My Experience with Skydiving

Skydiving may not be on everyone's list, but most people who dream of doing so, never do. Perhaps you are waiting for the right time or until you travel to a top destination to jump and catch the best view possible. That was me until two weeks ago. Amidst the pandemic madness, I decided I was going to book my skydiving ticket and finally do it. I always knew I wanted to try it and I think some part of me was hesitant because there is a chance something can go wrong. But if there's anything 2020 has shown me is that things can go wrong even if you're just living your daily routine and doing everything right. The fact that I turn 30 in January and this year was suppose to be a roller coaster of new and exciting experiences, also gave me a push. I booked my skydiving excursion quicker than I decide what I want to have for lunch on most days. I did brief research on the places near me, chose one, selected the next available weekend date, got out my credit card and booked! Miami Skydiving (the company I booked with) does not offer full refunds for cancellations. So, I knew once I booked there was no turning back. While I was booking I got a call from some friends and once I told them what I was doing they were in. Make no mistake, I was going to do this alone and I wasn't going to wait for anyone so it was a nice bonus that my friends tagged along.

As the day of my jump approached, I barely thought about it. Even the night before, when I was sure I would toss and turn from the nerves, I slept like a baby. Some part of me believed that I had not fully processed that I was about to jump from an airplane at thousands of feet. I thought that upon arrival I would get those much anticipated butterflies. The safety briefing was quick and to the point. All you need to know is where to put your arms and when. There was no talk about "if things go wrong" and it took maybe 5 minutes. To my surprise, even after I signed the waiver, got geared up and headed towards the tiny plane, I was still doing OK. I was excited! I felt proud that after years of saying I was going to go skydiving, here I was, getting on the plane. I was the last one to board, which meant I would be the first one to jump. I REALLY wanted to be the first so I was happy.

I felt safer on the flight up then I have felt on any commercial flight I have ever taken. I can't explain that, I just did. The door remained open for most of the flight and I looked down at the bright green patches as we flew into the clouds. I was ready to jump, I was happy and if you don't believe me, I've got the photos to prove it. My instructor was professional, fun and I was able to fully trust him and let go. Minutes before my jump, we went through the arm placement one last time, then I sat on the edge of the plane and put my legs out with no hesitation. The rough, cool air brushed my legs quickly, I put my head back and my instructor pushed off. At first it felt as if I was driving on the highway in a convertible with my eyes closed. Then, there was a brief feeling in my chest (adrenaline I assume) and I opened my eyes to find myself in a sea of white clouds and blue skies. It's quiet and peaceful up there, but the wind is so loud you can't hear yourself scream. If you're worried about the view, I can tell you that during the free fall you won't care much for it. It's a beautiful, freeing and exhilarating experience in which you are fully present. Once the parachute opens, it feels as if you are flying. This is the part that made me slightly dizzy, but I still really enjoyed it. Before I knew it, I was back on the ground and seriously ready to do it again.

After skydiving, I can tell you that although it is an extreme sport and there is high risk associated with jumping out of a plane from 10,000 feet, I don't think you can ever regret it. Fear can hold you back from some of the greatest things life has to offer. If you trust the process, go into it believing you can and just let go...life can be exciting. I wish I could say that I will go into any situation the same way I approached skydiving but I probably won't. However, I have learned that you don't know what you're really made of until you put yourself in uncomfortable situations and I am proud to say I did pretty great. I am ready for my next jump!