Have any questions? Feel free to ask me!
Skydiving
- Why skydiving? Why not something safer, like knitting?
- How many jumps have you done?
- What are your plans for the sport in the future?
Miscellaneous
Why skydiving? Why not something safer, like knitting?
Why not? On why I started jumping out of planes, I will say that was a bit unexpected. In January 2008, Teddy Bear asked me if I wanted to go skydiving, to which I replied with a wholehearted “Yes!” I’d always wanted to skydive at least once in my life, just as I want to bungee jump, visit Tibet, write a book, etc. at least once in my life before I die. Since January in the Northeast is hell on earth (my vision of hell isn’t eternal flames; it’s eternal winter), we decided to table the plan until it was marginally warmer. Early April was warmer, but not by much. We went anyway. For our very first time, we went up in a Cessna 182 (which is roughly the size of a breadbox) to 10,000ft. The instant the door opened and my tandem instructor and I jumped out, I was addicted. I absolutely knew I was coming back.
Freefall Adventures had a deal where the next two tandem jumps were cheaper if taken within 30 days of the first jump, which is the stepping stone into learning how to jump on your own. Bear and I took our second and third tandem jumps before starting the AFP (Accelerated Freefall Programme). The programme consisted of 7 jumps with an instructor, learning a little bit more on each jump. The 7th jump is a “graduation jump” and after a high solo (exit at 13,500ft with no instructor and a radio) and a low solo (exiting at 5000ft and deploying right away, also on radio), you’re cleared to be a “fun jumper.” However, in order to do relative work (formation skydiving), you need at least an A license and after that, the sky’s the limit.
As for why I do this and why I enjoy it, I can’t really explain unless you’ve skydived yourself. There is an adrenaline rush, yes, but more than that, it’s a very mental sport, in many ways akin to yoga (which I also enjoy). Body position and concentration are key, as well as being relaxed. And it’s just plain fun.
By the way, I do knit as well.
How many jumps have you done?
As of the end of the 2009 summer season, I have completed 30 jumps.
What are your plans for the sport in the future?
First I plan to get really good at belly-flying and RW (relative work), and eventually I would love to get a coach rating. In addition I would love to learn how to freefly and to video other skydivers.
Are you crazy?
Well, yes, a little bit. But aren’t we all? However, I was diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder in high school, so yes, I am actually clinically psychotic. But on most days, you’ll find that I am lovably eccentric.
