There are some moments in life you'll always remember. I think it's fair to say I've had a few of them since I started my backpacking adventure with my cousin, Jack. I've seen the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, the 12 Apostles and experienced some fantastic heart-racing activities such as rap jumping.
However, I can safely say that skydiving is by far one of the most stand-out and memorable things I have done in my 24 years on this planet.
The night before the dive, Jack and I stayed at a Wollongong campsite close to the skydive point next to the beach. It rained overnight, which only added to the feeling of anticipation. 'Please stop raining' I whispered to myself as I lie awake in our campervan, thinking about the experience we were in for the next morning. I was willing the skies to clear so our dive would go ahead.
We woke to beautiful sunshine. In fact, I would go as far to say that it was a perfect day. Bright blue sky was surrounded by a few fluffy white clouds. I couldn't wait to get up in the sky and jump out of the plane at a crazy 14,000 feet.
We were greeted at Skydive the Beach and Beyond by friendly and enthusiastic staff. They all seemed relaxed yet excited to share the experience with us. We were fitted into our safety harnesses and briefed on what to expect. The anticipation was certainly increasing, I could feel my heart racing faster each minute. This was it!
It's hard to find the words to convey how certain experiences make me feel and this is one of them. The feeling as we drove to the airport and boarded the plane is something I will hold with me for a long time. The loud sound of the plane engines starting up added to the feeling of how real this truly was.
My dive companion, Andre, chatted to me throughout and shared memories of his previous skydives. He highlighted how he had 13 years of skydiving experience and had worked at Mission Beach. What a job to have!
I had been told many times in the past by friends from home and fellow backpackers about how incredible a skydive is. It's a must-do. It's one for the bucket list. I couldn't quite believe I was about to experience it for myself.
The 8 divers in the plane were all sat in a row, each paired with their dive companion. We were all sharing a mixture of emotions; excitement, anticipation, anxiousness, pure adrenaline! We climbed over the Wollongong coast and admired the views before our eyes. Just like a postcard. I knew I would be down on the ground soon enough, but I wouldn't be stepping off the plane steps. I would be jumping out. Diving and free-falling at 200 kilometres per hour.
We reached around 7,000 feet and I was convinced we had reached the dive point, but no. I was told by Andre that we were only half way. This was going to be high! Above the clouds, where the buildings and roads just looked like small figures in the distance.
Once we did reach the jump point, the door slid up and the sound of the wind hit my ears. Wow. This was it. No going back now. I was shocked at how quickly each diver left the plane. Out of the door... 1, 2, 3. Before I knew it, it was my turn.
I didn't really have time to think as I approached the open door, attached by harness to Andre. We sat on the edge. I had my legs and head back. And bam. I was flying through the air. What a feeling of complete ecstasy. The feeling of free-fall. The force of the wind against my face. The ultimate adrenaline rush. I was literally on top of the world. No feeling can beat it.
I felt like I was flying. I suppose I was. Arms held out wide. Breathing deeply. Taking in this incredible experience. Just wow. I did it.
After about 45 seconds of spine-tingling free-fall, Andre released the parachute. Suddenly our speed of fall decreased, and we glided slowly above the breath-taking views before us. I was even able to steer the parachute. Whilst taking the views in, I was also reflecting on what had just happened. So crazy. So memorable. So special.
We landed on the ground and it was great to see Jack who had dived just before me. I knew he had just experienced the same feeling. It was special to share it together.
It is something I will treasure forever. It is also something I will always encourage people to do. The feeling, the adrenaline, the buzz, the memories. Nothing can beat it.
I'll always be grateful to all at Skydive the Beach and Beyond in Wollongong for allowing me to create such unique memories and experience something that will always mean so much to me. They were so professional and assuring, and enjoyed the experience as much as we did.
We will always be able to reflect on the dive with the help of many fantastic personal images and a video from the start of the experience to the end. What special keepsakes!
So, go do a skydive. You won't regret it. I guarantee, it'll be one of the best things you'll ever do.
Create lasting memories with Skydive the Beach and Beyond! www.skydive.com.au
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