Some were wizened veterans with more than 30 years under their belts, others were young, exciting upstarts who started competing in the last couple of years.

Possibly the most amazing story is that of the 'Speed Flaps', a team of four women with less than 10 years experience between them competing together for the very first time.

Ebbony Bradford, Danielle Goodwin, Bindi Watson, and Helen Moutzouras competed in the four-way blast, and entry-level formation skydiving competition.

The team was joined by Kim Defosse, a videographer who records each jump for the judges.

Watson, 34, said the team met in Moruya earlier this year, and decided to have a crack at the state titles.

"We're competing in four-way blast, because it's an entry-level category for skydiving," she said. "We just wanted to see how we go for our first competition.

"It entails jumping out of the plane and making different formations using our bodies. We get 35 seconds, and we try making as many formations as possible."

Watson, a staff member at SkydiveOz, said she'd been jumping for just over two years.

"I've sat through and worked several competitions without competing, so I thought I'd try it this time," she said. "I think the sense of accomplishment you feel boosts your morale.

"You feel like you can achieve so much, and you really surprise yourself. That's what keeps me going.

"I wish everyone in Moruya knew the opportunity they have in their backyard. They can come out here and achieve so much."

Bradford, 29, said the event was still complex despite being classed as 'entry level'.

"Each jump consists of a random selection of letters," Bradford said. "They pick three random letters from A to Q, and each one signals a different formation.

"Each round is completely different. A lot of people think you just jump out of the plane and look around, but there's a lot to it.

"Everyone falls at a different pace, so you've got to compensate for that after each move."

Bradford is the most experienced jumper in the team.

"I started jumping three years ago, and I only decided to start competing this year," she said. "We had a four-way introductory camp here, which was a lot of fun, and we created the team after that.

"Moruya is a beautiful location to jump with the views. Once the jump itself is over, you can enjoy it all under canopy."

Goodwin, 23, said the team had come together well despite not having much time to practice.

"I met these girls through the four-way introductory camp earlier this year," she said. "I wasn't in any of their teams, and I don't think any of us were together, but we decided to make a team to compete in this.

"This was our goal. We did some tunnel time, but we haven't had a lot of practice together. We did three jumps together before the start of the competition."

Goodwin said she became hooked after his first jump in May this year.

"It's a lifestyle," she said. "It's not just about the skydiving, it's also the people. It all keeps you coming back.

"I don't get nervous from jumping out of a plane being scary, I get nerves in an exciting way. We always know we can land safely."

Moutzouras, 48, is the oldest of the team, and has been jumping for less than two years.

"I did a little bit at Picton, but mainly here in Moruya," she said. "I did the same introductory camp, and we decided to get together and be a team.

"Skydiving really challenges you, and you don't realise how strong you become in the moment.

"When you hit one milestone, then a whole new door open. It's really addictive."

Though technically not part of the team, Defosse may have the most important job.

"I'm filming them, because you need video for the judges to watch," she said. "The moment they leave the plane, the 35 second timer starts on the video.

"I have to try and stay right above them so you can see their grips, and follow the whole formation.

"If the formation gets bigger, I have to go further up, and when it gets smaller, I have to go further down."