JUMP STORY:

We all set off into the sunny morning and climb into our little white plane.  I live near Heathrow Airport – this little thing looks more flimsy than my car!  On board, there’s about 6 pairs of divers, 3 camera men and one trainee instructor who had to go out at 5,000 feet.  Oh and the pilot of course!

A very swift ascent; a few more instructions from my mentor Geoff, and a bit of flatulence in the air (no not turbulence – flatulence!); and we’re looking out over a beautiful scene  - a patchwork quilt of English fields; no two alike in size or shape or colour; bounded by dark green hedgerows and populated with tiny villages, sprawling towns and ribbons of road; some fluffy white clouds drift way beneath us as we head into the sun; and then it‘s time for straps to be tightened, soft leather helmets and gloves on;  we’re at 15,000 feet and, before we know it, we’re the last pair on the plane making our way along benches  toward the open door.

No time for even thinking of fear – this is the big moment.  The camera man swings out of the plane and my mentor Geoff and I shuffle forward on our behinds to the edge and away we tumble out of the plane doing a breathtaking back flip into the clear sunny air.  What an amazing feeling;  the peaceful landscape lies sparkling in the sunlight below us and we’re as free as the wind rushing past, dropping at 120mph.  No sensation of drag because we’re going at a similar speed to the plane we’ve left – awesome!  Like no other experience in my life.  We free fall for about 45 seconds in this enchanting dimension – I feel like one of the Red Kites that drift and yaw on the thermals below. 

All too soon it’s time to cross my arms out of the way whilst Geoff deploys the main ‘chute;  we slow dramaticallyfrom 120mph to 10mph and for a moment I feel like a puppet hanging loose on its strings and then, both our hands on the guide loops with Geoff calling the shots, no wind noise now,  we’re turning, swirling, chasing clouds and casting rainbow shadows on them - so beautiful – and how lucky to be here, to enjoy this.  Fabulous, exhilarating, awesome, breathtaking – every superlative you care to name. 

We slowly drift down for about 4 or 5 minutes taking in the scene, spotting landmarks like Silverstone, celebrity houses, beautiful landscape, and then, inevitably, the ground is there and we gently land feet first on terra firma.  All around me there’s laughter, relief, a couple of pale faces, a big hug from my mentor Geoff, my fellow divers, my husband Geoff and Janie; a glass of champagne, a cup of tea, some good natured banter, and we all sit to watch the videos shot by the cameraman on the way down – so glad to have them. 

GO TRY IT FOR YOURSELF - YOU'RE WORTH IT!

Love

Sue x