Tandem Skydiving | Sydney
I first read about skydiving about a year ago before my trip to Sydney. For some reason, despite my fear of heights, I really wanted to do it. The skydive experience that I read about was also jumping with Skydive the Beach (Wollongong). I saved the link as my favourites and told myself "This is what I am going to do. I am going to Sydney, someday, to do this.".
The booking procedure
My departure was in 2 weeks from the date I booked my air tickets. I had to confirm availability of the skydiving slot. But somehow I did not get a reply by email. I tried calling, but instead of asking for the availability, I told them I emailed them instead. -.- The next day, Serene called them and helped me to confirm the availability and I proceeded to make payment online. I left a message at their Facebook page and at this point, they replied me, and replies were prompt thereafter. I was told that I could save AUD4.95 by booking vide phone or email but I had proceeded to book online then. I also got myself registered for the transfer from Sydney CBD to the dropzone.
Though it's not a smooth process, this really tells how much I wanted to do this. :)
Cold feet before the trip
After I signed up, I began to read up more on skydiving and started viewing videos of the jumps. Not the best idea because I totally freaked out! I began to have thoughts of backing out but (1) I have wanted to do this since 1 year ago, (2) I have paid the deposit (AUD110), and (3) I know I want it because I even decided on the photo package to purchase.
I am just scared. It feels like déjà vu - how I felt just before my wisdom tooth surgery and orthognathic surgery. I know that in the end, what will happen, will happen. I literally got cold feet (and fingers) even though I covered myself with a blanket without any fan and air-conditioning. That night, I couldn't sleep.
Because I couldn't sleep, I continued to google about facts of skydiving. I was especially afraid of the free-fall - but I read that there is no feeling of dropping down like riding a roller coaster. I find it unbelievable because I thought it'd feel like falling off a building (makes sense right?). However, most sources that I read said the same thing. Another concern that I have is my fear of heights. But I read that at a few thousand feet above ground, it will look the same, so this is not a worry as well.
I know the scariest part is when I'm sitting at the edge of the plane. So I told myself that I will not look down at this point; I will just close my eyes, and be pushed down.
I eased up a lot after reading all these, and finally got myself to sleep at 3am.
THE DAY
Getting to the drop-zone
I reached the pick-up point at 6.35am where the bus should arrive at 6.45am. This day, I wore shorts with leggings, a short-sleeved baby doll top, a knit jacket, and put on a pair of old sports shoes which I brought specially for skydiving. It was much colder than expected (or I am nervous?).
It was a 1 and a half hour ride to the drop-zone at Wollongong. During the ride, I signed the indemnity forms. I ate a Milo snack bar for breakfast. I was glad I only ate that, for I might puke if I ate a heavy breakfast. I wasn't sure what was on my mind throughout the ride. All I thought of was the indemnity forms that I signed.
The bus came at 6.55am and we reached the drop-zone at about 8.20am.
Gear up and briefing for the jump
I was trembling because I was feeling so cold. I don't know if I am actually feeling nervous inside or not. I always seem to be extremely cold whenever things I am originally afraid of impends (for instance, my jaw surgery). I checked in, and realised that I was in the first load to jump. I paid the balance, left my belongings with the counter staff and went to the gear up area.
As it was winter, I was handed long pants and fleece jacket to put on. The person gave me the smallest size for the pants and I have a little problem pulling it up my big hips (lol) but at that moment I am not in the condition to ask for a change. The pants were also apparently too short for my long legs (I'm short but I have long legs)! Haha. Thereafter it's time to put on the harness. I do not need to do anything, the staff wore the harness for me and it's done in a minute or so! He asked me if I am scared; I must be trembling then! My fingers were also exceptionally cold. I must be nervous lol.
Then I met with my tandem instructor, Max. He's the super cool kind, not the cheery kind of person I was expecting.
After we exchanged a couple of sentences, we gathered to have a briefing. It was really brief which actually made me wonder if that'll be enough. We were briefed about the kit at our waist (in case we land in the sea), how we should place our hands and feet when we were at the edge of the plane, what the position should be after the instructor tap us to go into free fall position and how we should land. I have some problems with the landing position because my pants were too tight (lol).
