The Namibia Boogie 2026 did not disappoint
All images and words by Andrew “Fordy” Ford
Just over a year ago, my friend Pauline Ravaudet reached out and asked if I would be the event photographer for a secret-location boogie covering both wingsuit and freefly. I immediately said yes – I would love to support the event – and we put the dates in the diary. February is perfect: winter in Europe still has its grip, and somewhere warm and beautiful is always an incredibly attractive prospect.
One year later, I am sitting in the hotel waiting for the shuttle from Swakopmund, Namibia, to Hosea Kutako International Airport for my flight home. I don’t want to leave. I have visited so many dropzones and events over the years, but this place truly has a piece of my heart – and we only scratched the surface.
Without doubt, this is the friendliest and most accommodating dropzone I have ever visited. Apart from my bags failing to arrive for a couple of days – and the staff lending me everything, including a wingsuit so I could get in the air – every person on the DZ, from manifest to the bar manager, TIs, pilots, and club members, greeted us and made us feel like family from the moment we arrived.
Twenty-five participants from nine countries, including Lithuania, China and Korea, descended on this hidden gem for the most incredible week. Alongside top-notch LOs, Fiona Jansen and Pauline took care of the 15 wingsuiters, while French magician Aurel Marquet and the supremely talented Fabian Ramsmeyer looked after the freefly and angle group.
We jumped the beach, the stunning Namibian dunes, and a mountain DZ where Mad Max: Fury Road was filmed. And for me – the photographer’s dream – the pink salt pans of Swakopmund. Ground Rush Adventures Swakopmund never said no. Can we do a two-plane formation? Can we get extra altitude? Can we jump the pink lakes? Can we jump the dunes again? Again? Yes, yes, yes. Nothing was too much trouble.
I am sad – more than I imagined I’d be – to leave this hidden gem. But until next time, Namibia: it’s been lekker good. Now, to edit 500 images…
About the author
Andrew “Fordy” Ford is a PD athlete and event photographer with 20,000 jumps and 37 years in the sport. A veteran of competition, coaching and disciplines ranging from skysurf to wingsuit acro, he is now as likely to be found behind a camera as in a slot – though usually both on the same jump. His philosophy is simple: if you’re going to do something, do it properly – and preferably, somewhere sunny.
