Here goes my most thrilling adventure yet…
Three days before the year 2016, we went to Sydney’s largest skydive training centre. It is the closest and only fully self-contained Skydiving Centre in Sydney. This means they have their own run way and planes! It was actually my friend, Jim who started it all. He did his jump days before ours but in Wollongong with Skydive Australia and ours is with Sydney Skydivers. He has an awesome view of the beach and ours has more greens than blues. So it depends on where you want to do the jump.
We booked online to secure our spot. I think they’re very busy during the holidays. It’s good we were able to check in at 7am. I recommend that time or earlier on summer days since it’s not too hot. Although that doesn’t matter if you’re already 14,000 ft. above ground.
Okay, here’s a run-down of what happened.
We were just in time for the 7am shuttle from the city. We filled up the form and waiver on the bus and waited for an hour to get to the place.
As we arrive, we already saw a number of skydivers who jumped before our batch. We were the 2nd batch base on their schedule.
We were asked to go to the reception area and check-in again so they can assign our instructors accordingly. I actually lost track of time so I’m not sure how long we waited before our names were called to gear up.
We went to the gear station and got our stuff sorted. My instructor was Peter and Andrew got Adam. Peter was so kind to assist me in choosing the suit. I got the XXS thus the McDonald theme look. Hahaha! At least I’m unique. You can see me from a mile! After gearing up, they briefed us on what to do when we’re about to jump, up in the air and landing. It’s pretty easy, no sweat.
We were asked to wait before “boarding” at the departure area. So we took some photos before the jump.
While waiting for the plane, Peter kept on checking the straps and rigs on my suit. I do appreciate that since I don’t tend to fall and finish my life that day. Maybe because I’m a bit small so he’s making sure that all are secured. Good job Peter!
Then the plane arrived and we were asked to line up. Guess who the first jumper? ME!!! I was literally right next to the plane door so I will be the first one to jump with a tandem. There were 2 other solo divers who jumped before me though.
The ride going up is the longest ride ever. There was a moment that I felt that we’re already high enough but no! It was just 10,000 ft. high so we need to be 4,000 ft. higher. You’ll notice a stoplight indicator though. The first color was amber where they started to move and double check our straps again. And then when the light turned green, they lift the door open and I felt the cold rush of air blew my face. The solo jumpers positioned themselves and just jumped like it was nothing. OMG!
And then my turn… you saw the video already so it’s not new to you anymore. I requested to jump off the clouds so I got it before Peter deployed the parachute. Cute color as well! Pink and Blue! So here are some photos.
So here’s the thing… the scariest part is jumping off the plane. The awesome part is jumping off the clouds. The amazing part is gliding and manoeuvring the parachute. The breathtaking part is seeing God’s creation, the sky, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the ocean 14,000 ft. above the ground. I’m actually in the air overseeing everything. The remarkable part is we landed smoothly and we’re alive!
It was a jump to remember and happy Andrew also did it with me. Thanks Jim for pushing us to do the jump. I would’ve not jumped (because of the fee) if you didn’t insist.
Again, here’s the video:
Happy New Year!
Hope to have more awesome adventures in 2016.
Sydney Skydivers
Sydney Office: 196 Elizabeth St, Sydney.
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