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SKYDIVING ADVENTURE

By Melvin Laureano

Clear sky and mild winds make a perfect day for thrill-seekers to jump off an aircraft. Now that aviation is very common, skydiving is becoming a popular sport. It can be done as a recreational activity or as a competitive sport. By leaping into the air and free-falling for 40 to 60 seconds, skydivers usually experience a rush of adrenaline and then a peaceful sense of well-being.

On a bright sunny morning of July 19, we headed our way to Beiseker, Alberta to try this sport by doing a tandem jump. The Alberta Skydivers, Ltd. is located in the middle of canola fields and prairies so before we get there, I had the chance to enjoy the spectacular view. This remote little town is a 1-hour drive from Calgary.

When we arrived at the site, we were greeted by happy smiling faces of people. We introduced ourselves to everyone. The first step is to register and sign a waiver. I felt very excited as I register my name but during the waiver-signing, I got a little bit of anxiety. I have no one to blame in case something bad will happen. Next, we entered the video room. Here, we watched video instructions and skydiving basics. Then we went out for the half-hour ground training in an aircraft model.

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As I put my jumpsuit on, the fear inside of me ceased to exist. I started to feel fine and gain the confidence to entrust my life to my tandem instructor. He gave me some reminders before we headed to the small aircraft.

The airplane ascended for approximately 25 minutes before we reached the perfect height to jump – 10000 feet altitude. My instructor attached my harness to his, did a safety check and gave a quick reminder. When the door of the airplane was opened, cold wind started to fill the aircraft. Then we were ready to go….1…..2….fall.

During the freefall, I felt a great bliss – something I have never felt before. It was like I am floating in a bed of air. At approximately 10 seconds, we reached terminal velocity. It is when air resistance equals the pull of gravity. I did not feel the falling sensation. It is not like riding the Mega Drop or Roller Coaster. All I felt was pure enjoyment. I stretched out my arms and legs to catch the air in order to decrease our speed. On a bird’s-eye view, I felt like I was not attached to the world at that time. Before my eyes is a breathtaking view where earth and sky meets.

At approximately 4000 feet, my instructor deployed our parachute. This is another thrilling moment. As the parachute opened, it was filled with air and took a wing shape and became a canopy that slowed down our fall. My instructor gave me a chance to steer the parachute by myself. Using what is called the toggles where my hands were gripped above my head, I was able to turn into different directions and control the descent and forward speed of the parachute.

The great feeling of satisfaction was completed when my feet reached the ground safely. We went home with a skydiving certificate in our hands and a joyful spirits within ourselves. All my life, I will always remember this as one of the most amazing adventures.

For those who want to try skydiving, please visit www.albertaskydivers.com or email me at [email protected]

3 Comments on "SKYDIVING ADVENTURE"

Melvin Laureano on Sat, 15th Aug 2009 11:15 pm

Watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Zin2tASxc

Tec Del Rosario lampas on Mon, 31st Aug 2009 6:52 am

Dear Melvin,
Long time no news sayo. Kamusta na
Normi mention ur site to me today.
Kaya I read ur skydiving adventure.
Keep in touch. Galing mo!!God bless.

Love & pray,

Tita Tec Taipei, City

Melvin Laureano on Fri, 11th Sep 2009 11:36 pm

salamat po Tita Tec….miss ko na po kau

SKYDIVING ADVENTURE

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