After the short briefing, we were all sitting around waiting for the bus that will bring us to the (small) airport. During this time, I asked myself, 'why am I doing this?'. I surprised myself because I am actually not feeling all that scared, instead in my mind I confidently told myself this is what I have always wanted to do.
Pre-jump
The bus came. I could feel my own heartbeat quickening, but not as bad as awaiting to ride a roller coaster. It was a 20-minute ride to the airport. We went into a waiting room, where the instructors all systematically put on what they needed to in less than like a minute. Then they started checking on the harnesses of their own tandem diver. Except mine. My instructor brought me out of the waiting room without checking on my harness! I was a little scared, but in the end he did check, outside the waiting room. He's cool like that. We all headed to the plane.
Several instructors and divers were already in position in the plane. I was supposed to go up after my instructor did. My instructor was already in the plane and I'm on the ladder, then he suddenly answered a call. A call that was quite a few minutes. At that point, I was like, 'what's happening why is my instructor answering a call when we are about to set off?'. I started to worry for my safety. After he put down the phone, we were all asked to go back to the waiting room. We all don't know what was going on. I started to think that there must be a problem with the plane. But there's nothing we can do. In the waiting room, the instructors were still cool about everything; it was as though nothing happened. In a matter of minutes, we were out there again. I still don't know what happened then.
I suppose that day was a full load flight. The plane was full, and we were stacked back to back, with our instructors behind us. I actually felt safe being stacked together, because then I know I won't slide away from where I am sitting. Just when the plane was about to set off, the instructor in front of me was saying 'in the event of a plane crash...' lol.
And so, up we went. At first the altitude seem to increase at a slow pace. After quite a while, it is only 3,000 feet above ground. It does look a little scary at this point. As it got higher, mysteriously, it gets less scary as the view below become increasingly spectacular. At about 6,000 feet above ground, everything below becomes smaller and I thought to myself "it's like a miniland". Pretty, pretty, pretty views. The plane ride itself is already a 'wow' experience!
It is indeed true that at a few thousand feet above ground, everything below looks the same. From 6,000 feet, altitude increases exponentially and before I know it, we had reached 14,000 feet above ground. This is where we will start jumping. I looked out of the window, it does look about the same as when it was just 6,000 feet above the ground. As the altitude increases, I also told myself that there's no turning back.
I have seen many videos on skydiving and know that we will be hooked to our instructors by hooks at the shoulders. Suddenly, (stupid it may be) I wonder if notwithstanding being attached to my instructor, will I be dangling in the air below my instructor? I felt a little insecure but this thought quickly vanished when seconds before the plane door slid open, my instructor asked me to slide towards him (at that moment I was partially deaf haha) which I didn't but he still managed to buckle me up, strapped tightly to him. At this point, I felt that there was no gap between us (literally) and so felt very very safe. I also saw him hooking me to him. I told myself I am in safe hands (lol).
THE jump
As soon as the door slid open, there was a strong gush of wind. Very quickly, the first guy jumped. I heard no screams from this guy, which convinced me that it's not going to be scary. I was second.
Immediately, my instructor and I moved to the edge of the plane (omg, how did this even happen?) and I simply refused to look down. I got into position and even though I was already lying back, I felt my instructor push my head back (which was good I didn't want to look down at all). My eyes were closed.
Before I know it, I was out of the plane. When it was about to be my turn, was I scared? No. I was in a total numb mode. I was not feeling scared at all. I was devoid of all feelings. Really. Even at the edge of the plane. It could be because I know I was in safe hands. How can I even compare this to a roller coaster initially, when the fear I have when waiting for a roller coaster is so intense it often sends my legs trembling.
It was all quite overwhelming in the first few seconds. I can't say that there was absolutely no feeling of falling. I'm not sure which comes first but I felt myself falling and overturning in air. I am pretty sure my eyes were closed when I overturned. But I saw myself falling. It does not feel like a roller coaster, because the fall felt really slow. I could feel myself falling, I could see that everything below me were getting nearer to my eyes but the feeling of falling is so slow it doesn't seem to tally with what I see. So if USS red roller coaster has a scare factor of 7, this scare factor is only 1. I don't think I screamed. But I know I made the usual funny noises like I always do. ;)
After those few seconds, my instructor tapped me and I went into free-fall position. From then on, there was absolutely no feeling of falling. It was as what I read - floating in air. It felt like... flying. Really. It was amazing. The feeling and the view. Everything. I see the buildings below me getting bigger and bigger but I do not feel like I was falling at all. I felt a sensation I've never felt before in my life. It's not something I can adequately put in words. However, the wind was really strong, slapping against my face making my face distorted in most of the photos that were taken. It was hard to make all the hand signs (like thumbs-up) during free fall. Even moving my hand to grasp my instructor's hand was not easy. I had to fight against the air around me. I also feel like I cannot breathe, hence my mouth is ajar, alike gasping for air.
