Today was the day I jumped out of a plane at 15,000ft! That's right! Chay - the dude scared of heights did a massive skydive today!
The day started off with a casual stroll around some forestry outside Rotorua. I got to know a guy named Harry! He's really into his road cycling and does a bit of mountain biking. So naturally we both got along really well. We spent 2 hours wondering a path of the forest, talking about all our cycling moments - although I think he beat me there as he seams pretty serious about it! It was good though made me really want to get on my bike when I get home and be gave me a few tips about how I can do some races which was cool. Coincidentally the area we were in was apparently one of the best places on the planet to mountain bike but thankfully we didn't have time to hire anything, we wouldn't want another Lake Gaurda experience!
So then we got back on the bus at around 11 and that's when I started to get a bit nervous because in 45mins we would be at Lake Taupo and would be picked up by the transfer bus.
On route I felt fine, no nerves or anything! I think having a bunch of friends doing it with me made me not want to show my fear so it helped me really. I just stayed positive! We had a briefing at the jump centre and got to choose our jump height! 12,000ft or 15,000ft. All 9 of us chose 15,000! It's a little higher, and hence you get an extra 15 seconds free fall so it means if its your first time you have enough time to get over the screaming to look around and enjoy the fall!
We got suited up and I was still feeling good! Got a little pump on and was very bouncy but wouldn't say I was nervous. Took a few snaps, partnered up with my diver and got ready to go! Stepping on the plane I just thought well that's it! Only way I'm coming out of this plane now is by jumping.
The flight up the adrenaline started to build the climb took 20 mins and 6 of us were crammed into this tiny plane! I was second in line as me and Rachel both had people jumping next to us for photos and video so we were both first to go!! Rachel wasn't happy so I just spent my time looking after here which was good for my nerves! The ground kept falling away and at 13,000ft we put our oxygen masks on! This was it! The clock was ticking and soon the thin plastic door would slide up and we would all pile out in quick succession! s***!
Before I knew it the wind was gushing in, one last look to the back of the plane for a thumbs up and I was preparing to go! Rachel was in position but I refused to look as she jumped! That would have been to much! But I was calm and did everything my instructor said! I got the tap to move forward! My bare feet could feel the wind rushing around as they hung over the edge of the plane! I looked at the horizon as my camera man was hanging outside taking snaps! The adrenaline rushed as I gave one last shout and we fell towards Earth!
The fall was amazing! It went so so quick! I was just screaming with joy for every second! I went through some spins and tried my hardest to take in the view that was speeding towards me! Beautiful!!!
Before I knew it the gorgeous rush was over! The shoot went up and the adrenaline went down! I came in to land full of joy and excitement! I unclipped high fived my diver and ran over to Rachel for a huge hug! The feeling of achievement was epic! Indescribable excitement! As more people came down more people hugged! Full of smiles and thrill!!
Incredible experience! Can't think of anything more enjoyable!
After the skydive we went out for a meal to celebrate and then prepared a load of rolls for our trek of the Tongariro crossing! Then out for a drink!