Yes we did it. Woody's family talked us in to jumping out of a "perfectly good airplane" at 14,000 ft (approximately 2.5 vertical miles). This is past the point in commercial airliners when the flight attendant informs passengers that they can now operate electronic devices. The jump consisted of a 9,000 ft free fall in about 60 seconds and an excruciating ascent in a plane, with no seats, to our "final destination". There were about 15 jumpers in our group packed in a small plane like sardines. Most were single jumpers, some military, and three tandem jumpers with thier instructors. Woody and I each had a photographer/videographer and were forced to become instant best friends with a perfect stranger whom we were strapped to, very tightly, at the shoulders and hips from behind. I chose Bob becasue he looked as if he would cushion my fall should we encounter a crash landing. Woody didn't have a choice. The jockey-sized instructor always got the big guys to even out the weight for the parachute.
Instructors: "Who get's Tiny? Aren't you late for your NBA game Dude?"
Woody: LOL
Instructors: "How tall are you?"
Woody: "6ft 6in"
Jockey: "I'll take him!"
I drilled Bob with questions hoping to have a bonding experience before "risking my life for a thrill" as the instruction video put it.
Me: "How many times have you done this, hundreds?"
Bob: "Thousands."
Me: "Have you ever been hurt?"
Bob: "Never."
Me: "Have you every had anyone pass out on you during the free fall?"
Bob: "No"
Me: "Be honest!"
Bob: "Okay, only one. It was an man with a chronic illness in the last stages of his life."
Me: "Have you ever been peed on?"
Bob: "No, but are you in to that?"
As we became up close and very personal with our instructor during the ascent, we straddled the poor soul in front of us. There was no time to think, no time to back out. We walked to the door somewhat unwilling. WHOOSH! It was exhilarating yet beautiful. A little loud and windy I might add. Your mind cannot quite comprehend what you are about to put your body through. Will it be like a rollercoaster, like a dream of falling from a cliff (or out of the bed)? Neither! Words cannot express the feeling. And before you even know it, the experience is over. Would I do it again? Yes! Was it worth it? Absolutely! How much was the aerial photograpy and video? Priceless!
