not to<\/a> be missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNow, let me explain something. I don’t like heights, I don’t like roller coasters, and I really don’t like planes. So why I’ve always wanted to skydive I’m not quite sure. It just always seemed like it would be such a thrill, and I like to set myself challenges every so often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So when the opportunity came to jump out of a plane at 15,000ft in Taupo, NZ, with Skydive Taupo, I seized it with both hands. When I woke up on the morning of the jump, the sun was out, the sky was blue and there were only a few clouds\u2026perfect conditions. I arrived at the dive centre and was soon introduced to my tandem partner, the lovely Scott, who looked after me and kept me calm throughout the whole process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I got kitted up in my jumpsuit and harness and, after some quick instructions on what to do once we got up there, I found myself climbing aboard maybe the smallest plane I’ve ever seen, and then off we went! After about 10 minutes Scott clipped my harness to his and then I had to watch as the other people in the plane jumped out at 12,000ft and dropped away from view. That was probably the most scary part, seeing others do what I was about to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soon enough we were at 15,000ft, and Scott was shuffling me along to the open door of the plane. Before I even had a chance to think about it we were falling, upside down at first, then facing down towards the ground, hurtling at speeds I don’t even want to think about. But it was incredible. With my arms outstretched it felt more like flying than anything, like I was a bird soaring through the air. Yes it was cold and wet. And yes the wind was roaring around my ears, and manipulating my face into all sorts of crazy shapes, but it was the most intense and exhilarating experience I’ve ever had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After our 65 second free fall Scott pull the cord and we went shooting upwards as the parachute caught the wind above us. Then we slowly came back down to earth, looking out at Lake Taupo below. When we landed Scott asked me if I’d ever do it again. I could only reply, with a big smile on my face, “everyday!”<\/p>\n\n\n