How I did it: My husband and I were going to Arizona for his cousin's wedding and he suggested we go to Eloy where they have a skydiving school.  His parents went years ago and loved it.  The wedding was great, but I was really in Arizona for the skydiving experience.  We reserved our spots, drove to Eloy, and did our first tandem jump. 

Of course I was nervous, but I spoke with different people that had done it and it helped put my mind at ease.  I think the best statement I heard that helped calmed my nerves prior to the jump was "The instructor is not going to do anything to jeopardize their own life."

Honestly the plane ride up was the most nerve racking, because the anticipation and fear was rising to a head and it was now or never.  But when I put my feet over the edge and the noisy air was whipping my hair around I knew this was it!  We jumped and I was nervous the first few seconds.  The camera lady who was filming me came right in front of me, you would not believe how surreal it is to see someone just floating in front of you, and knowing you were doing the same.  Yes it is a loud wooshing sound but my ears did not hurt and did not pop at all.  Once they pull the cord it becomes soooooo quiet and peaceful, that's when you can hear your instructor talking easily.

Lessons & tips: If you're jumping for the first time go ahead and buy the DVD and photos, you can show all you're friends that you did it and will have that awesome memory to look back on.
Save up money in advance- this way you can enjoy the experience and not regret the debt on a credit card
Accept your nervousness and do it anyway!  It's normal to feel nervous about falling out of the sky.  When you push pass your fear and trust your instructor you will be able to truly enjoy the experience.  Don't be afraid to tell them you are nervous, they will give you good advice.
I knew in my home (Alaska) that skydiving is crazy expensive ($700+) so I decided to skydive at a much cheaper price at a world renoun skydive school called Skydive Arizona in Eloy.  They have people from all around the world who come to train there.  They know their stuff very well.
Go with family or friends and share the experience! 
Bring your student ID for a discount.
Stay within the weight limitations.  At Skydive AZ it's 200 lbs for women, 220 for men.  If you're overweight they can accomidate you but they will charge you a little extra. 
Go on a weekday, they usually charge less.
You will be signing paperwork prior to your jump about the fact that you understand the risks and yada yada.  Give yourself a extra time in getting there to fill out this paperwork.
Enjoy the scenery on your way down, the jump happens pretty quick so keep your eyes open.
Thank your instructor afterwards!  They had your life in their hands.  Of course I gave mine a big hug. lol.

Resources: Skydive Arizona in Eloy
Mother & Father-in-Law that jumped before (gave us good advice)
Jumping with my husband
Emailing the company if I had any questions that were not answered on the frequently asked questions
      For example: whether or not to bring glasses or wear contacts---the place I went to will accomidate both and you wear goggles over your eyes.

Also wearing my 43things T-Shirt helped remind me how important this goal was to me.  Look close to see it in the picture.

---

Nov 17, 2010, 06:48PM PST | 1 comment | 3 cheers