The start and end to my skydiving career

by 187 Comments

I should start off by clarifying that skydiving was never a career for me (sigh), but it was a passion of mine for a few years of my life. Being an adventure seeker for as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to skydive. I looked into it and quickly learned that I had to be 18 years old to do it. I vowed to myself that on my 18th birthday I’m going skydiving and moving out of my parents house (I was a very independent child).* Well, 18 came and went and I didn’t go skydiving or move out of my parents house.

Fast forward 4 years when I was 22 and back-packing through Europe. I was visiting Interlaken, Switzerland and one of the main attractions there was sky diving (http://www.scenicair.ch/en/skydiving/46-helicopter-jumps.html). I jumped at the opportunity and signed myself up. It didn’t matter that I was on a strict 20 Euro per day budget, I figured that I just wouldn’t eat for a few days.

The big day came and I couldn’t have been more excited. I don’t even remember being nervous. It was a tandem jump after all, and I completely trusted the stranger experienced skydiver strapped to my back. The instructions took a whole of 5 minutes, when we jumped into the helicopter and up we went. Not only was it amazing that I was going to get to skydive from 13,000 feet but I got to see the beauty of Interlaken from the air. With a disposable camera in one hand (yes, this was before digital photography people), and my body strapped around the professional, it was our turn to jump. With my feet dangling off the helicopter, we counted to three and next thing I know we were free-falling. I can’t even describe this feeling to you other than saying it was the best 45 seconds of my life. I had a perma-smile on my face; half of it due to how happy I was and half of it due to the wind blowing in my face; after all, we were dropping towards the earth at 200 Km/h (120M/h). Then I received a tap on my arm indicating that he’s going to pull the parachute. I crossed my arms across my chest, and back-up we went! The next 5+ minutes is the part where you get to “sit-back” and enjoy the view as you’re gliding down. This is also when I was allowed to take pictures. The landing was smooth as I landed on my bum (per their instructions) and the first thought that went through my head was “I can’t wait to do this again”. I couldn’t afford to do it in Europe, but I was going to look into doing it once I got home.

Of course, life got in the way when I got home, and I didn’t get to go skydiving again until I was in Israel a year later. Being born and growing up in Israel, there was nothing more appealing to me then skydiving there. I grabbed my best-friend H, and off we went (http://www.paradive.co.il/english.shtml). The skydiving center was along the Mediterranean cost in Tel-Aviv. The view was breathtaking and the jump just as spectacular as I remember it being the first time around. I was so happy to share my love for skydiving with my best-friend. We spent the rest of the afternoon reminiscing about our experience on the beaches of Tel-Aviv.

When I came back home that summer, I was determined to keep the promise I made to myself, and FINALLY signed myself up for classes at a local (albeit a one + hour drive) skydiving spot just outside the city (http://www.skydivetoronto.com/). I signed up for the solo certified skydiving program which would enable me to skydive on my own anywhere in Ontario. There’s apparently several levels to become internationally certified, but I figured, one step at a time.

Sexy outfit on - check!

I had a full-day of on the ground training and then I just had to wait for my turn.

See you when I land :)

I’m not going to lie, but stepping out on the wings of the plane by myself, with no expert attached to me, made me really nervous. I thought I wasn’t afraid of heights, but that was SCARY!! However, there was no turning back at this point. At 4,000 feet, I counted to 3 and I jumped off, pulled the static line, arching and moving like I was taught while I had a few milliseconds of free-fall until the parachute fully opened. I enjoyed gliding down and controlling my parachute and finding my landing spot. Landing was my favourite part, and I always took pride in how “well” I landed (i.e. I didn’t injure myself).

