More than 75 skydivers from around the world are in Lake Wales for Memorial Day weekend to compete in the U.S. National Parachuting Championships.

  • Competitors vying for spots on U.S. National Parachute Team
  • Winners announced June 2

West Point cadet Kristopher Hayhurst is one of the competitors.

"I'm doing ok," said Hayhurst. "Not my best meet so far, but I'm getting better. Getting better as the meet goes on."

On Saturday, the skydivers were aiming for accuracy.  The goal was to land on a dot about the size of a dime.

"It's probably one of the more difficult disciplines in the sport," said event organizer Brian Festi. "Because it takes a lot of concentration and a lot of patience for these competitors to make sure they're flying the right path and dealing with the changes in the wind."

The skydivers are competing for a spot on the United States Parachute Team. The winners will be announced June 2.

"It's very tough," said Hayhurst. "They only take usually the top five from the competition here, so it's very competitive. A pretty big challenge."

More than 100 people from Lake Wales came out to the Municipal Airport, where the competition is taking place, to support the competitors.

"Well, we're sitting out here in the hot sun with our umbrellas and we are enjoying the show," said resident Winona Pitts.