SKYDIVING! It is one of the extreme adventure activity and the thrill of jumping from a plane at 13,500 feet will embed in your memory forever. If you are feeling brave and looking for an adrenaline rush then SKYDIVING is undeniably for you. We were planning to go skydiving for a long time and one weekend made an impromptu decision to jump out from a plane. We know it sounds intimidating but if you decide to do it, you will not regret it.
THE JUMPING ZONE
Our friends also joined us for skydiving and we were a group of 5. We chose Cross Keys Skydiving, New Jersey for our first tandem jump. In a tandem jump, you will be accompanied by an experienced skydiving instructor. We searched a couple of places for skydiving but the reviews for Cross keys were incredible, so decided to jump with them. Our experience with Cross Keys Skydiving was amazing. All the Do’s & Dont’s were explained to us before we hopped on to the plane. Instructors, Videographers, Ground Staff everyone was helpful and funny. They made our experience awesome and comfortable.
COST
Tandem Jump excluding Photo/Video – 199$ online / 209$ walk in
Professional Video & Photo Package – 130$
Tip: Check out Groupon/Living Social for any offers. Make sure to read reviews and finalize.
BEFORE SKYDIVING
After we checked in at our drop zone, we signed waiver forms for any liability and watched a video explaining all the risks involved. We had a 10-minute training session with instructors and they demonstrated body postures while jumping and before landing. Cross arms, head back, bend knees, tap on your shoulder to open the arms and smile for the camera. We were excited, high energy and bit scared as well. It was a 10-minute ride to reach 13,500 feet. Everyone hopped on the plane with a weird smile. After reaching 13500 feet, the door opened and we knew its’ time to take the leap. Before you second guess your decision or try to change your mind, you will be in the air.
Tip: Dress appropriately for skydiving. Well fitted shoes, stretchy pants(your gym pants/shorts will work best) and a t-shirt.
60 SECOND FREEFALL
Nothing can prepare you for the freefall and no words can describe the feeling. The adrenaline rush, the speed, vast blue skies, and the air make you feel like a bird. Your stomach won’t drop like you are on a rollercoaster. Crisp and cold air whips your face, deafens your ear, dwindle your scream and make it difficult to breathe.You want to breathe but the wind pressure makes it difficult. You will feel the air underneath you for the entire freefall.My instructor drifted us towards the videographer and I even held his hand for few seconds. It felt like the cool stunt we see in skydiving advertisements.
Tip: Breathing is difficult in freefall . So, try harder or breathe through your mouth.
PARACHUTE AND LANDING
After 60 seconds my instructor pulled the parachute and it felt like a sudden jolt. Everything became slow and peaceful. I enjoyed the aerial views and told my instructor, how awesome I felt.My instructor also spun the parachute before landing. I didn’t want my skydiving experience to end, but, before I knew it, I was lifting my legs for landing. Parachute ride was 5 minutes and the landing was smooth.The ground didn’t hurt as we slide for a few yards. I was the last person to land and all my friends were waiting for me. We all laughed, shared our experience and collected our photos/videos.
More than thrill and adrenaline, skydiving is about conquering your fears. It looks intimidating but if you show courage and take that leap, it will turn from a scary event to a cherishable memory.
Check out our freefall video and our facial expressions will tell the rest of our story.
