Sky Diving AFF Jump 1

AFF course day 1- by Rob Nelson

This morning was my first jump as part of an Accelerated Free Fall course (AFF) that I decided to do a long time ago but never had the time or resources.  Finally, I figured it was time to add skydiving to my resume so that I could get one more cool angle with a camera. 

Sky diving is an interesting sport I’ve decided.  Most people think its crazy that you’d want to jump out of a plane.  I heard that every time I told someone what I was planning on doing.  That follows with questions about how dangerous it is.  I already decided I didn’t want to look into that too much.It really would only make me worried.  Anyhow, here I am now having jumped once and I’m an hour from jumping a second time. 

The feeling is different when you’re around skydivers.  It doesn’t seem dangerous.  In fact, after you learn a bit about your equipment you learn that it is extremely difficult for the shoot not to open.  That’s what its designed to do.  Besides, most of the people here have thousands of jumps.

I wanted to explain what it felt like on my first jump though, before I become a leaping pro.  For months, I had no apprehension of the jump.  All I have to do is jump out of the plane and pull the shoot.  It wasn’t until the plane started gaining altitude that I started getting nervous.  In fact I though tot myself, what if I throw up?  I’m going to feel really embarrassed. I wasn’t scared about the fall this time however.  I was scared I wouldn’t remember my jump routine that would advance me to the next level.

The door finally opened at 12,000 feet and quicker than I could realize every “fun jumper” bailed out of the plane.  Then it was Jonas and his Jump Master’s turn.  Out they went. I was last.  Its nerve racking standing at the door realizing that YOU have to pull the cord this time.  I mean, the jumper master is there but you feel like its your responsibility.

Out we jumped.  Free falling!  I checked my altimeter … 11,500.  I hesitated.  Crap.  What was I supposed to do now.  Oh right, practice pulls.  I did my routine … Arch, Reach, Locate, Pull, Check.  After three times I checked the altitude again.  7,000 feet.  WOW. That went way faster than it was supposed to. I could only do one more practice run before I was at 6,000 feet.  I had to get ready for the real pull.  We drop 1,000 feet every 5 seconds!  Now it’s the real one.  I’d never done it.  I pulled it, but it doesn’t open right away. In fact you start to speed up as you pull it!  Pop, it was opened.

That was the hard part.  I practiced maneuvering the parachute several times. It was so much more relaxing than the free fall.  Sheesh.  In fact, the view is amazing.  I’m on the North shore of Hawaii overlooking some kick-ass scenery.  The ocean, the mountains … oh, and my landing zone.  Where was I supposed to be again at 2,000 feet?  I’m lower than I’m supposed to be.  Crap.  It’s a small landing zone and I had to maneuver it in.  Fortunately for me the wind was different than normal this time and the instructor took the controls. 

I have another jump in half an hour now.  My heart is racing and I’m excited … but also nervous.  They say that’s good. If I wasn’t they’d be worried for me.

I’ll give you an update again after I take my first solo jump.  That’s a few dives away anyhow.

Kawabunga,

Rob

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