I’m at the edge, looking 2000 feet below. For a moment I can’t breathe. Just minutes before I’d shuffled on my bum lining up behind others. Minutes before that I’d clambered in - my first flight. I was 21 years old.
A light aircraft. My glee as we bounced across the grass runway. The excitement of flying tingled with the nerves of what I was about to do.
I recall that the first planned jump was postponed. Psyched up and then, it didn’t happen.
A week later - a call. We’d jump in a few hours.
That moment perched on the edge, I’m contemplating not doing it, not sure I can.
I recall telling myself to let my hands loosen their grip. You don’t push out. You fall out. A conscious decision to let go.
The sound of the wind was incredible. Absolutely exhilarating. 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 check canopy. No need to look up - the sound and the pull up tells you it’s open,
But you must. To check it has opened correctly.
So little sound. This must be how it is for a bird I think.
So many years later I still feel in my body the sensation of peace and calm and just gently floating. And then, I have to land. Over all too soon.
One day, a 10,000 tandem - longer to enjoy the ride.
Have you ever done something exhilarating?
Or consciously - had to let go?
