Manteo, North Carolina, September 26, 2025
News Summary
In Manteo, North Carolina, residents Sven Jseppi and Heather McLay achieved an incredible milestone by breaking the world record for the most tandem parachute jumps in a 24-hour interval. The pair completed 108 jumps with overwhelming community support, surpassing the previous record of 105 jumps. Their accomplishment, which lasted just under 16 hours, was part of an event that raised funds for local charities including Outer Banks SPCA and Room in the Inn, showcasing both their skydiving skills and commitment to their community.
Manteo, North Carolina witnessed an extraordinary achievement on September 22, 2025, when local residents Sven Jseppi and Heather McLay broke the world record for the most tandem parachute jumps in a 24-hour period. The couple, who own Skydive OBX, completed a total of 108 jumps, surpassing the previous record of 105 jumps. Their incredible feat took place over the course of just under 16 hours, starting at 3:30 a.m. and culminating in the final jumps late in the afternoon.
The record attempt not only showcased their skills and determination but also served as a community event, raising money and awareness for local charities, including the Outer Banks SPCA and Room in the Inn. With the support of local spectators who cheered at the drop zone, the atmosphere during the event was one of excitement and camaraderie.
As they accomplished their goal, Jseppi and McLay decided to make two additional jumps after reaching 106 jumps due to the overwhelming crowd support. Both skydivers are experienced in the field; Jseppi has over 20 years of skydiving experience and more than 18,000 jumps, while McLay has completed around 700 jumps. The couple emphasized the significance of sharing this memorable experience together as business partners and life partners.
The couple initiated Skydive OBX in 2011 and have established it as a well-respected skydiving school in the Outer Banks region. They first met at a drop zone in Florida, with Jseppi hailing from Switzerland and raised in Canada, while McLay is originally from Clearwater, Florida. The duo expressed interest in pursuing additional records in the future, wanting to inspire others through their achievements.
To enhance the community spirit during the event, activities such as food and vendor stalls were made available for spectators, who were encouraged to make donations. The admission to the record-breaking event was free, but donations were highly encouraged to support local charities.
With the successful completion of the jumps, both Jseppi and McLay not only set a new world record but also garnered community support and raised funds for important local causes, making the event a memorable day for the residents of Manteo.
FAQ Section
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What record did Sven Jseppi and Heather McLay break?
They broke the world record for most tandem parachute jumps in a 24-hour period.
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How many jumps did they complete?
They completed a total of 108 jumps.
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What was the previous world record?
The previous world record stood at 105 tandem jumps.
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What charities did the event support?
The event raised money and awareness for the Outer Banks SPCA and Room in the Inn.
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When did they begin their jumps?
They began jumping at 3:30 a.m.
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How long did it take them to complete the jumps?
They completed the jumps within just under 16 hours.
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How experienced are Jseppi and McLay in skydiving?
Jseppi has over 20 years of experience with more than 18,000 jumps, while McLay has around 700 jumps.
Key Features of the Record Attempt
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Manteo, North Carolina |
| Date of Record | September 22, 2025 |
| Total Jumps | 108 jumps |
| Previous Record | 105 tandem jumps |
| Duration | Under 16 hours |
| Start Time | 3:30 a.m. |
| Charities Supported | Outer Banks SPCA, Room in the Inn |
| Business | Skydive OBX |
| Experience of Jseppi | Over 20 years, 18,000+ jumps |
| Experience of McLay | Approximately 700 jumps |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WAVY News: Manteo Couple Breaks Skydiving Tandem Jump Record
- Wikipedia: Skydiving
- The Coastland Times: Almost There – Skydiving World Record Attempt
- Google Search: Skydiving World Record
- WTKR News: Tandem Skydiving World Record Broken in the Outer Banks
- Google Scholar: Skydiving Tandem Jump Records
- The Coastland Times: Will They Smash Their Goal – Outer Banks Couple Goes for Tandem Skydiving World Record
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Skydiving
- WAVY Video: Manteo Couple Breaks Skydiving Tandem Jump Record
- Google News: Skydiving Tandem Jump
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
