Bucket List / Experience Goals
Skydive
Ticked off in December 2013
Sit on the edge of an open door at 13,000 feet, rock forward, and fall at 120 mph towards the earth.
The adventure
The climb to altitude takes around fifteen minutes, and it is the longest quarter of an hour of your life. The plane is noisy, cramped and full of people who seem far too relaxed. Then the door rolls up, cold air blasts in, and your instructor shuffles you both to the edge. Your legs dangle into nothing. One, two, three, and you're out.
For the first second your stomach lurches. Then the falling feeling vanishes and it becomes flying: a roaring wind at 120 miles an hour, the ground spread out like a map, and a grin you can't control. Around fifty seconds later the parachute opens with a firm tug, the noise disappears, and you float for five minutes or so in near silence, steering gentle turns over fields or coastline before sliding in to land.
Why it’s epic
- About 45 to 60 seconds of freefall from a typical 10,000 to 15,000 feet.
- Speeds of around 120 mph, the terminal velocity of a falling body.
- A peaceful canopy ride of several minutes with wide views of the landscape.
- Dramatic drop zones worldwide, from New Zealand's glaciers to Dubai's Palm Jumeirah.
What it is
A tandem skydive is the easiest way to experience freefall.
How to do it
Book with a licensed drop zone.
Top tip
Weather delays are common, so keep the day free.
Need to know
- Tandem jumps need no experience, just a short briefing on the day; most UK centres set a minimum age of 16 and a weight limit.
- You'll be asked to declare medical conditions, and some need a doctor's signature.
- Jumps are often postponed for cloud or wind, so allow flexibility in your plans.
- Many people do their first tandem for charity, which can reduce or cover the cost.
Do it yourself
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- Adventure travel insuranceWorld NomadsWe receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
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My experience
Ticked off, but the full story is still to be written up.
Over to you
Is “Skydive” on your bucket list, or have you already done it? Tell me in the comments, and if you've got a question about it, ask away and I'll answer.