I signed up for this course on my own, as I didn’t find any willing jumpers to join me. I spent my off-weekends, over a period of two summers, driving up and waiting several hours until the weather conditions were just right (wind had to be at approximately fifteen mile per hour or less). Since the site was located in Toronto it was hard to find a good-day and time to jump. During each visit, I was usually able to conduct one solo-jump. This made it very difficult for me to progress along. I also only had spectators come to watch me twice. Once it was my parents, and once it was my husband John (my boyfriend at the time). I had a lot of support from afar, but John was not very enthusiastic about my new hobby. Just like his mom, he worried a lot. I was surprised that he even came to watch me. It was also getting to be fall, which would mean I would have to wait yet another year before I can progress. And so, after 7 solo-jumps, I decided to end my skydiving career right there and then.It was a hard decision, but I know it was the right one. I learned a lot about myself, skydiving, and about reading the directions of winds (which I love to tell my husband every time we see a windsock pole). I loved just “sailing-in-the wind” and thinking about the beauty that’s below me. There’s so many memories that I will forever treasure about taking the course. You can watch a quick video, shot from the ground, of me jumping out of the plane here: http://youtu.be/cFZbklOgNEA

However… that didn’t mean that I wouldn’t tandem skydive again.

My last skydiving experience occurred while my husband (then boyfriend) and I were traveling in New Zealand. New Zealand is known as the adventure capital of the world. And so, it seemed fitting that we would do something adventuress there. The topic of skydiving came up a lot, but my husband mostly brushed it aside. I didn’t want to push (I’m not the type), so it wasn’t discussed much of our trip. Also, my husband self-proclaimed that he’s afraid of heights (really I know, it’s just what his mom told him) which I know is not true (he jumps from a 40 foot rock on our lake into the water; I can’t even do that). Anyways, I digress…we were on the way to the airport to catch our flight home, when we realized that we had about two hours to kill. I looked at my guide-book to see what was on the way to the airport, just to get in one last New Zealand adventure under our belt. I subtly mentioned that there’s a skydiving center along the route (http://www.skydiveauckland.com/), and my husband, to my surprise, agreed that we should go. This was a big deal people!!! I couldn’t believe the words that were coming out from his mouth, so I asked repeatedly if he’s sure. Once I believed him, I was all giddy! I couldn’t wait for him to experience something that brought so much joy into my life. I even made sure we had pictures taken of him to capture what will probably be the first and last time he skydives. To say the least, the experience was amazing for both of us (see picture below). I’m pretty sure I remember John using the word “love” to describe it. We made it to the airport with no time to spare. We parked our rental car in the paid parking lot and called the rental company to tell them that they had to come and pick it up and that the keys were in the glove box. We also mentioned, in passing, that the windshield was cracked and one of the tires were flat… but there was nothing we could as we had a flight to catch! They weren’t happy about all of this, but we didn’t care. We were still high from the thrill we just experienced. It’s a memory that I will cherish forever!

One thing is for sure though, if Kyle ever wants to skydive, I will be the one taking him, and hopefully joining him on this amazing adventure!

*My full plan was to live in an apartment on top of a convenience store with my best friend….. now that’s the stuff dreams are made of!

In case anyone is wondering what this post has to do with motherhood, please check out my updated “About” page: http://mayahoodblog.com/about/

:)

What Others Are Saying:

  1. Pam says

    Very cool Maya. My friends and husband surprised me with skydiving on my 30th birthday. I also went in Israel (paradive…near Hof Habonim…beautiful!) The difference between you and I is that I never wanted or thought about going skydiving and I think I turned green when we drove into the complex. I did it…and it was amazing, but the overwhelming adjective I would use to describe skydiving is overwhelmingly terrifying. You’re tough!!!

    Reply

    • says

      Ah! That’s amazing that you tried it though - and in Israel of all places. That’s always special!! I think it’s one of those things that you can now say you did and cross it off your list. That’s like bungee jumping for me :) Tried it and will never do it again (I think…).

      Reply

  2. says

    I am WAY impressed.

    As someone who has panic attacks ascending the stairs of a land-locked lighthouse, I can honestly say I’ll probably never experience that sensation … but I can sure appreciate reading about it!

    :)

    Reply

    • says

      Thanks for your sweet words and stopping by. Everyone has their own threshold for excitment, and I can understand that. Most of my family thinks I’m crazy for doing it ;)

      Reply

    • says

      You SHOULD skydive. It’s something that I think everyone should try once! I have been very lucky to have had those experiences and adventures. I wish it for you as well :) Thanks for your comment.

      Reply

  5. says

    I’m not sure I could ever skydive, but I’m really impressed with people who do. There’s something terrifying about falling through the other with nothing attached to your body, but I’m sure that’s part of the exhilarating freedom too.

    Reply

  6. says

    Love this! I enjoy skydiving, although it’s been 6 years since my last jump, I imagine diving in New Zealand was beyond beautiful. I don’t think my husband would EVER jump with me, but this entry leaves me with hope :)

    Reply

    • says

      I never thought my husband would do it either, so I guess you never do know. Maybe if you take him to New Zealand, he won’t be able to resist! I’m glad you enjoyed my post and thanks for the comment.

      Reply

  7. says

    How much fun! And who knew that hobby could be so time consuming in progressing to the locations you are allowed to dive in or to be an instructor.
    I do not think I have the nerve to jump out of an airplane. I am not much really into flying in them. It seems to take a lot of energy out of me when I fly…how silly is that?!
    It is great that you followed your passion and got to enjoy it! And kudos on getting the hubby to compromise and do something you really wanted to do. That is what great marriage is all about. The give and take of what is most important to each person, knowing when to let them have what they really want so you can feel good about getting what you want some other time.
    Congrats on FP!!! Lovely pictures and such a cute baby boy! AmberLena

    Reply

    • says

      Hi Amber,
      Yes! Time consuming and expensive. Although… I’m sure if I lived in a warmer climate, I would have progressed faster. Or at least I’d like to think that. I am sad that I didn’t get to being certified. Maybe one day….
      I am thrilled that my husband got to do it with me so he could see what the fuss was all about :) And you’re completely right about the give and take. I guess it was his turn to give after giving him so much of my time watching sports with him.
      Thanks for your sweet words and for comments.
      Maya

      Reply

  11. says

    Great post, Congrats on FP! I always thought skydiving should be on my bucket list, but not sure I would actually put myself in a position to do it, but glad you got too, must have been a truly wonderful experience for you! Sorry to hear it had to “end on a downward note” though, LOL!

    Reply

    • says

      Haha - great pun! You should definitely go skydiving though. Once you do it, you won’t regret it. I’ve yet to have met someone who regretted doing it. Especially if it’s on your bucket list!! Thanks for stopping by and your comment.

      Reply

  15. says

    This blog story was indeed a joy for me in both your writing and your pictures. It is not something I wish to do with age 70 facing me this week, but still an adventure I enjoyed sharing with you and your husband via the WordPress program. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply

    • says

      John I stopped skydiving about 7 years ago after nearly 2000 jumps, a lot of my latter jumps where as a tandem instructor and regularly took people over 70. If my memory serves the oldest person I took on a tandem was 83 so you have at least 13 years before your age becomes a valid excuse.

      Nice blog Maya, I miss it like crazy but I can also appreciate what else I have been given.

      Reply

      • says

        Andy! You should be writing a blog about skydiving. I’m completely humbled by people like yourself. At what point do you stop counting how many jumps you’ve done?
        Thanks for checking out my post!

    • says

      Hi John,
      Thank you for your kind words. I’m grateful to have people like yourself read my posts and enjoy them :) Happy 70th birthday. Wishing you lots of health, happiness and adventures in turning 70 years young.

      Reply

  17. says

    Wow. Great read! My first skydiving experience was in Georgia, where I had the benefit of a nice ramp at the back of the plane where I could just walk out as I whispered desperate prayers for my well-being and survival. I really cannot imagine a first skydiving trip occurring from a helicopter - my heart actually began racing as I read about your first experience - although I must admit laughing a bit at the thought of you holding a disposable camera in hand as you took a leap of faith.

    Thanks so much for sharing this, and for helping me escape the dreary New York weather I am currently experiencing as I daydream of skydiving somewhere warm and fun. Enjoy the day, and thanks for the picture of the baby skydiving - priceless!

    Reply

    • says

      Thanks for your lovely comment. It made me laugh :) The ramp almost sounds just as scary - as if you’re “walking the plank” on a pirate ship. I know what you mean re: dreary weather. I’m in Toronto, so nearby. I will be coming back to NY city this summer with my parents and the little one. We love it so much there. Hopefully it warms up soon.

      Reply

  18. says

    Maya, this is amazing! I always wanted to sky dive .. And I will in the near future.. But I’m still thinking in which country I want to jump : ) love your spirit and wishing you many more amazing adventures! Namaste, EL http://mselenalevontraveling.com PS - have u ever Walked with African lions in the wild? Highly recommend it!

    Reply

    • says

      Thanks for your lovely comment. Why choose which country… go skydiving in every country you visit! That’s what I hope to do. I have yet to be in a safari in Africa, but it is top of list of places I want to go to. Including climbing mount Kilimanjaro.

      Reply

      • says

        Thank you Maya! What a wonderful suggestion! My boyfriend is not gonna like it : )) .. well tough luck buddy, I’m gonna “do it” in every country : ) You are one hell of a lady! Glad to to be following you on your adventures. I want to climb Kili. too .. maybe next year.. and perhaps Gorilla trekking. Off to Morocco, Egypt & my favorite Turkey in March-April.

        Happy Travels

        EL

        http://mselenalevontraveling.com

      • says

        Ohhhhhhh - I love Egypt. Was there for a quick 1 day stop on a cruise and got to see the pyramids (which was always on my bucket list). You should try to go to Israel while you’re in the area too ;) We had one quick stop in Turkey too, but not Istanbul. I want to go there badly. Safe travels :)

    • says

      Lucky that you get to live in New Zealand. My husband’s family is OBSESSED with that country (of course) and have all travelled there within the past 6 years. We hope to go back one day soon and I have many more adventures to share from our trip down there. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

  23. says

    Love your skydiving adventure…It was in the background for me but…oh well…didn’t happen. It’s OK tho…I did go on the parachute jump at Coney Island. My highest physical leap of faith :)

    Reply

  25. says

    Wow that’s so great that you’re going to be supportive of your son if he wants to skydive. 7 solos!! Wow you are brave my friend!
    Its on my bucket list to go skydiving but I’m not 18 yet so I’ve got a ways to go! Still it took me 15 minutes to jump off a 40 ft cliff so I don’t know how I would manage 4000 ft!!

    Reply

    • says

      I say that I’ll be supportive NOW, but we’ll see when the time comes ;)
      Also, it may sound weird, but it’s much easier to jump from 4,000 ft vs 40 ft cliff because you can’t really see the bottom. That’s how I explained it to people when I told them I can’t jump from a 40ft cliff but can skydive.
      Best of luck on your soon-to-be skydiving adventure!

      Reply

  27. says

    Maya - what a great post. I have done a lot of crazy things in my travels, but skydiving is just one step too far for me - you are such a star for going for it - and for having such a positive attitude to your son getting up there and doing the same. Hats off too, to John, for having a go - legend!
    Julie (Oz)
    http://50wordsfor50countries.com

    Reply

    • says

      Hi Julie,
      Thanks for your sweet comment. We’ll see how I truly react once my son does want to go skydiving. He’s only 16 months old now, so it’s easy for me to say ;) John is the true hero of the story though. He did something that he would otherwise not do, and that’s a true star in my books. I look forward to checking out your blog too! Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

    • says

      I know! We actually really wanted to try it out last time we were in Israel. We were in a kiteboarding beach and everyone was doing it, but we didn’t have much time there :( A bit hard to do it in Toronto too, so we’ll see. Definitely on my bucket list of things to do. Thanks for the suggestion and stopping by.

      Reply

  29. says

    Maya, you are a brave and adventurous person. Keep it up for all of us that happen to be afraid of many, many things such as skydiving, horse backriding, etc. My girlfriend is like you, adventurous, but I am sad to say that I am the complete opposite, but love is blind and crazy and we are still together. We’ve traveled to many places, but her favorite place was a little town in Ecuador called Banos. Why? We went horse backriding for a couple of hours and although she had never been on a horse she was very comfortable and at ease with her horse. I, on the other hand, gave the reins to the tour guide and told him, “here, you drive this thing before I get a heart attack”. For about 4 to 5 hrs. the poor man had to “drive” his horse and mine. I refused to take the reins. That is why I love and admire people like you and my girlfriend. You guys are fearless while I, and others, just sit back and watch you do the crazy things we don’t even dare to dream. I love the way you write, you are funny and your writing is engaging and interesting. Keep traveling:)

    Reply

    • says

      Well - you didn’t just sit back and watch. You at least tried it out with her, and that’s all she can ask for :) We are what some may call “crazy”, but I’m sure there are things that I wouldn’t do that you would.
      Thanks for reading about my adventures. I’m so flattered by your sweet and kind words; both about my lifestyle and my post.
      Save travels my friend :)

      Reply

  32. says

    promised myself I would do this at 30 and did! 10 yrs later the thought STILL gives me an adrenaline rush. Did again at 36 and it STUNK. all depends on where you do it. But EVERYONE has to try it!

    Reply

    • says

      Oh no! Where did you do it at 36 that you didn’t like it? I’m glad you had one great experience though. It’s definitely something that everyone should try at least once!

      Reply

      • says

        first time I was on Eastern Long Island. Second in the Adirondack Mountains upstate NY and Everything that could have ruined it. well short of the shoot not opening did. Just before the jump the instructor places my hands on the ripcord handles and makes me pull chute was NOW in need of repacking. We go down. Get new one. Go back up (this after a previous attempt at the same place was canceled as we stood ready to do it, due to wind. This time we go-I am supposed to pull when we hit 6500 feet. Wayyyy before that instructor does-and we get blown way off course and when we get to the ground we hit so hard I was covered in bruises and it took a WHILE for him to get off me. Was a rush but the first time is like, well your OTHER big first time. Can’t replace either I guess.

      • says

        Haha! I like your comparison. Mmmm… I wonder if the instructor was new? I can’t believe all of that happened :( At least you had ONE amazing jump! That’s all that matters :)

  34. says

    Cool! I never mustered enough courage to skydive. The feeling of free fall is pretty daunting. I paraglide though but I guess that’s a little different. I love the sky and the freedom to move around in it, so one thing I know for sure, its definitely not the end of your skydiving ‘career’. :)

    oh… love that last picture…. will be really cool when it happens. ;)

    Reply

    • says

      If you paraglide, you should def. try skydiving! I’m sure you’ll love it just as much. And you’re right… it probably won’t be the “end”. I hope to skydive again. If not anytime soon, I’d love to go with my son (when he’s 18 and older of course. And if he wants to). Thanks for the comment :)

      Reply

  35. says

    Maya, you’ve reignited any passive thought I’ve ever had about skydiving!

    First off: Woot, fellow Torontonian!

    Secondly: I’m actually spending next year in Europe so I’ll now be sure to make a stop in New Zealand and cross skydiving off my bucket list.

    Fantastic Post!

    Reply

    • says

      Yey! Glad to hear that you’re going to do it :) What’s taking you to Europe? There are some great spots to skydive there as well. But NZ is def. tops!! Have an amazing trip filled with adventure and laughter. Safe travels and thanks for your comment :)

      Reply

    • says

      Awww!Thanks for the sweet words. I’m glad you’re considering going skydiving. It’s def. something you need to try once in your life. I can’t wait to hear your story once you do it :)

      Reply

  39. says

    I loved reading this post! I had done the solo skydiving and would love to continue to do it again, but life gets in the way (as you know). I agree with you, it’s an experience that really transforms you. I’m going to have to check out the skydiving places you’ve been. I’ve never done it outside of the US, so after reading this, I’m very excited to chase after it again.

    Reply

    • says

      Thanks so much for your sweet comment. It is a time consuming and expensive hobby. Unless you make it your career I guess. Glad to know there’s others who have experienced and love skydiving as much as I do :) Let me know once you take your next jump. Would love to read about your adventures.

      Reply

  40. says

    Now you have to try paragliding! I did military parachuting years ago and was actually thought a bit weird for liking it. I found my true obsession in paragliding some 20 years ago (!) and I still fly when I can though circumstances dictate that it’s not that often. Be warned: it’s addictive!

    Reply

    • says

      I wonder if there’s paragliding near me…I doubt it though, I live in Toronto :( I was in Brazil for a quick work visit once and wanted to do it there badly. But I didn’t have enough time to do it. I’m sure it is addictive… but hey, I am still willing to take that chance and try it out. I need to check it off my “adventures / thrills” bucket list! Thanks for your comment.

      Reply

  41. says

    Wow! I have been wanting to sky dive for such a long time now! :-) I am from India and it’s impossible here.
    Oh and btw I am 22! Just this new year my brother was on me to celebrate 2012 in Dubai and I only relented the moment he told me I could sky dive there!
    I was pretty sure I would finally jump off a perfectly fine working plane before the new year dawned, but to my dismay, all the diving places were fully booked till the 10th of Jan!
    Always a next time! :-)

    Reply

  42. says

    What an amazing feat Maya! Truly enjoyed reading about it here. My goal is to skydive this April with my oldest who is turning 21. I’m hoping to give him the surprise for his birthday. We’ve always talked about it and after reading your post I am definitely inspired to try now more than ever!

    Reply

    • says

      That’s amazing. Your kid will LOVE it and so will you. I think it’s so special when a parent is involved. My parents didn’t go skydiving with me, but they came and watched me. I could see how proud they were in their eyes which made me love it that much more. Have an amazing time and hopefully I’ll be reading about your experience in a future post.

      Reply

  43. says

    Maya, I did 1 tandem jump in my early 20′s. It was so fun. I loved it! I paid to have a video taken and I’m glad I did because it’s such a fast experience and unlike anything else in normal life. Seeing myself do it on the video helped anchor the memory for me. I loved the quiet gliding part. the main thought that occurred to me was how, when we’re on the Earth, we are almost always on these grids of streets, roads, sidewalks. But up the air we were liberated from all that.
    I started early telling my son, now 8 years old, that when he’s 18 we’re going skydiving. When he was about 4 we read through this book of amazing rescues and one was about a skydiving accident. It kinda freaked me out about how dangerous it can be. But I think I’ll still keeping planting the seed in his head (and mine!) to take this adventure when he turns 18. Only 10 more years! Thanks for posting.

    Reply

    • says

      What a beautiful comment. My favourite part about the solo jumps was truly having ALONE TIME up in the air while I was gliding down. Just thinking about everything and anything. It’s the most at peace I’ve ever been.
      Don’t let 1 bad story scare you away. You and your son will love it, and it’ll be a memory that you will both cherise with you for years to come.

      Reply

  44. says

    That looks so amazing. I’ve always wanted to try it, but sadly, by the time my mother wasn’t allowed to prohibit it anymore my weight did. :( Have you thought about trying a wingsuit some time? Yet another activity I would *love* to try. It looks amazing.

    Reply

    • says

      I just looked it up. Looks amazing!!! I would LOVE to try that. My husband might not be pleased though. Haha. If I ever do it, I will be sure to post about it. Thanks for the suggestion.

      Reply

  45. says

    lovely blog Maya. I can so relate to you first tandem jump. I did a tandem some years ago in Ceres in South Africa. It was amazing and will remain a highlight of my life.

    Reply

    • says

      Oh wow - a jump in SA would be amazing. When I’m there (one day I hope to be), I will def. go skydiving. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it as much as I do :)

      Reply

    • says

      Just go and do it one day when he doesn’t know ;) It’s dangerous, but so are most things in life. I say if you really want to, it’s something that you have to try. At least once in your lifetime. good-luck!

      Reply

  47. says

    I’ve noticed that when people’s lives go on majority of their adventurous plans they’ve made as a teen or as a young adult of which aren’t accomplished tend to be forgotten, but you didn’t do that. You seem to have kept skydiving in mind for all those years of which I admire. Even though your plans and dreams didn’t go according to plan or didn’t happen at the time you wanted them to you didnt’ forget about them. Nice one :D

    Reply

    • says

      Thanks so much for your encouraging and sweet comment. I have to say that I am proud that I stuck it out. Especially since I didn’t have any willing participants who wanted to join me on this adventure. I love that I can look back and say that I have no regrets.

      Reply

  52. says

    This sounds awesome, I’ve always wanted to go skydiving and since I’m in Europe for a year hopefully I’ll get a chance to go to Interlaken. Maybe this is a dumb questions, but does the experience really change if you jump out of a helicopter vs a plane? Obviously the plane is moving a lot faster, is the helicopter less exciting or does it not really matter once your that high up?

    Reply

    • says

      Oh yes - you should definitely go if you’re in Europe! I wouldn’t say the experience changes one bit. The best part is the free-fall, and you get that no matter what you’re jumping out from. The only difference is the view! I think you get to see more from a helicopter. And personally, I’ve never been in one, so that was neat too :) Good-luck and let me know once you go. I would love to hear about your experience.

      Reply

  54. says

    it sounds amazing !!!
    the view from up there must have been out of the world
    you must have had a great time
    i hope i get a chance to do sky diving one day !

    Reply

    • says

      I hope you get to do it as well. I believe it’s something everyone should get to experience at least once in their lifetime! The view is out of this world!! Best of luck on your adventures :)

      Reply

  55. Red Toenails says

    First let me say…you so crazy! I am afraid of heights so I would never skydive. But you are so daring! And what a cute litte one. Great post.

    Reply

    • says

      All I know is that if you’re NOT scared before you jump, something is wrong with you! It’s def. normal to feel scared, but it’s all worth it! I hope you get to experience it someday soon.

      Reply

  58. says

    Woow! I like the story!

    I remember when my friend ask me to skydive on her 18 birthday. I just look at her like she was crazy lol I would have to eat my vitamins and say a LOT of prayer’s before I do what you just did! It’s good seeing people live up to their dreams!

    Reply

    • says

      Yes, I’ve been receiving a lot of “crazy” comments, but I don’t see it that way :) It was a dream of mine, and I’m so happy that I got to experience it multiple times. Thanks for the comment.

      Reply

  64. says

    This sounds amazing. My fiance has always wanted to go and before reading about your experiences I always gave him a resounding *oh hell NO* but maybe… just maybe…. :)

    Reply

  65. says

    I have no idea how you ahd the clarity of mind to actually take photos during your jump… I would’ve been so pumped up with adrelanine I would have never managed…lol. Fun to read about your experience, though!

    Reply

    • says

      I think I’ve thought about the day I was going to go skydiving forever, that it all ligned up perfectly for me :) Including remembering to take pictures (which happens to be my other passion). Thanks for stopping by and reading.

      Reply

  66. says

    Wow! I would love to try skydiving sometime. I mentioned it to my family this weekend actually and they said it wasn’t something they could see me doing. But I want to break out of people’s expectations of me and try something new and exciting in 2012!

    The only thing which scares me is the risk of injury as I heard about someone who badly injured their back when skydiving. I don’t know if I’d have the guts to jump out of a plane but I bet it’s a huge adrenaline rush.

    Congrats on being Freshly Pressed. :)

    Reply

    • says

      If you want to do it, just go for it. Even if you have to do it “alone”. You’ll never regret it, and then you can say “told you so!!”. Take pictures / movie of your jump. You’ll want to relive that moment for sure (and have evidence to show your family).
      Usually, the only risk of injury occurs when you land. So just listen to what the instructor has to say, and it should all be fine :)
      Thanks for your comment!!

      Reply

  67. says

    I’ve always wondered why anyone would want to, you know, jump out of a perfectly good airplane. I guess that’s because I’m not a thrill seeker, but I really enjoyed reading this. Maybe it’s because you mentioned backpacking in Interlaken. Back in 1984 I took a 6-week Eurailing trip with my two best friends and one of the highlights was definitely Interlaken. Beautiful.

    Reply

    • says

      Thanks for reading my post :) Interlaken was amazing. I did an awesome hike there. That was way harder than the jump to be honest. There’s so much beauty and fresh air there. It really can’t be beat.

      Reply

    • says

      I say that for your first time, do it as a tandem jump. If you LOVE it (which I’m sure you will), then go and try to do a solo jump. Best of luck! Let me know how it goes.

      Reply

  71. rightlyknightly says

    Great article Maya. Although I absolutely, totally don’t understand.

    I skydived once. I was underwhelmed. Sure, it was pretty. But I was just hit by the wind for a bit. Then the chute opened and I took a good look at everything. Finally I received a fairly ankle crunching landing. But never a ‘wow’.

    I mean, I’m not hardcore - I hate spiders and can generally be considered a wuss. Did I do it wrong?

    Reply

    • says

      Haha - I’m sure you didn’t do it wrong. It’s just not for everyone I guess. The ankle crunching during landing doesn’t sound too good though :( That’s when most injuries occur (during landing). so perhaps that soured it for you even more… Sorry to hear you didn’t love it :( But hey, at least you did it! That’s more than most people can say. Thanks for reading!

      Reply

    • says

      Good for you for doing it! I’d love to skydive in Ireland. I hope to be there this summer, but will probably not get to go skydiving since we’ll be there with our son. I was in Ireland about 7 years ago. Stayed at the Edge’s house (from U2); no biggie. Long story, maybe I’ll save it for another blog. Israel was amazing, but I’m a little biase. I was born there. Thanks for the comment!

      Reply

  73. says

    thrill seeking is symptom of dopamine receptor deficits…better to get treatment then life threatening activities…..there are never enough thrills to cure this condition…

    Reply

    • says

      Wow - I can’t say I’ve heard that before. Sounds a little extreme. I’m not a scientest, but I don’t think my “thrill seeking” is that serious. I’m sure there’s a range of low to high and I bet I fall on the “low” end. Thanks for your comment though :)

      Reply

    • says

      Couldn’t afford to video :( I was backpacking through Europe for 4 months, and could hardly afford the jump, but I couldn’t pass it up. Do you plan on skydiving one day? I hope you do - it’s amazing. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

      • says

        Definitely! I plan to skydive AND video it. You know, using one of those GoPro cams? :D

        For now, i could only afford to go for the indoor skydiving experience. Cause Singapore isnt really a place to skydive. Its waaaaayyy too small.

  76. says

    I love the romantic ending! you turned was once considered your hobby into a love story which I so enjoyed reading!

    I have never met anyone as fascinated with skydiving as you! It takes a lot of guts to partake in that activity repetitively so I commend you for such incredible courage! Thank you for sharing this story with us! It brought a smile to my face!

    If it’s alright with you, I started a blog of my own not too long ago and I would like to invite you and your readers to please check out my posts, comment, and subscribe! I would really appreciate any feedback as well as your support by signing up! The link is http://www.logicmeetsreason.wordpress.com Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • says

      Thanks for seeing the romance in the story :) it was amazing to share that experience w my husband. Thanks for reading my post and for the comment. I’ll be sure to check out your blog.

      Reply

  77. spunkyjoes says

    Wow, I’m currently about eight months through a big two year backpacking trip around the world. Always been a bit scared of heights but if I’ve learnt anything on this trip it’s that stuff you are scared of often turns out to be the best. Hence why in November, I shall be jumping out of a plane in New Zealand…

    Reply

    • says

      Oh wow! 2 years around the world?!?! I hope you’re blogging about your journey. Have an amazing time. And let me know how skydiving goes. You will love NZ. Safe travels.

      Reply

  84. says

    This is AWESOME! I can’t wait to skydive one day, and you have inspired me just that little bit more to hurry up with it! Thanks so much sharing :)

    Reply

  86. dobeman says

    I was in the Air Force…and it’s a good thing that we never had to jump out of a plane as part of our training. Because…I probably would have failed! Good for you though. Takes a lot of guts!

    Reply

  87. says

    Its a splendid story u have der :)….i love the way you’ve put words together to motivate first time jumpers…rite frm the time i turned 18, skydiving was a wish n sky diving in New Zealand has been a dream ever since, hoping one day it’ll fall through :)….
    7 yrs down the line i’m looking forward to my 1st jump in Dubai, its my 1st week at work in Dubai, n skydiving topped my to-do list after i receive my 1st dough tht i earn here, m sure its gonna b fun…jst cant wait : /….

    Reply

  88. says

    Do you have plans to continue jumping? I think you will, even if it happens to be years away when your kid is all grown up. Once you taste the sport of skydiving, especially after more than one jump, it sure is something that is a part of you for the rest of your life. I did several jumps every weekend for a few summers and took a season off. Even though I do not ALWAYS think about it, like i did when i was working towards my license and it was new to me, i just cant imagine myself quitting for good unless an equally exciting sport where to replace it (speed flying, perhaps BASE) When a song, comment, picture, video reminds me of jumping i really miss the sport, almost like an ex girlfriend that i never got over. I know I will have a skydiving relapse and cant wait!

    Reply

    • Maya Fitz says

      Hi Matt,
      Tnx for your comment. To be honest, I haven’t really thought about it or had a big urge for it since having my kids. BUT…if one day one of them wants to go jumping, I’d love to do it with them :)

      Reply

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