Jump! – My First Sky-Diving Experience
It all started when I received a text from my son wishing me a happy birthday and letting me know I had a gift waiting when I returned home from Alaska. Ryan has been skydiving and practicing to get his license for the past few months…..I should’ve known right? Sky diving has been a bucket list item of mine for years, but it was pretty deep down the list. I was never really sure I could actually go through with it … unless someone sedated me first.
Well the day arrived and the weather was not favorable but we still made the 1 ½ trek to Jump Florida in Lake Wales. We spent the entire day there due to a weather delay and plane change, which should’ve given me enough time to back out at least a dozen times. Surprisingly I did not feel nervous at all. I took care of my pre-jump training with my tandem partner early in the day, and then just waited… and waited…
Finally, the clouds parted. We boarded the plane with several others who were also jumping, most of whom was their first time as well. Off we went, no turning back now.
At about 10,000 feet every jumper had jumped from the plane except Ryan, his instructor, me and my tandem partner. We continued to climb. Higher and higher. Finally, at 14,000 feet, the jump door opened and I watched my son climb out the door and toss his body into the abyss. He jumped ALONE which freaked me out just a bit. Not something many mothers ever have a chance to see! Then, his instructor jumped right behind him. No one left but me and my partner. It was our turn.
Okay so this is the part where I was sure I would pass out, scream my head off or perhaps pee my pants. Scooching to the door, hanging my legs out, I saw nothing but clouds below. It was a pretty cool perspective. Then, we “fell.” I am NOT a fan of that freefall feeling, but after 3 seconds or so, it felt just like floating.
I was flying and all I could think of was “it’s really loud, and it’s really cold, and why did I wear shorts?” But the scene below was awesome.
Once we slipped through the clouds and the parachute was released it was peaceful, freeing and exhilarating. I couldn’t stop smiling as I just took it all in. It was absolutely clear and the views were unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I totally understood why people love sky diving. I felt alive, and that smile didn’t disappear from my face for a long time!
The jump took place at 14,000 feet, with the free fall lasting close to a minute! The rest of the beautiful ride down lasted about five minutes – memories that will last a lifetime!
Bottom Line: Do it. And then, do it again!
Jump Florida offers numerous different packages. I’d recommend jumping from one of the higher elevations to spend more time in the free fall. And purchase the video and/or the photos. I paid for both packages and loved them both. We jumped from their Lake Wales location and loved the entire experience.
This photo says it all!
Check out the video below which is posted on our YouTube channel.
Just Jackie (because Bob’s a chicken)
Sunshine Vagabonds
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Jackie’s First Skydive Video at Jump Florida: