Skydiving in NZ
Due to public Demand, I'd like to repost this article on my blogI’d like to be cremated
On Friday 18 August, the bus picked a few of us first timers up from the lodge we stayed at. It was a nice day and all the way there we shared with each other how scared we were and how we prefer to be buried (for if some parachute doesn't open during the course of the day). I was all big mouth and did what I'm good at: Mr. Motivational Speaker. But, as soon as I arrived and I saw people jumping out of airplanes the size of the "T" on a computer keyboard, I started to slowly go into a semi-panic mode. (very well hidden if I may say so myself).
Stuart – my new best friend
We were divided into planes and with my luck I was the only first timer with all these experienced guys. Something went wrong with their schedule and I was suddenly moved in front of all my friends. Oh great! Now they can see how I become grass food / fertilizer! I was thrown into my uniform and was quickly introduced to Stuart. The man who would jump with me and who had my whole life in his hands. I'd prefer getting to know someone over a beer first before you trust them with your life! But alas, the small army airplane was propelling outside, and I had to hurry up.
Lucky 13
Closely packed like sardines the 8 of us (including the pilot) made our way into the air. The cameraman kept on pushing his camera into my face and I could feel that I didn't look too relaxed. He showed me his altitude watch and we were at 3000 feet. Everyone in the plane kept on looking at me, because I was the one who decided on their fate too. It would be my choice to drop from 12000 or 13000 feet. Lucky 13?! Bring it on!! So, I told them "Let's do the 13000!". They all sighed with relief and appreciation. (All these crazy people that jump our of planes)
Mother nature - help me now
I calmed myself down and looked at the view outside. It was awesome. We were jumping over the smallest National Park in New Zealand called Abel Tasman. Surrounding the park were snow-capped mountains and white beaches. It was just fabulous. For 30 minutes we just climbed higher and higher.
“This is the FBI – you have the right to answer my questions before you throw me out of a plane”
Then I started with my inquiry to Stuart before he flung me out of an airplane. "How many people had died around you?" "How many jumps have you done?" "What's your address that I can come and spook at your house if you drop me". He reassured me that everything was going to be okay. I had one request though. “PLEASE tell me 1 minute before everyone starts jumping out like crazy crackers”. They told me they would.
Forgive me father, for I have sinned…
It was also so destined for me to be last. I was supposed to look at how everyone fell down and be sucked out before my very eyes. The turbulence and 13000 feet wasn't too nice either and as the small plane bumped around in midair... I quickly forgave all my enemies and made sure that I was ready to go to a better place.
YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!
"We're going to jump" shouted the one guy as he pulled open the side door. This was my queue and I started to shout like a Mad Maori! "Yeah!!!!" "GO!!!!" "YEEEAAAAH". They all looked at me as if I have just reached that thin line between sanity and madness, but they took it as a go ahead and two by two our plane had more space.
The time hath cometh
It was my time. Now or never. Stuart (obviously by now attached to my back) pulled and secured the bands around us and we moved forward. Back out or go for it? The utmost fear grabbed onto every cell in my body. Adrenaline is what would keep me alive now. Stuart pushed hard and my legs literally fell out of the airplane. He told me to pull them in under the plane. As he moved forward, my body actually fell forward too and as I fell forward, I saw the earth under me for the first time. Just me and the ground 13000ft below me. But then it happened!
Yeah, Yeah!? What happened?
Oh, chill. Keep your socks on!! I’ll tell ya! It happened. I felt the most peace in my life when looking down at that ground. I was an angel floating between the clouds and nothing could harm me there and then. Stuart pushed my head back and I was as calm as a canary on a Sunday flight. He threw himself forward and we tumbled down head first. Every cell in my body that were filled with fear before, felt as if they all released at the same time and the feeling is something that I can describe to no one.
Let’s sing… “And I’m freeeeeeee…. Freeeeeeee falling!!!”
As soon as we were safe distance from the plane, Stuart tapped my head and I spread my wings …uhm … I mean arms. Now for the free fall. 55 seconds freefall at 200km/h. The adrenalin spurted so much in my system, that I could make anyone believe that I was a V8 engine! When I saw the camera, I started entertaining. Swam in the air. And more than once I did the Maori face with the big eyes and tongue out. This was my HAKA to the Sky to say that I have conquered it! Whoooo hoooo!
Peace… piece by piece
After the free fall, Stuart opened the parachute and we were pulled for quite a distance back up into the air. And then all was calm. It was so quiet. And I just appreciated our beautiful nature and I realized again how much we take for granted. Who needs to go to a museum in Paris to see genuine art? I had it all right under me. A tapestry of green, blue and snow-capped mountains.
I did it!!!
I shouted like a berserk baboon once I saw my friends wave at the bottom and we landed very smoothly on the grass. Bring it on!!! It was by far probably the most amazing experience of my life! I totally understand why Stuart was close to 14000 jumps. I could get addicted to that. Now, if there’s anything you do in your life before you die, try this. You won’t regret it. And 3 of my friends had fears for heights. And they all loved it. It’s different than standing on a high building. I promise!
Now, if you want to see this all for yourself… check out my own personal video of the whole experience! Enjoy!!!!
CLICK HERE TO SEE ME JUMP ON VIDEO
This was my HAKA to the Sky to say that I have conquered it!
posted by Marion @ 8:44 AM
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