"Through the windows of the CBD skyscrapers, looking at the sky, forgetting about Excel sheets and afternoon meetings, only wanting to fly out."

In July, the heat in Danzhou was intense, with temperatures reaching 37°C. The scorching sun greeted the PandaPrank team as soon as we stepped off the plane, welcoming us to Hainan with its fiery embrace.

At the agreed meeting point, we met Frank, the skydiver for the shoot, and together we drove to the Haibao Island base. Haibao Island is an artificial reclaimed island located between Paipu Port and Yangpu Port in Danzhou City, Hainan Province. On the way to Haibao Island, the sun was blinding, but Frank appeared completely accustomed to it.

During our conversation, we learned that in addition to being a skydiving instructor, Frank is also involved in diving and sailing activities, and is currently learning wingsuit flying. When asked why he got into skydiving, Frank shared that he remembered one workday afternoon, standing in his office building looking out the window. Suddenly, he forgot about the Excel sheets and afternoon meetings and just wanted to fly out.

At the skydiving base, Frank demonstrated the necessary training and precautions before a jump, such as thoroughly checking the parachute, helmet, altimeter, and alarm system. Besides preparing the equipment, mental preparation is equally important—getting the body and mind into the best possible state is key to a successful skydive.

Surrendering to Gravity
We boarded a Cessna 208, flying towards an altitude of 13,000 feet. As we ascended, our emotions began to shift. Nervousness and excitement intertwined, tension and anticipation coexisted, as the unknown adventure in the sky awaited us.

Crouching by the cabin door, Frank gave a thumbs-up gesture, symbolizing a safe takeoff, and decisively leapt into the vast blue sky. Surrendering to gravity, the wind enveloped him from all directions, and in an instant, his body plummeted into the clouds.

"It's about being free in a world that tries to make us conform. Jumping off things is my way of rebelling against conformity."
— Jeb Corliss (World-renowned skydiver)

The intense drag and the roaring in the ears made it hard to distinguish the rhythm of my heartbeat. Before I could react, it felt as though an invisible hand lifted me, and the pressure on my spine instantly disappeared. Frank, like a leaf, danced and swirled freely in the sky. Time seemed to freeze, and the rush of excitement drowned out all worries and anxieties.

At about 4,000 feet above the ground, Frank pressed the parachute deployment button, and the parachute filled with air, lifting him into a graceful glide through the sky. The warm glow of the setting sun bathed his shoulders, and the breathtaking blue coastline came into full view.

Embracing Risk, Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
As the skydiving adventure neared its end, I landed steadily on the soft sand, and the adrenaline gradually faded. My heartbeat returned to a peaceful rhythm. After packing up the parachute, we returned to the normal flow of life, still needing to face gravity and all the obstacles life throws our way.

Each adventure is a reawakening of self. In the sky, we learned how to confront uncertainty and how to find balance in freefall. This experience taught us to be just as brave in life. As the message of "MAKE SOME CHANGES" conveys, facing the difficulties and uncertainties of life with the courage to leap out of our comfort zones allows us to try new things, overcome fears and challenges, and embrace change and opportunity.

Life is a Fantastic Adventure
Compared to other sports, skydiving’s allure lies in its fleeting, exhilarating experience.

In this collection, PANDAPRANK blends casual outdoor living with the spirit of skydiving as the inspiration for the design. The goal is to break free from the monotony of urban life and reflect a lifestyle that is free, relaxed, and courageous under the clouds and mist.

The overall style follows Urbancore, merging outdoor elements with urban aesthetics. The functional style sets the tone for the design, incorporating fabrics, straps, and knots found in skydiving gear. Skydiving terminology, aerial views, and other design elements further highlight the atmosphere and visual appeal of skydiving, expressing its unique charm through outdoor equipment and functional forms.