~ Midlife crisis? Nah.....

Sunday was my 30th birthday! Don't feel a tad bit different, but for some reason I needed to do something fun!  Originally had planned on ziplining, but I had to pay for all spots to reserve them. Sorry, but I'm not paying for 10 people to go at $60 a pop.  So I scratched that idea. I actually have no clue what or who gave me the idea of skydiving. The thought had crossed my mind a few times, but never really actually looked into it.
A week prior to my birthday, I booked it! :)
I was nervous, for the obvious reasons.  I did ask when I booked if they had any problems, the worst she seen was a sprained ankle.  Not too bad right?
The altitude on the website stated 10,000-14,000 feet.  Well I guess you were going at 10,000 unless you paid $10 extra to go the 4,000 more. Kinda false advertisement, but whatever. Of course, we paid the extra.
Appointment was at 9:00 because I figured I didn't wanna ponder on it all day if I waited, so the earlier the better. Once paperwork was filled out, we got harnessed up and waited about 30 minutes.

The plane that weekend fit 23 compared to 12 they normally had. On the first jump there were 18 of us, 2 tandems (4 people).

My tandem buddy behind me and the one in front is the video guy.

View from inside the plane.

1 guy went out at 10,000 feet, then we climbed to 14,000.  At one point I was told we weren't even half way up, I figured we were about there!


We were the first ones on, so the last ones to jump.   Previously I was told once we got to the door, to squat with my feet on the ledge and he would say "Ready, Set, Arch". Arching was the most important part, basically stretching without my arms (I had to cross them on my chest, until he tapped me then I could let me arms go).

Once we hit 14,000, the door opened. I was strapped to by tandem buddy, we slid on the seat to the back of the plane as others jumped.........

Via

Actually, I wasn't like that at all.

I honestly though to myself I'd have more time to think before I jumped, like possible had an opportunity to bail. Boy was I wrong. I'm assuming your opportunity to bail was when you were climbing to your altitude! As soon as we got there, I looked at the ledge for my feet placement, said "Oh My Gosh", then I seen my instructor's arm go out next to me like he was counting (I couldn't hear him). Arm went out once "Ready", then twice "Set", then we were gone. Yeah.. no time to think. Which is actually better, personally.

Yes, we did a flip!

I figured I would have that feeling like on a roller coaster when you lose your stomach, nope! I was told to look out, not down.  I had my video guy in front of me, so that should have been easy.  It wasn't actually, it was hard to keep my head up. Looking down didn't bother me though. It was loud. It felt like I was free falling for a few minutes, but it was actually like 20-30 seconds.

The pull of the parachute wasn't rough, I wasn't ready for it, but it wasn't bad. We had a peaceful ride down, we did a few little "swooping" things with the parachute. He braked for a few seconds mid air and it was just quiet.

When we were ready to land, I lifted up my feet and literally sat down at the landing, pretty amazing!

Will I do it again, yes.... actually I was able to put a deposit down on as many jumps as I want (transferable) for a discounted rate, so I bought 4. Not all for me, for others, but it was $40 off, so figured might as well. I've actually thought about getting certified, but I don't know if I could jump by myself.

Looks like I'll be going again this Sunday! 

Here is the video they did.  I uploaded it to youtube but because it had 3rd party content (music) you might not be able to view it on your mobile. There was a malfunction during my first interview, so no audio. And another embarrassing part is the massive chest shot. They look like they are in my throat. I felt the pressure and he did release some of the tension on the strap. But man, those puppies look horrible and massive! Haha! Oh well! Also, as you can see the huge smile on my face the whole time down, which resulted in my mouth being dry. You see me closing it and reopening it ALOT! Can we say awkward!

The place went was Adventure Skydiving Tennessee and they produced ALL video and pictures. Amazing job and well worth the extra money.  When I go next week, I'll ask what lens they had on the camera, I LOVE the shots taken. Anyone know what lens it is?

Have you ever been skydiving? What was your experience?

Speaking of birthday's.... Amber Nicole Blog  is giving away $200 paypal for her birthday! Enter and try to win!  :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway