Passions, Part 1: Skydiving

This new series of articles, called “Passions,” is not a cheesy soap opera on day-time television. Rather, it explores what young successful professional women do when they are not working, and sheds some light on the hobbies and interests that they are passionate about.

Think that only a crazy person would jump out of an airplane at 13,500 feet and free fall towards the ground before your parachute opens? Well it might be a little crazy, but its also incredibly fun, at least according to the skydivers I talked to.

I have always been curious about skydiving, as I’m a pretty adventurous person and it seems like the last frontier in extreme sports. I’ve tried bungee jumping, hang gliding and parasailing, but something about skydiving whispers in my ear, “that stuff is all for wimps! Try jumping out of a plane!” I have tried to sign up for skydiving lessons in various countries and at different times in my life, but somehow, it hasn’t happened yet.

Then, I had dinner with my friend Joanna, who had just been skydiving the week before. She has been twice, and completely loved the experience. “It’s the rush of a lifetime,” she said excitedly. “It’s the closest you will ever get to flying.” She describes the experience of jumping out of a plane as both terrifying and incredible, and says that she would go back tomorrow if she didn’t have to go to work.

Joanna, who plans some of the city’s most exciting parties and events at her day job, is typical of the kind of high-powered young professional woman who is drawn to a thrill-seeking activity like sky-diving. Formerly considered a fringe sport, skydiving has grown in popularity and is now something of a right of passage for type-A personality corporate high flyers who occasionally walk on the wild side. The activity provides an unbeatable rush for adrenaline junkies who are used to working in high-pressure environments. Says Joanna, “The free fall, and then soaring over the earth, is just an unbelievable feeling.”

Joanna offers a few tips to the first time sky diver:

• Try not to be too nervous
• Remember to turn your head to the side to breathe
• Go on a warm day, as its much colder up at 13,500 feet

As a first time diver, you will jump in tandem with an experienced instructor, so there is no need to fear plummeting to your death. (Though I probably will anyway). But it is important to pay attention to the instructions and follow all of them to the letter. After that, kick back, relax, and enjoy your 6000 foot free fall.

So, Joanna has convinced me. I think I’ll go. We are planning to organize a group outing sometime in December 2007 with a bunch of our first timer friends. If any intrepid Glass Hammer readers care to join us, reply to this post and let me know!

For those of you who would like to try this activity in the New York area, SkyDive the Ranch is a reputable skydiving company located in Gardiner, New York. They are open 7 days a week from 10 am – sunset on weekdays and 8 am – sunset on weekends. A first jump is $189, plus an additional $89 for photos and video (highly recommended). They can be contacted at 845-255-4033 and at skydivetheranch@hvc.rr.com.

Happy jumping to you all!