gives us an opportunity to do some exploring of unexpected areas. It's amazing because no one has seen what we will see the same way, unless they come out here to Borrego."

Dimitrje, with over 6500 jumps, is originally from Serbia, Southeast Europe, and moved to the U.S. for skydiving. "I moved here for jumping because I have reached my learning cap in my country and I wanted to learn more. I have been here for almost five years."

See more of their story, an explanation of speed flying and pictures in the next issue of the Sun, coming out May 5.