ski jumping and a viking

I ran into this friendly Viking at the annual Norge Ski Jump Tournament yesterday. Ski jumping originated in Norway in the early 1800s when a Norwegian lieutenant launched himself 9.5 meters in the air in front of an audience of other soldiers. The longest jump set Sunday was recorded at 82 meters.

Norge Ski Club member Marty Knapp sports his Viking attire at the 106th Annual Norge Ski Jump Tournament in Fox River Grove on Sunday. Knapp, of Fox River Grove, has been the club Viking for the past 35 years.

A ski jumper takes flight in the 106th Annual Norge Ski Jump Tournament in Fox River Grove on Sunday. Spectators and skiiers from all over the world competed in the weekend event.

Kimmo Ylliriestro of Finland cheers after jumping 82 meters in the longest standing jump contest.

How it ran...

And some others I liked.

Read more about the Norge Ski Club here: http://www.norgeskiclub.com/index.cgi?page=1_1

norge ski jump

I shot a preview of the 105th annual Norge Ski Jump Tournament the other day. To get some different angles and the shots I wanted I climbed the 150 foot tall ski jump, which wavers in the wind and is not for those not friendly with heights. I also got stuck climbing down, but made it eventually carrying 3 cameras.

Watch my video here:
http://vimeo.com/10756285