My new found love for SKYDIVING

                  My new found love for SKYDIVING                                             

My first jump video click -----> here

On September 22, 2012, a friend and I decided to take an AFF (Accelerated Free Fall) class that would prepare us for a non tandem jump.  The class was long, informative and filled with anticipation knowing the moment would come and I'd be exiting an aircraft at 13,500 ft while 2 instructions simply hold on to my harness straps.  The class can't prepare you for the adrenaline rush you'll experience the moment you strap on your parachute and enter the plane for your assent.  GOING UP.  I was instructed to check my altimeter at 5,500 ft and explain the relevance of that altitude to my instructors as taught in class.  I looked out the window to see a beautiful view, but then... I looked down.  WOW!  We weren't even half way to drop altitude and already the ground appeared to be nothing more than a painting in motion.  Absolutely terrifying and amazing all at the same time. 15 minutes of flight feels like forever when your completely aware that your about to jump out of the aircraft.  Every minute passes with more anticipation and when the plane's door finally opens, the crucial and vital information you just learned for the past 6 hours in class that your life literally depends on, flies right out the door.  
Its literally the *Highest* I've ever been!--Pun intended.

As you approach exiting position, the calm and collective energy of your instructions relaxes you as you properly go through your exiting steps.

Step 1:  -grab door jam with both hands while facing the propeller of the plane.
Step 2: - find your foot position in the door
Step 3:  -turn to your right side instructor yelling "check in" (they nod)
             -then your left side instructor yelling "check out"     (they nod)
Step 4:  -locate and face prop and with your body in motion with what your about to rhythmically
                 count out loud, you shout   "prop" - "up" - "down" -"out"
                                                                1.          2.          3.       jump
Step 5:  -enjoy your flight
With an instructor on my left and right, they help me find stability in free fall, for any small movements at 120+ mph can have a quick effect on your body position.  After exiting and finding a solid fly/fall position, you are to turn to your right side instructor to make eye contact and as he gives you a thumbs up, you turn to your left instructor to do the same.  This is called the "Circle Of Awareness"  You then reach back to feel where the ball that will deploy your parachute upon being pulled is located.  After 3 practice pulls, you are to check your altimeter (altitude reader) every 3-5 seconds and simply enjoy the view of the mountains at eye level as you plummet toward the earth's floor at tremendous speeds.  Once you deploy your parachute at 5,500 ft, you are on your own.  Its just you, the sky and beautiful views of frosted mountain tops and acres of vibrant autumn colored forests.  The lasting rush of excitement leaves you feeling nothing less than more alive than you've ever been.  The sound of a voice speaking to you on the radio attached to your chest brings you back to reality as they talk you down from your decent.

My intentions were to make ONE jump.  Simply for the experience.  But I have made 28 jumps as of today,  and only need one more jump to become a certified and licensed skydiver.  I would love to some day become a jump instructor and/or videographer for a drop zone.  Over the past couple of years I have done a lot of audio recording along with video construction at home and would be thrilled to further utilize these skills.  Though, I am self taught on the programs I have, I'd see it to be beneficial to enroll in an online video editing course for even greater reference.

Throughout this blog, I will expose you to the "step by step" or "jump by jump" process in which a skydiver is born and raised through my experiences.  Your first jump (AFF Level 1) has a certain objective which is simply finding a solid body position.  There are 7 levels or jumps you must pass in order to advance and a minimum of 25 jumps before a license can be awarded.   Each jump having a different objective than the last.  Falling is easy and requires no skill.  Controlling the fall is the fun part.  Moving forward, backwards, from side to side, up and down, spinning around, flipping, rolling, sitting, standing, diving, etc.   After learning and practicing several basic maneuvers, you'll find that falling becomes flying and that flying can easily become a part of your life.