Dropzone VIP: Joey Freeman

If the heart of the dropzone is all the frontline hustle and bustle, Joey Freeman is the quiet force that keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes – and that’s just the way he likes it.

Joey’s Job At Skydive Carolina

Joey does a little bit of everything. He’s the at-large Safety & Training Advisor (S&TA) for Skydive Carolina’s region, our secondary airboss, HR, a skydiving instructor, a PRO rating holder … you name it! As a Coach and AFF Examiner, he says, “It’s my job to facilitate growth in the skydivers I train,” and we believe that shows through in the expertise of our staff. 

No matter what Joey’s official title is here, we couldn’t be more proud that he calls Skydive Carolina home.  

How Much Does Joey Like Skydiving? 

Joey doesn’t like skydiving, he loves it. If you’re new to the dropzone, haven’t opened your eyes, or if you just haven’t asked the right questions, you may think Joey’s strictly groundcrew, but that’s far from the truth. When asked why he made his first skydive, Joey responded plain and simple: “Because I always wanted to.”

When Joey left the dropzone after his first ever tandem skydive, he let his instructors know he’d be back to take their jobs – and he wasn’t kidding! He’s a current and highly decorated skydiver, and with over 9,300 skydives, Joey shreds.

Let us set the scene: you just sat down at a Chicago White Sox game – beer, Cracker Jacks, and a hotdog smothered in ballpark mustard in hand. The crowd roars around you, but the game hasn’t even started yet. Confused, you turn your attention to the field and see none other than Elvis skydiving into the baseball stadium! You whoop and holler and cheer for the skydiver who just landed on the field in front of thousands – and that skydiver dressed as Elvis Presley is Joey Freeman. How did he top this jump? With another one during the 7th inning stretch! Legendary. 

On top of incredibly fun jumps, Joey is a National Champion skydiver. He’s been competing in 8-way and 4-way formation skydiving for decades and will attend the USPA (United States Parachute Association) Nationals this year with his team, Carolina Legacy. 

What Makes Joey, Joey? 

Five characteristics that embody Joey are dedicated, humble, passionate, funny, and wise. Here’s a deeper dive into why these adjectives sum Joey up perfectly. 

• Dedicated
  
  As the S&TA for the mid-atlantic USPA region, Joey is steadfast in his commitment to upholding a culture of safety. We all know that attitude is everything, and it plays a huge role in skydiving. Joey’s expertise combined with his genuine desire to foster the next generation of skydivers is a rare treasure. 

• Humble
  
  Skydivers are notorious for thinking they’re awesome, but Joey’s mindset is the opposite. He has genuine care for every jumper, of every level, in the sport.
  
  What is your go-to advice for people debating jumping for the first time? What about for new AFF students? “Relax. Trust your training and your instructors, and (most importantly) trust yourself.”
  
  What would you say is the most rewarding part about skydiving? “Watching newer jumpers and newer instructors I’ve trained grow in the sport and become great skydivers themselves.”
  
  What should be the goal of being a skydiving instructor? “To train and mentor in a way that makes your student become better than you.”
  
  Mentorship in the sport is so important! Be discerning when choosing people who will act as mentors to you. 

• Passionate
  
  When Joey trains people how to be an AFF instructor, that means he’s teaching instructors how to instruct. Take a second and imagine the commitment it takes to get to that level!
  
  What is your favorite part about your job? “The flexibility of the job and helping the next generation of skydivers.” 
  
  What is your favorite part of a skydive? “Two things. I like the challenge. And I also like when I’m in freefall and I see the lightbulb go off in a student’s eyes.”
  
  What is your favorite part about teaching people how to be an AFF instructor? “The challenge of teaching them … but then it’s just like, they’re my students also … I like watching them grow and blossom and come out of their shell. That’s what happened to me. Skydiving got me out of my shell.” 

• Funny
  
  Young jumpers often feel discouraged throughout their progression, and it’s mentors like Joey who keep their spirits high. It’s critical to remember we all start with a single skydive – even Joey!
  
  What do you do when you’re nervous in the plane? “I don’t think about it. I just keep moving forward.” Joey says when other people are nervous on the ride up or he notices an AFF student having trouble, he can help them to relax simply by being himself: “The biggest thing is smiling at them and letting them know that you’re having fun, too.” 

• Wise
  
  If ‘skydiving wisdom’ took on human form and walked around, it would be Joey Freeman.
  
  Do you think everyone who is able should try jumping at least once? “Yes! If skydiving is on your to-do list, there is never a better time than the present.”
  
  How does someone know if they’re a good instructor? “By the success of their students.”
  
  What is a pet peeve you have about newer (or really any) jumpers? “Stop asking questions online and ask your instructor at the dropzone you’re jumping at … and stop wanting to downsize too soon.”
  
  Should everyone get a gear check? “Yes, no matter how many jumps or how much experience you have, always get a gear check.”
  
  “This sport is so unique because you have everyone from homeless people to millionaires in this sport, but you can’t tell who’s who.” Joey said it perfectly. Skydiving is home to the most remarkable community on the planet. 

What Do We Say About Joey Freeman? 

We asked some Skydive Carolina regulars about Joey – these are the responses: 

• Joey pulls more ‘best’ out of you. 
• He cares about us and the sport. He has our safety and well-being in mind with every decision he makes. 
• Joey has too many good parts, I can’t pick just one. 
• It’s an honor to know him, let alone be his friend. 

Joey – you’re the soul of our dropzone. Skydive Carolina wouldn’t be Skydive Carolina without you, and we’re forever thankful.  

Want to experience the power of skydiving? Book your skydive today! We can’t wait to introduce you to Joey’s world and to the life-changing freedom of the sky.