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OK guys, I'm flying ...like a bird!
One of those great moments in life. Scary? Nah...kid's stuff. Calm as can be. If I 'bounce' (terminology for a terminal descent) I won't know about it. I'll just yell my head of to the last second and go out enjoying it.
Although how I got into skydiving over the Skeleton Coast in Namibia is quite a crazy story. Our tour group pulled into Swakopmund, Namibia right on the Skeleton Coast, so named because many shipwrecks had occurred there and because of the bleached bones left during the heyday of the whaling industry. Wreck survivors may have reached the shore thinking they were saved, but soon died of thirst on the desert coast: the desert stretches inland for over a 100 miles in some parts. For years I had dreamed of a scenic flight along the coast.
None of our group would share in the cost of a scenic flight and way too much for me on my own. But the young guys were daring each other to go skydiving, and wanted numbers. I figured that to get my desperately wanted scenic flight all I had to do was jump out of the plane at the end. I thought that was a good idea, as I get to watch the scenery on the half hour flight up to 10,000 feet for nothing...purely a bonus. Yeah, I was into that deal!
Kay wasn't too worried...she was probably texting our insurance broker to bump up my cover!
Actually, had a queasy stomach that morning, and the tight harness around my gut, and sitting so cramped up in the plane was torture...I was so glad to get out and jump. Well, you don't jump...the guy you're harnessed to shoves you out! No last minute scaredy freeze-up, or turning back. It's not your decision...you just get pushed out.
Mind you, Paul was good. Talking quietly in my ear, telling me what to do, going through the countdown, making sure I had arms crossed while sitting in the doorway, and staying calm and firm. Paul is a great guy to jump with. A class act for Groundrush Adventures, Swakopmund.
I was thrilled to be jumping. No thoughts of fear. I just wanted to enjoy every minute, and be able to see the scenery, the coastal dunes contrasting with the deep blue waters, and the topography of the land. I thought the unique overhead perspective of the massive sand dunes, and the rivers snaking their way across the plains was worth the adrenaline buzz. A totally amazing way to see the Skeleton Coast!
I was the last to jump and so I got to see all 9 others jump and land. Most were tripping over, landing on their bums, or scared shitless. They all loved it though.
Check out this video. I paid extra to have another skydiver jump separately and video me and Paul. Watch for my landing...nope, I have never jumped before. But with that perfect landing I sure got asked if I had!
I have a confession- it was so freezing that approaching the ground I knew I was so cold and stiff there was no way I could take any steps on landing. So I made sure I listened and re-acted to Paul as he talked me through preparation for landing. And when he said " Put your feet down." I put them down ...for that perfect finish.
For a long time I just stood there until I could move.
Info and rates are there. For the extra DVD and heaps of pics you'll need to pay for another skydiver. All up around $2050 Namibian dollars. Worth every cent.
29 comments:
Not sure if your braver then me or crazier then me lolol
Tons of credit Jim!!!
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It was fun JIM, I never thought about being scared. I rationalize my fears away by asking myself- "Will I survive this?"
If the instinct is yes, then not much point in being scared, as I 'know' I will be OK, so I may as well enjoy it.
Worth every cent!
My son did the same one, I believe, and loved it.
I have other memories of falling from the sky and doubt very much I would like to duplicate the experience.
Wow,I'm speechless. I'm terrified of heights and thought I was brave when I did a hot air balloon trip in Cappadocia in Turkey. It was tame compared to this, Kudos!
Hi Roy, I seem to remember you saying your son was through Namibia. Glad he enjoyed it. The view from up there is amazing out along the coast. Very impressive.
Hi Hocam, Ballooning is still pretty impressive. I'd love to do that also.!
That is just awesome Jim! My daughter did it for her 16th birthday just outside Bs As. I will post the clip some time..it was amazing to watch it. The view you´ve had here is breathtaking!
Mine: http://nelietatravellingadventures.blogspot.com/2011/09/youtube-tuesday_26.html
Wow my sister did this and now I am eager to do it as well
You do live life in the fast lane, Jim. Very impressive...good on ya, mate.
Here's my YTT post: http://nelietatravellingadventures.blogspot.com/2011/09/youtube-tuesday_26.html
I've always wanted to Skydive, always said if I ever got married again I'd do it skydiving (naked) lol... Well needless to say that will never happen, 1 rollerskating accident took out the first ankle. Then 3 years later fell from attic 8' to the garage floor ...oppps there goes that second ankle.. I could jump with ease, but I think I'd need someone to catch me as I landed ... my landing gear is broken....
Thanks for sharing Jim, looks like you had a blast!
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Nope! Naughta! No Way! Absolutely not Jim, would you ever get me up in a plane to jump out of it! p.s. I'm not scared of heights, just get awfully sick up there LOL.
Great video! Thanks for sharing that one :)
I am in a daze...And I admiire your guts.I did parasailing once and promised never to do it...great!!!
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Jim, I'm impressed! Wouldn't catch me doing that for any amount of money :)
Adventurous and wonderful...would like to do this myself some time.
coolness....always...XOXOXOXO
http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/2011/09/you-tube-tuesday_27.html#axzz1Z5JRDRmX
Hi Neleta, good to hear she did it. When are you going to? Scaredy...
Let us all know when you do Sparklemezen!
Hi Corinne, ah well not so much the fast lane, but hey, I really wanted that scenic flight and was the only way to do that.
Hi Debbie, that will be a skydive for Facebooking! They actually land very softly and very controlled. You could do it!
Hi Mary,
I know what you mean. I wasn't feeling too good myself with a queasy stomach.
Hi Alpana, parasailing sounds adventurous. Absolutely would love to do that also. You're a brave girl.
Hi Janu. Just do it! You'll love it.
Hi Bonnie, just like flying with the angels. The sensation of flying is tremendous.
I can't believe I still have never gone skydiving. I'm afraid if I wait too long I will lose my courage! :)
I want to go sky dive now!! That looked awesome :)
http://itstigertime.blogspot.com/2011/09/you-tube-tuesday_26.html
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Whoa!!! Amazing stuff - I watched the video twice - it was so much fun to see. You sure planted your landing - perfect! The scenery was gorgeous!
You are so inspirational Jim!! What a view coming down hey? Between you and Craig i think I may be feeling a little braver to try this
Ladies, don't wait. It is a blast! Something you can look back on and say "I did it!"
Hi Caz, how's the wee omne?
Yep, now that Craig and I have done it it's your turn! You'll freak out but then settle into enjoying it.
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