1st jump was today, and I'm hooked!

[b_dog 0]

Greetings all!

For the longest time I had been wanting to skydive. Finally this summer I hady the means and the opportunity to accomplish that dream, and I went on my first skydive (tandem) today.

It was, in a word, awesome. More amazing than I could have ever imagined it to be.

The night before I had difficulty sleeping, knowing that I had signed up to do it. My fear of heights isn't all that bad, but the thought of the fact that I would be jumping out of an airplane at several thousand feet wouldn't stop flashing in my head, and I was a little nervous. Still, it was intent on doing it, and I'd feel like a royal chicken if I backed out, so there was no chance I'd bail.

When I arrived at the hangar, there was a group of people, 20+, fitting gear and chatting and all such things. I reported to the front desk and put me with an experienced skydiver who would be my tandem partner, and he got me secure in a harness. So far, easy going. Then they had me sign several papers of waivers and other legal stuff. Understandable since the fear of lawsuits is all too much a reality here in America. Then I was given a trick "training sesson" in which he basically told me how to position my head and limbs once we jumped.

We then hung out for a few minutes until everyone was ready, and we boarded the small plane. I didn't know who I would be with in the plane, but fortunately it was a full load of people. There was not a space left in the cargo space when everyone was on board. Then the plane took off, and that's when I realized there was no turning back, and my heart began racing.

The ride up in the plane was a curious experience. I had only flown once before a few years ago. Here I was doing it again, only this time with the knowledge that I would imminently be jumping out. I noticed that as we climbed in elevation it became a little more difficult to breathe, due to the pressure change no doubt (and due to my nervousness too, I'm sure).

We were supposed to rise to 13,000 feet, but maxed out at 12,500. Some of the people in the plane had altimeters on their wrists like watches, and one of the guys shouted at the pilot, "Dude, you suck--we're supposed to be at 13!" Soon after they opened the door, and my heart rate climbed another 20 bpm. One by one, each person (or tandem) jumped out. Looking out the door and watching them jump, it was interesting to see them fall. I mean, they really fall (duh). Their figures disappeared down towards the earth in much haste.

Then it was our turn. With my partner on my back, we fastened ourselves together nice and tight, and walked to the edge of the door. I was practially hanging halfway out the door, as my partner readied the countdown. I stared straight down, nerves quaking, my heart pumping beyond measure, anticipating that jump. 3, 2, 1, out we went. I was overcome by sensations, and screamed louder than I think I ever have, my mouth instantly desert dry as the air rushed into the wide opened orifice.

The feeling of sheer falling continued for about 15-30 seconds, we spun rotationally a couple of times, and then the sensation minimized, and it felt as if we were now floating instead of falling. From then on it felt like haning outside of a car traveling at 120 mph, with a continuous gigantic rush of air molecules pounding against your body.

After a minute or so the parachute deployed, and the equipment jolted us up a bit as we slowed down. From then on it was a peaceful and wondrous view of the valley, all the fields, roads, mountains, and cars appearing the size of ants. As we glided, my partner let me handle the straps for a minute and let me give a try at steering us, then he took over for the rest of the way.

As we approached the ground he instructed me to bring my knees to my chest and lift my feet for a good landing. We didn't land straight down, but came in at an angle, and it was a quick but gentle thud on the sand.

Unfortunately I didn't get the video as it was a little pricey, but it would have been awesome to relive the memory at home. The next time I do it, I will be sure to get the video. And rest assured, there will be a next time. Hopefully sooner than later.

Hours later, I still feel the effects of the rush tingling in my gut.

I am sure many people here are veterans of the sport and are thinking 'yeah yeah yeah...' but as a newbie, it was an exhiliarating experience.

I look forward to participating in discussions as I try to get more involved in the sport.

[skymama 37]

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She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon