Ever wanted to skydive? Want a great view of Australia’s famous beaches? Want an adrenaline rush?
Why not do what I did a few years ago – go skydiving over the beaches south of Sydney!
While cleaning up my room this week, I found the DVD with the photos and video of that time I went skydiving. I thought it’s a sign – a sign I should write about it on here. I do want to write about things to do in Sydney, since that’s where I am at the moment – so here it is.
I’d always thought skydiving would be an amazing experience, but never thought I’d have the balls to actually do it! But, in February 2011 I did it!
My boyfriend Mark and his mate Karley had decided to do it, and were trying to convince me, but my knee-jerk reaction was “hell no!” … But then, not wanting to miss out on the action I decided I’d go with them – just wait on solid ground.
Over the next few days it weighed heavily on my mind – I talked about it with some of my friends and colleagues and the majority pointed out that I like to be adventurous, push myself and live by the motto ‘it’s worse to regret the things you haven’t done that the things you have’
So why was I refusing?
I’m not good with heights! And the idea of jumping out of a plane terrified me… Though, I did kinda regret that I didn’t go hang gliding in Austria when I had had the chance a few years earlier.
Should I do it?
I should do it!
OMG I may have just booked a ticket on the same jump as them!
WTF? What am I doing??
**about 2 weeks later**
It’s the day of our jump…
I feel unwell. I think I need to stay in bed *cough*
The actual jump site is in Wollongong – about 90min drive south of Sydney. Karley’s mum drove the 3 of us down (I was in no state for driving!) – Karley and Mark noisy and excited, me quiet and nauseous! Though really, that could have been a normal day – they’re always noisy and make me nauseous 😛
When we got there, we had to fill in paperwork – sign your life away… Kinda literally. All the stuff about how you won’t sue them if you die and all that – and a next of kin in case the worst happens. hmm, well my boyfriend is also jumping and my mum doesn’t know I’m doing this (why make her worry? I’ll tell her when I survive!), so thought I’d put my brother’s name and number. I was nice enough to let him know I was jumping, but that he was not to tell Mum! He agreed – no stress on her. And hopefully I’ll survive and he won’t need to give her bad news.
We went through the pre-jump safety lesson, put on the pants they make you wear and the harness etc. We learnt what we do when, what not to do etc…. Then it was time for us to get in the minivan to drive to the nearby airport.
It was the smallest plane I’ve ever been in – and no seats! No seatbelts! We all piled in, and sit in formation in such a way that you’re in front of the person you’re tandem diving with (ain’t doin this on my own! Bringing me an expert). We pack in tightly, so no room for moving around – seatbelts unnecessary!
We got higher and higher – amazing views! I got sicker and sicker. You can see on the video that I’m gagging – really looks like I’m going to be sick. I’m bad like that – when I get nervous, that can happen. Really annoying!
The guy kept trying to talk to me on the video – one word answers, shaky voice. Definitely not making my money as a TV personality!
When it came time to jump, Karley was first – the door opened and she started hanging out the door. She let out a nervous scream. She hung there for an eerily long time – looking straight down, as they waited for the all clear to jump.
Then it came! And Karley was out the door.
My turn – lucky I’m going tandem, as I couldn’t move – but the guy attached to me moved and I had no choice.
OMG I’m at the door… What do I do? Hands holding straps. Feet under plane. And BOOM! I’m falling.
You know that weird feeling in your stomach when you drive too quickly over a crest on a road? Yeah, that – for a split second.
Then – AMAZING! No longer felt sick – having the time of my life – arms out like I’m flying! It felt like it lasted forever, but also just a moment and it was over. Parachute is pulled, slowing down. Wind no longer in my ears and I can hear again. Time to chill, enjoy the amazing view of the coast and really absorb the fact that I’m really doing this.
Best experience! What a high, such an adrenaline rush – so glad I did it! Can we go again?
Aaand without further ado… Here is the evidence that I did go skydiving, and I should never be in front of a video camera again.
Enjoy.