16,500ft with SKYDIVE AUCKLAND

This is the type of experience that is hard to blog about. Feelings/emotions will undoubtedly vary between individuals - but I thought I would share mine nonetheless. The 'I am scared' argument simply does not comply with me, as I feel we only have one life and should try things at least once (Great white shark cage diving does not apply). Yet this was my second jump in Aoteroa (meaning I enjoyed the first one - although I did think at the time I was going to die), and I chose to go with the lovely, cool bunch of people that form Skydive Auckland. 

Apart from the fact that yet again, you are putting your life in the hands of the guy behind you, the safety procedures remain the same - something that the company makes sure is understood by everyone on the 'load', or those sharing the plane ride up. Safety is the primordial aspect of this sport, and yes, there is roughly 1 in 100,000 chances to die, but you get over that by thinking 'nah, that can't be me'.

Getting all geared up, you meet with your instructor (Mick for me), or tandem partner, who takes you through what is going to happen, or the basic laws of physics which state that what goes up must come down.

Getting ready

It takes roughly 20 minutes to get up to 16,500ft (just over 9,000m). During that time you have time to chat about what you had for dinner last night, who your favourite football team is (it was easy to guess from Mick's Liverpudlian accent), or just generally enjoy the view.

Can you detect any stress?

What happens next is the 'scary' bit. The bit where the plane door opens and suddenly your whole body and legs are dangling out of it because, well because Mick needs to be sitting down to push us out. If you hold faith, now is the time to pray to your God.

Goodbye, cruel world!

This is the part which is hard to describe. the first time round, my heart jumped out of my chest and the falling  feeling was too overwhelming. This time around, the eyes stayed open to admire the scenery, no fear was felt - it was simply enjoyable. at 16,500ft, you have approximately 75 seconds to enjoy the freefall.

Mick and I enjoying the view

Time flies when you're having fun flying. Next thing you know, the chute opens.  I warn you now, this is going to hurt tomorrow. Don't forget you are falling at over 200km/h and suddenly more than 800 Newtons is exerted on your body. But as you can tell from my face below, all is good.

Doing spins in the air (optional as can make you feel dizzy)

The air suddenly becomes breathable again, which is a nice feeling. I compare the breathing style up there to when dogs stick their heads out of a car on the motorway - difficult. Before you know it, it's time to land and feel slightly nauseous from all the adrenaline that's been pumped.

The eagle has landed - job done!

You will only know once you try. Once you get over the fear factor, sunny skies and a smile on your face is all you need to go skydiving. Because the sky is no limit.

Skydive Auckland offer free pick-up and drop-off from Auckland CBD. Book through 4SightSeeing and receive a free t-shirt (offer valid until 22/06/2013). Choose from 13,500ft or 16,500ft.