Then I felt a tug and that's when I know my instructor had pulled the parachute. The jerk impact was bigger than I had expected but luckily, Max held me during the jerk. I felt like I would overturn if the hasn't held me as he released the parachute. Now, I am in an upright position. It still felt amazing (for lack of a better word). I was in awe and is still in awe at this stage. In fact, I was in awe throughout. How can skydiving feel so good?
As I was para-gliding, I was so at ease, so happy. I know I am smiling at the time. Even after I returned to Singapore, I can't stop grinning from ear to ear. I am just so happy!
In the picture I looked so happy. I don't think I ever smiled so widely, so happily in any of my photos.
I fell 10,000 feet before the parachute opens. That's about 20 seconds before I would fall right onto ground. The only thing is I don't know why my instructor did not allow me to play with the parachute. :/
Post-jump
After we landed, the instructors will loosen the harnnesses for us and we were sent back to the drop-zone, this time a 5-minute drive away after we landed in a park. I was a little dizzy (hence the need for a light breakfast I guess) and my ears and nose were somehow suffering the after effect. These were nothing major though. Not really uncomfortable. :)
Everything was over - in so fast. I'd think it is necessary to get photos to remind yourself of the event. I enjoyed the experience. Even on the day itself, I already feel like doing it again. YES. This is worth every single cent of what I paid.
Is skydiving scary? No, it is NOT SCARY AT ALL. This is coming from someone with fear of heights. Take a leap of faith and this will be the best experience you could imagine. "Beat your fears, push your personal boundaries and step outside your comfort zone, once you’ve taken the plunge you will feel like you can achieve anything." I don't really think it's anything brave doing the jump, especially after I've done it I find it to be awesome rather than scary. But when I say that I am scared of something now, my colleague was like I should be fearless now (lol).
The booking procedure
My departure was in 2 weeks from the date I booked my air tickets. I had to confirm availability of the skydiving slot. But somehow I did not get a reply by email. I tried calling, but instead of asking for the availability, I told them I emailed them instead. -.- The next day, Serene called them and helped me to confirm the availability and I proceeded to make payment online. I left a message at their Facebook page and at this point, they replied me, and replies were prompt thereafter. I was told that I could save AUD4.95 by booking vide phone or email but I had proceeded to book online then. I also got myself registered for the transfer from Sydney CBD to the dropzone.
Though it's not a smooth process, this really tells how much I wanted to do this. :)
Cold feet before the trip
After I signed up, I began to read up more on skydiving and started viewing videos of the jumps. Not the best idea because I totally freaked out! I began to have thoughts of backing out but (1) I have wanted to do this since 1 year ago, (2) I have paid the deposit (AUD110), and (3) I know I want it because I even decided on the photo package to purchase.
I am just scared. It feels like déjà vu - how I felt just before my wisdom tooth surgery and orthognathic surgery. I know that in the end, what will happen, will happen. I literally got cold feet (and fingers) even though I covered myself with a blanket without any fan and air-conditioning. That night, I couldn't sleep.
Because I couldn't sleep, I continued to google about facts of skydiving. I was especially afraid of the free-fall - but I read that there is no feeling of dropping down like riding a roller coaster. I find it unbelievable because I thought it'd feel like falling off a building (makes sense right?). However, most sources that I read said the same thing. Another concern that I have is my fear of heights. But I read that at a few thousand feet above ground, it will look the same, so this is not a worry as well.
I know the scariest part is when I'm sitting at the edge of the plane. So I told myself that I will not look down at this point; I will just close my eyes, and be pushed down.
I eased up a lot after reading all these, and finally got myself to sleep at 3am.
