Why Do We Scream ‘Geronimo’ When Jumping Out of a Plane?

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘Geronimo?’ Maybe you remember screaming it as you jumped out of trees into your neighbors’ swimming pool as a child? Maybe you think of paratroopers yelling it for courage in the 1940’s? Or maybe you have absolutely no idea what it means, and struggled to spell it when you typed it into Google?

Here at Skydive Geronimo we get so many questions about our name, so we decided it was time to set the record straight.

Skydive Geronimo was established in 2010, and was then known as Southern Skydivers. We were a small team of highly experienced jumpers, with a vision of creating a world-class, boutique skydive centre in the Margaret River Region and beyond. The name ‘Southern Skydivers,’ was inherited from the skydive school which had been operating on the airfield since 1999.

Southern Skydivers grew from strength-to-strength, and we soon realised that our inherited name didn’t do much justice for promoting our awesome skydive experiences. The team put their heads together, and looked for a name that inspired our customers to give skydiving a go and have the time of their lives!

In December 2015, we changed our name and launched our new ‘Geronimo’ brand.

Same owners, same awesome team, just a new name.

So Why Do We Call Ourselves Geronimo?

It’s a Name That Represents Bravery

To explain this one, we need to go back to the 1940’s. The US army was testing out the feasibility of training soldiers to skydive into battle, and needless to say that the troops were feeling apprehensive.

The story goes that the night prior to the first test jumps, one private by the name of Aubrey Eberhardt was boasting that he wasn’t afraid to jump. The other soldiers tried to call his bluff by saying “You’ll be so scared you won’t even remember your own name!” to which he reportedly replied, “All right, dammit! I tell you jokers what I’m gonna do! To prove to you that I’m not scared out of my wits when I jump, I’m gonna yell “Geronimo” loud as hell when I go out that door tomorrow!”

Why Geronimo? Well Geronimo was a Native American Apache, who died in 1909. Geronimo was known for his supreme bravery – fighting against both Mexico and the United States to protect Apache land.

So the next day, Eberhardt kept his promise, and after exiting the plane on his first jump, screamed “Geronimo!” starting a new tradition among parachuting troops.

It’s a Name That Represents Fun

In the modern day, ‘Geronimo’ is a word that anyone can use as a general exclamation of excitement. Whether you are BASE jumping off a tower in Kuala Lumpur, or jetty jumping into the Swan River, if you’re yelling ‘Geronimo,’ then you’re having a good time.

We personally don’t see the fun in calling ourselves ‘XYZ Skydiving,’ how much more awesome is ‘Geronimo!?’

Visualise yourself teetering on the edge of the Geronimo plane over Rottnest Island, looking at the camera and yelling ‘Geronimo!’ and you fall into the abyss. Do it. I’m getting a grin just thinking about it.

It’s a Name That Makes You Want to Skydive

 The Geronimo Team get it, that most jumpers coming through our door are not the adrenalin junkie types. We are all just normal people, wanting to step outside our comfort zone, and do something amazing.

So if you are looking for that extra bit of courage, then harness the energy of your inner Apache Indian or US Paratrooper, and scream ‘Geronimo!’ on your next tandem skydive. Give us a call on 1300 449 669 or contact us online for more details.