My first tandem jump happened on a sunny June morning in Chelan, Washington. We arrived at an airfield that consisted only of a small metal building, a porta potty, one very old plane, and a dirt run way. We completed our 30 min video, signed a waiver, put our suits on and we were on our way.
It took the plane forever to reach jumping altitude, 11,000ft. I am not sure if that was because of the age and size of the plane or my nerves messing with my time perception. But it felt like a 20min climb.
Because of the limited space on the plane only two jumpers were boared, my sister and I and our tandem partners. Thankfully I jumped first so I did not have any more time to let my nerves build. The pilot stalls the plane, the door flings open and before I know it we are standing on the ledge looking down and for a moment time stands still. My partner pushes off and we go spining out of control for a 25sec free fall. Before I know it I feel a jerk, the parachute is deployed and we are enjoying beautiful views of Lake Chelan, the Columbia River and the surrounding vineyards.
We landed with ease and immediately I was hooked. One of the best experiences of my life, even typing this now gets my adrenaline rushing!
"To those that jump, no explanation is necessary. To those that don't jump, no explanation is possible."
If skydiving is on your bucket list, do it! And if you are ever in Washington go visit Skydive Chelan they are amazing and the views are spectacular.
