Hey everyone,
Like what seems to be everyone’s case lately, I’ve been a lurker for about a week now and have found everyone to seem really friendly, humorous, and very helpful. Just thought I’d mention that!
Anyways, I did my first Tandem at Skydive Harvey Bay in Australia from 12000’ about a year and a half ago (BTW anyone here go to that DZ?). I had been one of those people who said I’d NEVER jump from a perfectly good plane and same with bungee jumping (haven’t tried that yet! Not sure if I would but that’s what I said about taking the plunge). It was weird how I got into thinking differently about the sport though. I’ve always loved planes but never flew in one until I took the trip down under. First thing I said once I felt the plane take off from Toronto was “HOLY SH!7 this is awesome!” and jokingly but very interested in the idea said to everyone “Wow this just makes me want to jump out!”
I arrived safely after a heck of a long time cramped into those seats and adjusting to all those time zones we plowed through. A week later, I was talking my half brother and he mentioned there was a local DZ about 30 minutes away (which from what he talked about was a pretty popular place). Unfortunately the weather didn’t want to cooperate, and having to leave the next day for some sight seeing, I couldn’t wait for a day. I was bummed!
However my travels lead me to the Harvey Bay area. We stopped at an information post thing, I picked up a brochure map of the area and as luck would have it, there it was, a drop zone right in the corner with my name on it. I booked ASAP and the next day I had my first taste. Talk about being the most memorable day of my life!!! All I could say to the family members was “Sure didn’t feel like a roller coster, didn’t feel like falling, and have you ever stuck your head out the window of a speeding car?” That was the closest way for me to describe it – any other way they just wouldn’t get it!
The crew where incredibly funny and laid back, which allowed me to stay calm and comfortable during the 2 hours or so. Which reminds me, I read a quote somewhere saying, “If your not scared, your stupid!” Yikes! Cause I was more scared at the starting gate of my first motocross race than I was during my time there at the DZ. On ground or in the air!
Anyways, to my surprise, I just recently discovered that there is a dropzone that is pretty close to me (I live in Ontario, Canada) and wondered if any one the board goes to Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Center? That’d be cool! The student season is over but I think I know what I’ll be doing this coming March!
Wow such a long post, sorry, I guess its cause I’m really looking forward to getting out up there again.
Anyways, Good Times!
James
AAAAA - American Association Against Acronym Abuse.
