Went for a bucket-list, once in a lifetime tandem and now I'm hooked! I feel lucky to live relatively close to this DZ and have pretty much decided to start on my A-level with them next summer. Who knew? They should have a disclaimer of side effects: that there's a small percentage of bucket listers who end up getting hopelessly, head-over-heels hooked!
My instructor, Rick, was an older gentleman and very safety-orientated, which I appreciated. He seemed very cool and I would've loved the opportunity to pick his brain a little more about anything and everything skydiving related. He said he had 4100+ jumps and 20 years in the sport, so I felt very reassured that I was with a skydiving veteran with tons of experience. Regardless of whatever stats you're quoted, skydiving can be a dangerous sport (like anything) and the most important thing is being able to walk away and live to skydive another day. All the staff were very friendly, welcoming, and just looked to be having a good time, it was a great atmosphere!
Check-in was very fast and the girl at the counter was very friendly. I had already decided to get the photos but she very easily talked me into getting the video too, which I did not regret. Great sales pitch, no pressure, and I'm glad I did. With that, we were ready and just waiting for our ride. They had very nice, clean, spacious grounds. There was a good-sized fenced-in playground for kids, scattered picnic tables, a couple trees which were good for shade but didn't block the view, disc golf and lots of grassy space. They sold cold drinks in the office but no on-site food vending. But you could easily bring fast food, carry-out or a picnic and have a great half day on their picnic tables. Everything was very tidy, pleasant, and the time went by very quickly just watching the plane loop and parachutes float and chatting with other nervous first-timers.
Before long, it was time. We were buckled into harnesses quickly and efficiently and given goggles. I wear glasses so they went over how to snugly fit the goggles over them so they wouldn't fly off, and all my questions. We were given a very quick run-down on what to expect, how to arch when you first exit the plane (looking back on the video, I'm afraid I completely forgot and spent the first second or two flailing before I remembered to arch, oops). If you get the video package, the videographer will film you throughout the process and get little interviews to capture your state of mind during the experience, I highly recommend it! The videos are pretty formulaic, there's hundreds on their YouTube channel, but I found it to be worth it just to relive the minute of freefall and that feeling when you first exit the plane.
The "instruction" really just involves them giving you some pointers while they're buckling you in. It works, it's fast and efficient and gets your mind away from any anxiety that may be starting to creep up. The plane ride up to altitude felt like it took forever, but it was a beautiful day, a beautiful view and I kept peeking at peoples' altimeters watching the numbers slowly climb. The best was the open-door "air-conditioning" a third of the way up. Everything about it just felt right. There were no butterflies, no fear, anxiety or nervousness, just a sense of anticipation of something amazing.
Long story short, I can't wait to go back! The euphoria and endorphins kept me in a great mood for a solid week afterward, and way too much of my time has gone into research about the sport since then. It looks like this is probably the largest DZ in Michigan, which makes me extra lucky, and I was glad to see that they offer both AFF and IAD training paths. I've already started saving and can't wait to head back next summer! read more
