First base jump
Finally got the nod the other day that 5am in the morning we are jumping, "be ready on time as we are not waiting". I was stoked but obviously a bit nervous. We pulled my pack job apart that night and started from scratch to be sure. Ended up going to bed alot later than i had planned and had a little bit of trouble going to sleep. Alarm goes off way too early and im up and waiting. I was feeling abit weird, hard to explain, maybe a bit like AFF1 jump. Short drive and we are there. Man it looks kind of high but kind of low as well. Gear up in the bush, helmet, shin guards, spine protector, rig. I was told that if i get out there and for any reason i dont want to jump then no worries, we walk down no problem, no one will think any less of you. Much appreciated guys but its been a long journey getting here and im jumping.
Quick gear check and the heart starts pumping. I was told no hanging around, run out there and jump. I was 4th (last).
Run out of the bush, cars are going past. Quick jog to the exit point and im lagging behind abit. By the time i get there first guy is over the railing and gone. Man this is nuts.
Within seconds the other 3 are gone, dam they were quick, was kind of hoping they would take their time.
Hand my pilot chute to buddy, quick check of the bridle and over the railing. Quick look down, bad idea, ground is wwwway too close. Look at the horizon, okay, head up, shoulders level, nice arch, chest out. Count down 3.2.1 go. Let out some embarrassing girly scream and canopy opens hard and my legs swing out putting me on my back and i see the canopy above. I also see the toggles which i grab as quick as i can and start flaring straight away, hardish landing in soft sand. Man what a rush. A bit surreal i suspose.
All over pretty quickly really and it wasn't as scary as i thought. Deffinitely not as scary as my first student skydive. Perhaps due to fact that i had 25 minutes in the plane to think about what i was about to do.
Quickly stuff gear in car and go.
Many thanks to all the people who have helped and guided me to the top of that bridge. The guys who taught me to pack, the guys who invited me out to watch jumps, the champion who pca'd me.
