Skydiving: May Mayhem

Left (Me), Middle (Chloe), Right (Chloe's Dad). Before the jump.

So for my girlfriend's fathers' 50th birthday we went for a spot of afternoon skydiving. It was just a jokey suggestion at first, but then it actually turned into reality. It is also my partners 21st birthday this year so it was a joint venture.

The nearest jump site to us is in Beccles with UK parachuting, it's a great place and the people there are all super friendly; it really makes the jump a whole lot less intimidating. I can't recommend the people or the place enough, so if you're around the Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk area or even further afield definitely pop along to Beccles if you're interested in doing a jump.

After signing the waiver and all that stuff, we made our way round to the hangar area. We got our briefing about what to expect and what position to be in when we jump. We then hopped on over to grab our awesome jump suits and even more dashing head wear and goggles. A guy came over to help get us into our harnesses correctly. (Side note: guys, I'd recommend wearing boxers/underpants that holds everything together, the harnesses can be a bit uncomfortable in that 'area'...).

We had just a little time to wait before it was our turn. My tandem buddy was a guy called Steve, really awesome chap. We got over to the plane and he checked over all my harnesses and everything (quite a comfort). The plane had no seats or anything, just a carpeted floor. We all shuffled in on our butts and sat between the legs of the person behind you, in my case it was Steve. The plane starts going and your tandem partner starts clipping you onto themselves with various clips etc and passes you straps to tighten.

The view was really great from the plane, really helps take your mind off the jumping out business. Your tandem buddy has a nice chat with you as well which also helps.

In our jump group there were 4 tandems, 2 solo jumpers, a cameraman and a guy doing an exam with an instructor. Steve filled my in on the order on the way up, the two solo guys, then me. We got up to the right height, then lifted the shutter up. As soon as the shutter went up the solo guys just catapulted themselves out, and before you know it we're shuffling to the opening and I'm hanging out over the edge. Get into position. Head back. What seems a millisecond passes. Falling...

Such a rush! Just falling, it's so loud! We get stable and your tandem partner taps you on the shoulders and you can put your hands out. It really felt like we were falling for a long time, air rushing around you and pummelling your face. Then, a jolt, the parachute opens and the deafening loudness, the rushing, it stops. All goes quiet. So peaceful. We circle about, dip and float down to our landing zone.

Landing safely (whew).

It was such a fantastic experience, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Like I said before, the place and the people were just amazing and I'd definitely do it again in the future.

If you're interested in doing a skydive pop on over to the UK Parachuting site.

If you've got any questions related to anything in this blog please do ask, comment below, message me on Twitter (@NF_Fitness) or Instragram (@neverforgottenfitness).

Thanks for reading!

Karl

Previous post: Nuclear Race

Most viewed: Muscle Mousse Cheesecake Recipe