Free-falling!

Despite what some people may think I have never really wanted to do a bungy jump, it just doesn't really appeal in the same way as white water rafting or coasteering or other relaxing saturday afternoon activities! As a child I did want to be a astronaut; adventuring in space, discovering planets and orbiting the sun all sounded quite exciting and possible...but I'm not entirely convinced they have a space programme here in Taupo, so I had to opt for the next best thing.

I have always wanted to do a parachute jump, I'm not sure whether it's because I like the idea of jumping out of a plane a million miles up or what, but today I got that chance!

Having discovered that bad weather had closed the Tongariro crossing, Anna (my Dutch friend) and I decided this was the perfect opportunity to book ourselves in for a tandem jump. I wasn't really expecting them to be able to fit us in for today, but before I knew it we were booked in for a 4pm pick up...yep, they sent the Limo!

At the main base of operations we were asked which jump we wanted, either the 12,000ft or the 15,00ft? I figured if I was going to be jumping out a plane, the higher the better...?! 

So, I signed all the lovely forms, watched the safety video and checked out the T-shirts (well, if all went well I might need one to take home? 

30 minutes to jump...

We had to wait a considerable amount of time before it was our time to head up in the plane, so Anna and I chatted and watched the groups before us suit up and pack themselves in to the pink plane. (Really..a pink plane? Why would they do that...) Anyways, shortly after we saw the reassuring sight of parachutes blossoming in the sky above us we were called inside...we were next. 

It didnt take long to get kitted up, we were dressed in rather attractive blue jumpsuits, very uncool hats, goggles and just incase we ditched in Lake Taupo a lifejacket (kinda like the ones you get in a plane, but fortunately all wrapped up nice n small.)

The next step was to meet the jump cameraman - apparently attempting to take my own photos is not recommended! And Matty my Tandem Master (as they are called); he checked my harness and asked how I was doing... pretty excited! I thought I might be a bit nervous, but apparently not...crazy eh?

We climbed aboard the PAC 750 XL, (the pink plane...) I had less leg room than in economy and there was no sign of an inflight meal - the oxygen was pretty good though!

We climbed quickly and I loved watching out of the window seeing the world below get smaller and smaller, heading ever upwards as we passed through the clouds, the sun heading in the opposite direction.

After a few slightly posed photos and a run through of what I should do on exiting the plane - fall?

we reached our designated height and the door was opened...

My Tandem Master Matty and me probably about 9000ft! (Not posed at all..) 

There were 4 people jumping before me, the wind loudly rushing in around me as we slowly made our way towards the door. This was it the moment I had been waiting for

As I sat on the edge of the plane my legs hanging out below me the countdown began. I clutched my harness as instructed and leaned my headback... 3,2,1...JUMP!!!

The feeling was unreal...suddenly rushing towards the ground, the noise around me seemed to double ... it was hard to register what I was seeing...spiraling around until in what must have only been seconds we levelled out into the right position. I felt a tap on my arm, the signal that I could let go of my harness throw my arms out and enjoy the free fall...so, I did!

Lets talk about free fall!

I had over a minute of free fall after exiting the plane, I was up above the clouds in a different world...

I passed through the silent clouds, the wind roaring past as the world below came into focus. It looked like the perfect model, full of detail and amazing to see, tiny houses, beautiful scenery, the hills below speckled by shadows made by the clouds above me... I was loving it! 

Loving those goggles!

...just, awesome...

As I tried to catch my breath I noticed Matty checking his altimeter, I'm not sure at what height he pulled the tag and the chute opened. But suddenly the chest harness pulled tightly up by my neck as our descent slowed significantly... The parachute opened without a hitch - No worries mum!

The moment of truth...Phew!

Sorry, quite a dark photo, but this is me back on solid ground!

After several enjoyable minutes swooping from left to right the landing field appeared. I was given instructions on the landing procedure and before I knew it I was sat on the grass back on the ground.

I watched the sky to see Anna appear and land safely... Just minutes earlier we had been sat in a plane at 15,000ft...now we were back on solid ground with some amazing memories and maybe just a little adrenaline! It was an awesome experience and Yes, I would do it again!

Me and Anna...Achieved!