Have you ever wondered what it must be like to see the mountains from a
bird's view? Or the lakes? The ocean? Why not partner up with an
experienced Skydiver and take off?
First of all, let's clarify what Skydiving actually is:
Parachuting (or Skydiving) is a method of transiting from a high
point to Earth with the aid of gravity, involving the control of speed
during the descent using a parachute or parachutes. It may involve
more or less free-falling (the skydiving segment) which is a period
when the parachute has not yet been deployed and the body gradually
accelerates to terminal velocity.
So much for Wikipedia's explanation. Basically, you'll experience three
key phases of your jump:
First of all, you will meet your partner. They will make sure you're all geared up and will be your best friend for the next hour or so. Once your harness and other security gear are ready to go, it's time to get on the plane! Depending on the height you chose for your jump, the flight usually takes 15-30 minutes. Enjoy the scenery! Your guide is now double-checking the harness and ensures that you are very closely strapped to them (get ready to feel their ribs!). Once they give you the signal to get ready, just lean your head and legs back and ... enjoy the thrill!
When you're doing your very first skydive, the feeling is just indescribable - literally! Your brain has no scenario to compare this to, so you literally do. not. know. what to expect and what to do. Your survival instincts are deactivated. There's nothing else for you to do than look up and around and enjoy the scenery. In this phase, you're truly falling and rushing from the sky for about 30-60 seconds. (Author's note: My first guide explained to me that in this phase, g forces are somehow irrelevant, so you won't feel nauseous) At some point, your guide will pull the trigger and open the parachute.
Now here comes the relaxing part! Once the parachute opened up,
you're slowly gliding towards the earth. It's time to take off your
security goggles and ear-protection. It will take a few minutes
until you're touching ground, so your guide will likely explain a
bit about the area and might perform a few spins and tricks. Now
this is where you'll need a strong stomach! Unfortunately, even the
most exciting Skydives have to come to an end, so listen to your
guide's instructions for the landing. Made it safely back to earth?
Congrats! How do you feel?
... Do you want to go again?
Are you interested in finding Skydiving locations around you?
Visit
Dropzones
to find your next adventure!
Do you have any questions?