I cannot remember the exit. The instructor, who's lap I was firmly strapped to, pulled my
head back onto his right shoulder and slid on his butt towards the door. In less than 5 seconds I was going to jump, or more like fall considering my position of entrapment, from a plane that was flying 13,000 feet above the Swiss Alps. I was terrified.
I had been anxious to skydive for over 10 years. No one believed I would actually go through with it, so I knew I had something to prove. I have always been daring, but there is something unnatural about the concept of throwing yourself from a moving plane thousands of feet above the earth. Why do it? …because it is the most invigorating activity you could take part in. The bird’s view of the earth was breathtaking and addicting; and the first thing I declared upon landing: "I want to do it again." (I did! I have the video to prove it)
Two and a half years later I am squished in a Cessna Grand Caravan with my arms crossed over my chest and my knees tucked up behind the person in front of me. I am harnessed into a parachute. There is one major difference from my earlier experience – instructor not included. I am about to conduct my first 'static-line parachute jump' as a student of the British Parachute Associations RAPS (Ram-Air Progression System) course. I was on my way to becoming a certified skydiver.
Life saver
The course requires a full day of ground training in which highly qualified instructors teach you everything you need to know about exiting the plane, landing on the ground and any potential hazards or malfunctions. It is quite amazing how quickly a process can become innate. I was in a class with about 12 or so people. The instructor began with teaching us the jargon of the sport and the mechanics of the parachute. Once we were confident it would save our lives, it was time to learn how to exit the plane.
Pure terror
If you do not have an in-depth understanding of physics, would think you could just jump out. But there is actually a strict technique to prevent your body from whirling around like a balloon. And although I was very confident I could perform the procedures correctly, nothing prepared me for my exit into the wind. I was the last one in the plane to exit so I was able to see everyone’s face as they flew away. Their eyes were wide and facial muscles tense. In the face of every person that I watched leave that plane I saw pure terror.
I tried to be supportive and gave a big smile and thumbs up to the students ahead but I don’t even think they knew I was there – and if they did, I’m sure they would have given me the middle finger if they were capable of moving. I didn’t ask to be the last one. I would have preferred to be first as I was the previous time I jumped. The instructor had informed me, ‘We’re going to jump first, that way you won’t have to watch everyone crying when they leave the plane.’ I decided that was a good idea.
Instead, the plane kept circling the airfield; each time around another person was ‘thrown out.’ As the last one to go, I was left in the plane with the two instructors and the pilot. I felt the fear seeping up into my throat and I thought ‘why am I doing this.’ I wanted to be brave in front of the instructors so I smiled and ‘butt waddled’ my way towards the doorway. They checked my static line – it was still attached. They checked my parachute – it was still there. They checked all the pins that were holding it together – it was still in one piece. I had to jump.
Don't look down
I did as I had been trained. Inching towards the doorway, I stuck my feet out. The wind caught them and I found myself fighting to stay perpendicular to the plane. I moved forward until my knees were bent over the edge of the plane. I didn’t look down. I remembered that the previous time I hadn’t felt any fear until I peeked at the ground.
Now, we were taught that in order to catch the wind at the right angle you position yourself at the edge of the door with your knees dangling out. Then the instructor will tell you to take your position and you must swing your legs back, so your butt cheeks are teetering on ledge of the doorway and your body faces the front of the plane.
This is what I did. My left hand was firmly gripping the back of the doorframe and my right hand planted in front of my front knee. The wind was desperate to whip my body into the air, but I urged my head to stay inside the plane balancing on my right hip. This is not an easy pose and I can see how yoga practice may be of benefit.
The instructor screamed at me, “Look at me! Head up! Ready! Go!” This was my signal to jump. I flung myself off the doorframe and screamed, “Arch thousand, two thousand, three thousand, four thousand! Check canopy!” Only from this point on I can remember clearly what I saw and how I felt. I checked my canopy – it was large and square. I followed through the process of checking my airspace, pulling my toggles and completing an overall check of my parachute system. Then I took in the view.
Floating over the world
I was floating over the world at 2,000 feet. I could see countryside and pastures for miles. The odd village popped up here and there and right below me there were the other skydive students anticipating my arrival. The radio strapped to my chest started crackling. “Blue parachute, if you can hear me, wave your legs.” I did. As there was absolutely no wind, therefore there was very little guidance he could provide. But I listened closely as I approached the ground, as I was counting on him to inform me when to flare – pull my toggles so I would land softly on the land.
He did guide me the best he could but as I was on the opposite side of the airfield – about 400 meters away – his view was limited. I had paid close attention the previous day and managed to handle my landing on my own – it was smooth and gentle. I collected my parachute and headed back to the hangar. I had completed my first solo parachute jump. (I was corrected when referring to it as a skydive, as I did not actually free fall without a canopy over me.)
Next a jump from 5,000 feet
I have now completed 8 static line jumps – what’s next? My first five-second freefall from 5,000 feet. I cannot wait to feel the air rushing past me as I fall unattached through the sky. I believe people who have not experienced a skydive do not realize the amount of technique that is required. I reassure you, you will never be tumbling out of control and it is easier than one would think to control your body position in the air. So why not give it a try?
If you’re not ready to dedicate yourself to a course, try a tandem jump with the experienced certified skydivers at Langar airfield. After a short briefing on the ground you will fly up to 10,000 – 12,000 feet and, securely attached to an instructor, experience a 30-second to one-minute freefall at speeds of 120 mph. The instructor will open your parachute and you will spend a few minutes floating through the sky. You can also have a video and still photos taken by a professional photographer who will jump out with you. If you do believe skydiving is for you sign up for the RAPS or AFF (Accelerated Free Fall) course and work towards receiving your ‘A’ license. For course information and pricing visit the website at: http://www.bpslangar.co.uk