Skydive 06.06.09

The jumpers at 7am

Me and my buddy Dill are suited up

Pre-jump

Falling out of the sky

A big smile

An amazing ride

Crazy

Me and my instuctor Tim post-jump

After a two hour drive, the group arrived in Lake Wales, FL at the Florida Skydive Center at 9am. It was a large facility, with planes buzzing on the runway and people constantly falling from the sky. We filled out an impressive amount of liability forms before I met my instructor, Tim, who got me suited up and explained the process. I also met my camraman, Chris. All of the staff were perfect examples of physical fitness and Tim & Chris were no exception.

20 minutes later, Tim landed with another student, as did my plane which remained running on the tarmac. I kissed my wife goodbye, boarded and dropped into Tim's lap. The 15 minute flight, (climbing the entire time), consisted of Tim strapping himself to me, (four straps: 2 shoulder, 2 waist) and Chris giving me a final pre-jump interview. We were first out of the plane.

We dropped at 14,000 feet and I free fell for 1 minute 10 seconds. It's actually difficult to describe the experience. I never felt like I was falling. It was more like when you stick your head out of a car moving 85mph. Except no trees are whizzing by, just wind. It was difficult to breathe at first, (possible combination of adrenaline, altitude and moving 120 miles an hour), and my eyes watered a bit, but the view was spectacular and the experience unforgettable.

The chute opened at 4500 feet and immediately the world became utterly peaceful. I imagine this is the silence that birds enjoy most of the time, save for human interferance. Within 6 minutes, Tim brought us over the crowd, (during which I screamed most of the way), and we landed in perfect one-step unison in front of the hanger. I was elated, dazed and grateful to be back on the ground.

I cannot recommend this experience enough, no matter how intimidated you may be.

Special thanks to my friend Raylon Smith for organizing the trip and to all the other jumpers for sharing what will always be an amazing day. Try it once. I dare you.