THE DAY
Getting to the drop-zone
I reached the pick-up point at 6.35am where the bus should arrive at 6.45am. This day, I wore shorts with leggings, a short-sleeved baby doll top, a knit jacket, and put on a pair of old sports shoes which I brought specially for skydiving. It was much colder than expected (or I am nervous?).
It was a 1 and a half hour ride to the drop-zone at Wollongong. During the ride, I signed the indemnity forms. I ate a Milo snack bar for breakfast. I was glad I only ate that, for I might puke if I ate a heavy breakfast. I wasn't sure what was on my mind throughout the ride. All I thought of was the indemnity forms that I signed.
The bus came at 6.55am and we reached the drop-zone at about 8.20am.
Gear up and briefing for the jump
I was trembling because I was feeling so cold. I don't know if I am actually feeling nervous inside or not. I always seem to be extremely cold whenever things I am originally afraid of impends (for instance, my jaw surgery). I checked in, and realised that I was in the first load to jump. I paid the balance, left my belongings with the counter staff and went to the gear up area.
As it was winter, I was handed long pants and fleece jacket to put on. The person gave me the smallest size for the pants and I have a little problem pulling it up my big hips (lol) but at that moment I am not in the condition to ask for a change. The pants were also apparently too short for my long legs (I'm short but I have long legs)! Haha. Thereafter it's time to put on the harness. I do not need to do anything, the staff wore the harness for me and it's done in a minute or so! He asked me if I am scared; I must be trembling then! My fingers were also exceptionally cold. I must be nervous lol.
Then I met with my tandem instructor, Max. He's the super cool kind, not the cheery kind of person I was expecting.
After we exchanged a couple of sentences, we gathered to have a briefing. It was really brief which actually made me wonder if that'll be enough. We were briefed about the kit at our waist (in case we land in the sea), how we should place our hands and feet when we were at the edge of the plane, what the position should be after the instructor tap us to go into free fall position and how we should land. I have some problems with the landing position because my pants were too tight (lol).
After the short briefing, we were all sitting around waiting for the bus that will bring us to the (small) airport. During this time, I asked myself, 'why am I doing this?'. I surprised myself because I am actually not feeling all that scared, instead in my mind I confidently told myself this is what I have always wanted to do.
Pre-jump
The bus came. I could feel my own heartbeat quickening, but not as bad as awaiting to ride a roller coaster. It was a 20-minute ride to the airport. We went into a waiting room, where the instructors all systematically put on what they needed to in less than like a minute. Then they started checking on the harnesses of their own tandem diver. Except mine. My instructor brought me out of the waiting room without checking on my harness! I was a little scared, but in the end he did check, outside the waiting room. He's cool like that. We all headed to the plane.
Several instructors and divers were already in position in the plane. I was supposed to go up after my instructor did. My instructor was already in the plane and I'm on the ladder, then he suddenly answered a call. A call that was quite a few minutes. At that point, I was like, 'what's happening why is my instructor answering a call when we are about to set off?'. I started to worry for my safety. After he put down the phone, we were all asked to go back to the waiting room. We all don't know what was going on. I started to think that there must be a problem with the plane. But there's nothing we can do. In the waiting room, the instructors were still cool about everything; it was as though nothing happened. In a matter of minutes, we were out there again. I still don't know what happened then.
I suppose that day was a full load flight. The plane was full, and we were stacked back to back, with our instructors behind us. I actually felt safe being stacked together, because then I know I won't slide away from where I am sitting. Just when the plane was about to set off, the instructor in front of me was saying 'in the event of a plane crash...' lol.
And so, up we went. At first the altitude seem to increase at a slow pace. After quite a while, it is only 3,000 feet above ground. It does look a little scary at this point. As it got higher, mysteriously, it gets less scary as the view below become increasingly spectacular. At about 6,000 feet above ground, everything below becomes smaller and I thought to myself "it's like a miniland". Pretty, pretty, pretty views. The plane ride itself is already a 'wow' experience!
It is indeed true that at a few thousand feet above ground, everything below looks the same. From 6,000 feet, altitude increases exponentially and before I know it, we had reached 14,000 feet above ground. This is where we will start jumping. I looked out of the window, it does look about the same as when it was just 6,000 feet above the ground. As the altitude increases, I also told myself that there's no turning back.
