Skydiving in Taupo
Just before jumping off at 15,000 ft with tandem master, Mike, at Taupo Tandem Skydiving.
Monday 26 June, 2017 | Lake Taupo, New Zealand
“Smile!” shouted my tandem master, Mike, as my feet dangled over the edge of the plane. In that split second I was nervously excited as I looked down at Lake Taupo. Before I could change my mind, I was already free falling from 15,000 feet. The cold air hit my face, rushed through my windpipe and into my lungs. I could only describe the feeling as everything my logical brain should tell me not to do, yet I did it anyway. Rebel.
There were six jumpers in the tiny plane (plus our tandem masters and a free fall photographer) and I was the last to jump. There was no doubt in my mind that I would jump (or at least not resist Mike when he pushed us over the edge), I just hoped that if there was any last minute hesitation, I would at least keep my dignity. Mike kept talking to me on the way up, which kept my mind at ease. His first jump was at 15, and began training as a tandem master at 18. The amount of gear checks he did both on the ground and in flight told me he was a pro, and even after countless successful jumps, he still enjoyed sharing the thrill of a first time jumper.
Free fall! One of my contacts came out, but I still had one good eye to enjoy the view.
I was supposed to do my jump on Sunday, but cloud cover meant they couldn’t take off. Today, the weather played ball and I’m glad I had the flexibility in my schedule to stay overnight. Breakfast was a bowl of granola and Greek yoghurt from Coffee Club, which would have been perfect if I had eaten it an hour earlier. Note to self for next time (yes, I am seriously considering going skydiving again!).
“Before I could change my mind, I was already free falling from 15,000 feet. The cold air hit my face, rushed through my windpipe and into my lungs. I could only describe the feeling as everything my logical brain should tell me not to do, yet I did it anyway. Rebel.”
Being weather dependent, I recommend having a couple of days up your sleeve when planning your jump date. Luckily for me, I only live two hours away from Taupo. Also, the temperature drops a few degrees up in the air, so wear your woolies. Try not to wear overly bulky clothing because the harnesses are on tight, and it makes it easier to zip up your overalls, which I found out the hard way.
If you feel like you’re getting super nervous - just breathe, and remember that these guys are pros. Talk to your tandem master, and do your best to enjoy the moment. I totally get that jumping out of a plane seems crazy - but once you’re actually in free fall all that fades away. The payback is an incredible perspective of nature’s own, even if birds had a fear of heights, I doubt they would trade that view for a life on the ground.
So there you have it! Skydiving is now officially ticked off my list. I have the video and photos to remind me of a crazy decision, and now I have a cool story to tell my future grandkids.
"We'll be coming in hot, make sure to lift your feet." You land on your bum by the way. I had this cheesy smile all day, what an incredible experience.