Staff Spotlight: Garet Bloodworth
We’re pretty proud of our team. Not just for the hard work they do but for the people they are. The community is one of the greatest things about skydiving and we want you to get to know some members of our family a little better. Join us in a blog series spotlighting some of our favorite staff members with a Q&A session.
What we Love about Garet AKA Garebear
Garet is one of those annoying people who is naturally talented at everything he does. What we really love about him though, is his drive to continue learning new things. Garet is a chronic goal-crusher. He is also an incredible teacher who shares his wealth of knowledge with others by offering expert coaching and organizing at SDMW.
Stats
Years in the sport: 13
# of Jumps: 6750+
Ratings: Coach, Accelerated Free Fall Instructor, Pro Rating, Tunnel Coach, Commercial Multi/Instrument Pilot, IBA Examiner Rating
Gear: UPT Vector 314, Performance Designs 67 Hybrid Valkyrie, Performance Designs 113 Optimum Reserve, Cypres Speed, Vertical Suits, Cookie Helmets G35, and L&B Visio 2 / L&B audibles
Accomplishments: 9 World Records, 40+ State Records, Dynamic/VFS Gold Medalist (Indoor)
Q & A
Q: What is your preferred discipline/type of jump?
A: Movement jumps that include a lot of carving, transitions, layouts, and speed/angle changes.
Q: How did you get into skydiving?
A: Went with a group of friends doing tandems. I signed up for the student course after I landed.
Q: What keeps you in skydiving?
A: The progression never stops, there's always something to learn or get better at.
Q: What are your goals in skydiving?
A: I've achieved a lot of my goals in skydiving with records. Now I just want to jump at cool locations, attend unique events, and do high level skydiving with my friends.
Q: What are your goals outside of skydiving?
A: I've been transitioning my career into aviation over the past couple years. I'm excited to see where it takes me next.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of skydiving?
A: I love jiu jitsu, it's an amazing sport that challenges you both physically and mentally. Has a great community like skydiving as well.
Q: What was/is your profession before/outside of skydiving?
A: I used to own two small businesses in high school through college. A Detailing business and a Landscaping business. Otherwise, I have worked in the skydiving industry my entire adult life. Recently I've been flying skydivers as a jump pilot for Skydive Midwest.
Q: What is a favorite skydiving memory?
A: Getting the 164-way Head Down World Record was very memorable, the feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming for the entire group.
Q: Who has supported or mentored you on your skydiving journey?
A: Keith George has always been a supporter of mine. Not only in skydiving endeavors but giving me opportunities in life that I'll forever be grateful for.
Q: Favorite food?
A: Steak
Q: Favorite movie?
A: Top Gun 2
Q: Favorite quote?
A: "Be the hero of your own movie." -Joe Rogan
Q: Any hidden talents?
A: Shooting
