How I did it: It was a group of lifelong friends. We went as a bachelor party. The first in our group was getting married. We were scheduled to jump at around 4pm but it delayed a little longer due to the fact that there were more people at the jump site than anticipated, but it was well worth it.
The place we went was a sort of campground. It had music, and food, and all the people there were easy to get along with. No tension, just nervous excitement. Our group was finally called around 6pm which was perfect because as we started to get the gear on, and board the plane, the sun was starting to go down and it was making it the perfect setting.
We geared up, boarded the plane and started our rise to 15,000 ft. On the way up, you just see the ground getting further away, and you realize how close you are to actually jumping out of an airplane. You get nervous, but not to the point of real fear. Its more of an anticipatory feeling and your smile does not fade. Finally, we reached our altitude, and the people closest started jumping. I watched as my friends were all falling out of the plane and then, it was my turn.
I got to the edge of the door and looked out and the wind just hit me. I realized there was no turning back now and figured to just go with it. It was probably one of the most beautiful sites i have ever witnessed. Standing 15,000 ft up looking at the ground and everything below, the only word i can use is serene. Then the instructor and I jumped out. It was an automatic thing, but I held my breath and just felt the rush as we flipped out of the plane, leveled out and started falling. It was about 45 seconds of pure free falling. Imagine a roller coasters first dip, without being strapped in. My stomach didn't turn or jump or anything but after the first initial couple of seconds, i was able to let out of my breath. It feels cliche to say, but it was nothing but peacefulness. I dont remember hearing the wind rushing past me. I remember looking around and feeling ease. There is no real way to describe the feeling unless you do it. In the movies, this is where they would play the slow classical ballad, as you fall in slow motion.
The only negative is, that i was caught up in my own thoughts, so i didnt prepare as much as i should have for the instructor to pull the chute cord. When it was pulled, it jerks you up and my armpits got bruised from the jerking. If i would have shifted a little, i would have been able to prepare and lessen the blow, but it was no biggie. The chute opened (Thank God) and the rush of wind stopped and you started lazily drifting towards the ground. At this point we were still about 5000 ft or so up. We drifted for about 2 or 3 minutes and it was soothing. No rush of wind so you were able to hear birds and stuff and i was able to talk with the instructor. He told me on the way down that he has been doing this as a profession for 10 years and does about 20 jumps a day and it never gets old. He said he still gets the same rush everytime he jumps.
As we floated down, the sun started setting so it was getting a little darker and the sky looking pretty damn amazing. Everyone landed safely and started walking towards the hangar where the plane got pulled in. Each one of us bought a video also, so we all had our jumps immortalized on dvd set to music in the background. (Tom Petty's Free Falling, anyone?)
After the jump, we sat around for a little bit, had a hotdog, and then finally left around 10pm, to go and finish off the party in typical bachelor fashion.
It was an all day thing, but honestly, probably THE best thing i have done so far.

Lessons & tips: Try not to be too nervous.
Listen to the instructor.
Wear comfortable clothing.
RELAX and Enjoy The Rush..

Resources: Chicagoland Skydive Center
www.skydivecsc.com

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Jan 05, 2009, 12:02PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer