Alright, let's get this review started! My brother had asked me what I had wanted for my birthday and after a quick thought process, I said we should go skydiving as a bonding experience. He was beyond reluctant but I dragged him over to the dark side (we've got parachutes!). It took a few weeks, but SO WORTH IT.
Our reservation was at 10a, and we started driving towards Mesquite a little after 8a (eta was 1hr30min). We made good time and we were a little wary of the stillness of the airfield, but as soon as you find the skydiving warehouse, all is good! It was an upbeat environment with other jumpers, other tandem guests, and people repacking their chutes. There's also a cute dog! It is quite warm, due to it being an open warehouse, but there's a giant AC unit you can stand beside if you can't handle it.
My brother and I signed consent forms (understandably, you're going into this extreme sport on your own volition and thus, your own accountability) and went over media packages; video, stills/video, and 3rd POV.
We had a few jumpers ahead of us so we waited about an hour (reasonably, I wouldn't want to be rushed if it was my turn) before our instructors started harnessing us and letting us know the process. We waited a little bit again, for the plane to return from its last jump.
When we were about ready to start the walk to the plane, if you've purchased the video package, they'll start interviewing you to get some footage.
My brother and I got into the small plane (a Cessna!) with our instructors Dallas and Kash, respectively. We're seated close to them so they can film us (we both had our own footage) periodically while we flew up to the right elevation.
Time for the jump! My brother went out first, then I followed after.
Guys. IT'S AMAZING. I'm actually prone to motion sickness quite easily, which I mentioned beforehand, so Kash actually took this into account and did a different jump technique than what my brother had done (they pretty much somersaulted out of the plane; LOOKED AWESOME). The immediate jump was rough for me (I hate that stomach in your throat feel), a few seconds of holding my breath (not a good idea; you should probably scream like on rollercoasters but I avoid rollercoasters so I wouldn't know), before the air resistance picks up and you're sort of floating with a hundred hairdryers pointed at you. (My brother's instructor did some spins at this point. Fortunately mine did not in fear of chucking my breakfast, THANK YOU KASH)
Next comes the parachute opening, you're going to feel a big pull just as if you're running and someone grabs the back of your shirt so you comically and simultaneously stop and go backwards.
Here they let you take off your goggles and enjoy the view. This is where they'll do some fun tricks if you're up for it, like spins and techniques I don't know the name of. Kash let me control the turns, since I had mentioned my motion sickness might be a control issue (I only get carsick as a passenger not a driver) but it definitely took some Hawkeye level arm strength! I'm teeny tiny, so he took back the controls, aha!
Some of the turns were uncomfortable, but only because I'm a baby when it comes to nausea. Kash was a GREAT instructor, for realsies! His soft approach/technique was due to my sensitivity, which I appreciated BEYOND EVERYTHING. They are more than capable of doing more extreme techniques with you (as I witnessed watching my brothers gopro footage; I was SO HAPPY Kash didn't do that with me, LOL) just let them know, communicate what you're looking for and they're awesome at accommodating what you can handle.
In conclusion, sure it was physically taxing on me at times, but I'd SO GO AGAIN, and preferably with Kash because I know he'll take care of me and won't go too crazy with the spins.
If you're reading reviews because you're scared.. As Shia LaBeouf roared, JUST DO IT. At least you tried, you know? You can know, definitively, if skydiving is something you'd enjoy. You won't know until you try.
Life is all about experiences; we go through it just figuring out what we like and what we don't. The only harm you do is if you stop yourself from finding out.
TAKE THE JUMP.
PS,
They'll match Groupon prices upfront, so let them know if that's something you want to do.
PPS,
Thank you again, sincerely and with my utmost gratitude to Kash for being so understanding and capable with my jump. I wasn't scared of free falling or heights, but it was the plausible vomit I might have gotten all over you was my main concern. You're a forkin' trooper, Kash. Props, my man! From the blue haired tiny kitten who you carried ALL THE WAY TO THE PLANE, you HULK of a person!
PPPS,
Also, since you talked so fast, I was kind of confused whether your name was Joshua (name on your envelope) or Kash (name on gopro folder) but reading another review helped clear that up. Oh- KIT AND KASH! read more