I have seen many videos on skydiving and know that we will be hooked to our instructors by hooks at the shoulders. Suddenly, (stupid it may be) I wonder if notwithstanding being attached to my instructor, will I be dangling in the air below my instructor? I felt a little insecure but this thought quickly vanished when seconds before the plane door slid open, my instructor asked me to slide towards him (at that moment I was partially deaf haha) which I didn't but he still managed to buckle me up, strapped tightly to him. At this point, I felt that there was no gap between us (literally) and so felt very very safe. I also saw him hooking me to him. I told myself I am in safe hands (lol).
THE jump
As soon as the door slid open, there was a strong gush of wind. Very quickly, the first guy jumped. I heard no screams from this guy, which convinced me that it's not going to be scary. I was second.
Immediately, my instructor and I moved to the edge of the plane (omg, how did this even happen?) and I simply refused to look down. I got into position and even though I was already lying back, I felt my instructor push my head back (which was good I didn't want to look down at all). My eyes were closed.
Before I know it, I was out of the plane. When it was about to be my turn, was I scared? No. I was in a total numb mode. I was not feeling scared at all. I was devoid of all feelings. Really. Even at the edge of the plane. It could be because I know I was in safe hands. How can I even compare this to a roller coaster initially, when the fear I have when waiting for a roller coaster is so intense it often sends my legs trembling.
It was all quite overwhelming in the first few seconds. I can't say that there was absolutely no feeling of falling. I'm not sure which comes first but I felt myself falling and overturning in air. I am pretty sure my eyes were closed when I overturned. But I saw myself falling. It does not feel like a roller coaster, because the fall felt really slow. I could feel myself falling, I could see that everything below me were getting nearer to my eyes but the feeling of falling is so slow it doesn't seem to tally with what I see. So if USS red roller coaster has a scare factor of 7, this scare factor is only 1. I don't think I screamed. But I know I made the usual funny noises like I always do. ;)
After those few seconds, my instructor tapped me and I went into free-fall position. From then on, there was absolutely no feeling of falling. It was as what I read - floating in air. It felt like... flying. Really. It was amazing. The feeling and the view. Everything. I see the buildings below me getting bigger and bigger but I do not feel like I was falling at all. I felt a sensation I've never felt before in my life. It's not something I can adequately put in words. However, the wind was really strong, slapping against my face making my face distorted in most of the photos that were taken. It was hard to make all the hand signs (like thumbs-up) during free fall. Even moving my hand to grasp my instructor's hand was not easy. I had to fight against the air around me. I also feel like I cannot breathe, hence my mouth is ajar, alike gasping for air.
Then I felt a tug and that's when I know my instructor had pulled the parachute. The jerk impact was bigger than I had expected but luckily, Max held me during the jerk. I felt like I would overturn if the hasn't held me as he released the parachute. Now, I am in an upright position. It still felt amazing (for lack of a better word). I was in awe and is still in awe at this stage. In fact, I was in awe throughout. How can skydiving feel so good?
As I was para-gliding, I was so at ease, so happy. I know I am smiling at the time. Even after I returned to Singapore, I can't stop grinning from ear to ear. I am just so happy!
In the picture I looked so happy. I don't think I ever smiled so widely, so happily in any of my photos.
I fell 10,000 feet before the parachute opens. That's about 20 seconds before I would fall right onto ground. The only thing is I don't know why my instructor did not allow me to play with the parachute. :/
Post-jump
After we landed, the instructors will loosen the harnnesses for us and we were sent back to the drop-zone, this time a 5-minute drive away after we landed in a park. I was a little dizzy (hence the need for a light breakfast I guess) and my ears and nose were somehow suffering the after effect. These were nothing major though. Not really uncomfortable. :)
Everything was over - in so fast. I'd think it is necessary to get photos to remind yourself of the event. I enjoyed the experience. Even on the day itself, I already feel like doing it again. YES. This is worth every single cent of what I paid.
Is skydiving scary? No, it is NOT SCARY AT ALL. This is coming from someone with fear of heights. Take a leap of faith and this will be the best experience you could imagine. "Beat your fears, push your personal boundaries and step outside your comfort zone, once you’ve taken the plunge you will feel like you can achieve anything." I don't really think it's anything brave doing the jump, especially after I've done it I find it to be awesome rather than scary. But when I say that I am scared of something now, my colleague was like I should be fearless now (lol).