How it feels to jump out of an airplane…

In this post I would like paint a picture of what it feels like to jump out of an airplane for your first time. (Particularly for anyone who is interested in skydiving.) Skydiving is by far the coolest thing I have ever done. I have actually done it three separate times, and to this day I still have dreams about it at night! Statistically speaking, skydiving is actually a pretty safe sport. As frightening as it may be, jumping out of an airplane is the experience of a lifetime. I really think everyone should try it at least once.

One of the best aspects of the sport is the atmosphere and community of people around it. Everyone is super friendly with each other. I love how everyone shares the same passion for life and the intensity of the sport. Everyone has a lot of fun but is also very serious when they need to be. On my first jump my instructor was very assuring. As we got to know each other a little bit he told me he had done over 10,000 skydives. He had also just returned from Europe where he was BASE jumping off of mountains with a wingsuit. (Another incredible sport that will be explored later on this blog… Stay tuned!) After hearing about all of his experience, I was definitely feeling very safe for my first time.

As soon as you finish putting on your jumpsuit and harness, the adrenaline really starts pumping. You can hear the roar of the propellers as the plane pulls up to the hangar. Everyone then crams into the plane like a can of sardines. (If you’re claustrophobic, that is definitely something to be considered) As the plane lifts off the runway, your mind starts racing. I remember looking at the altimeter on my wrist and seeing that we were at 7,000 feet. We were already so high up, but knowing that we were only half way definitely made me a little anxious. Finally, the plane levels off at almost 15,000 feet. As soon as the jump door opens, cold air immediately rushes throughout the whole cabin. (Another reminder of just how high up you are, considering it was 100 degrees outside on this day) All of the students go last. So you’re watching all of these crazy people do back flips and what not out of the plane, slowly waiting for your turn as you approach the door. At this point you are so high up that you can just barely see the tops of the clouds thousands of feet below. “Ready…Set…Go!” As you leave the plane door you’re hit with a 100+ mph gust of wind. For a few seconds, I would say the feeling is similar to dropping on a rollercoaster. However, once you hit top speed in free-fall (120mph) you can’t even notice that you’re falling! I would say it almost feels like you are flying. It is truly a one of a kind experience. Taking in the view as the clouds begin to rush up below you is something I’ll never forget. As you pull the ripcord at 6,000 feet the parachute deploys and begins to inflate with air. I would say the feeling is similar to slamming on the brakes in a car. It isn’t a super abrupt stop. Transitioning from the deafening sound of the wind to the quietness of being high in the sky is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. I hope to be able to experience it more in the future.

If anyone is interested in going skydiving, (Hopefully I’ve convinced you!) I highly recommend Skydiving Spaceland. They have locations outside of Houston, Dallas and San Marcos. All of their tandem instructors have thousands of jumps under their belts. Everyone is very friendly. I have never had a bad experience there. You can visit their website at https://www.skydivespaceland.com/.

Here I am (below) at Skydive Spaceland with my amazing instructor, Jeremy! The first time I went, it was so much fun that as soon as I was done taking this photo I immediately got back in the plane and jumped a second time!