Skydive Training

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGphGbJool4

I remember my first time skydiving almost six years ago.  I knew then I wanted to be able to go solo.  What I didn't realize was that it was going to take me six years to finally start the process to do it.  Skydiving has been something that I've always had on my mind, and something I thought I could really enjoy.  There was always something about the feeling of flying that made me think of how cool it would be to skydive.

Saturday I had the opportunity to skydive once again.  I came to a crucial decision while I was out there.  It was time to learn how to solo jump.  What does that mean?  That means that I get to jump w/ out an experienced skydiver strapped to my back.  What does that take?  Two tandem jumps, and about 7 jumps w/ instructors to teach me how to do it.  Why do it? Why not? It might just be one of the most liberating experiences in life.

Obviously I don't really have a fear of flight or falling, but lets think about it.  If you had a list of experiences to experience before you die, wouldn't you want to know how it would be like to fly or attempt to fly?

My first tandem jump of the day was a bit of sensory overload.  I knew I was being tested, so I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right.  Really all I was responsible for was body positioning and to pull the parachute.  My very first skydive was done in Lodi, which I learned that day, is the only Skydiving location in the Bay that is not associated with the US Parachute association.  Yikes.  The beauty of skydiving in Davis, is that the experience is a bit better.

I was suited up in a full jump suit, given goggles and a helmet, and briefed appropriately.  It was then that I knew I was not only safe, but I wanted to learn from these guys.  The plane at Davis slows down to a floating position in the air before you jump, giving you a free fall feeling.  Without this slowdown the stomach drop isn't even there.  Instead you are literally going the speed of the plane as you fall 1300 feet.  Surprisingly the 50-60 seconds of free fall was super quick.  Good thing I was taking a second jump.

This jump I would have to prepare a bit more.  They wanted to see that I could do some spins and that I could be conscious of my surroundings, what they call "the circle of awareness."  This time, I would do the rip cord checks on my own, and find it on my own.  I would also control the fall a bit more.  Dropping from 1300 feet to 5500 feet is longer then the first time.  I could see more, and I felt more in my body.  At 7000 feet I found the ripcord and at 5500 feet I pulled it with ease.  Time slowed, even the quick jolt of the parachute opening  was slow.  As we chuted down I controlled the parachute and navigated us right and left.  I knew I could get used to this.  As we landed I flared the chute to pause and land semi-softly onto my bum.

It's time to learn how to fly on my own.  An 8hr day of class and 7 jumps stand between me, and my solo jumps.  If I really wanted to I could probably get 25 jumps in for my A license before Chinese new year.  Lets hope the weather is nice.

To Be Continued...

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDBrdl2sZWs&feature=related