Sky diving over Lake Taupo

Adam about to jump
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After having missed out on the joys of the bungee jump and canyon swing, it was with little thought that I decided I would actually jump out of a plane from 15,000 feet. Feeling hung over, Adam, Reidy and I headed to Lake Taupo, leaving the others for a day of not-as-much fun in Rotorua.

It was a nice day with a bit of cloud in the sky but generally sunny. We arrived a little late but this enabled us to watch others getting ready and landing in the field next to us. Slowly the anticipation, nerves and a small amount of excitement were building up as we saw people prepare for the jump and then land not only safely but full of adrenaline and excitement in the next field.

Posted by George

George back-flipping out of the plane
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Then we were called to get geared up and be ready for the next plane. We were then introduced to our camera men and our sky dive instructors (the ones we’d be attached to and therefore who we had to put our complete trust in). It turned out that Adam’s instructor had done about 9,000 jumps and Reidy’s about 12,000 jumps. Mine had done 2,000. I didn’t know what to think about this but it was 2,000 more than me and I couldn’t bail out now.

We got loaded in the plane and were sat rather snuggly to fit all 15 of us in (there were 5 of us jumping and we each had an instructor and a separate cameraman). It would take about 25 minutes we were told to reach 15,000 feet and as we were ascending, it started to really dawn on me what it was I was exactly doing on this plane. We were going loiter on the edge of a plane door, jump out, freefall for about a minute and then glide safely to the ground using a parachute. My knees were starting to feel a bit weak and I was looking around and could see a bit of fear and nerves in the face of the others. This didn’t make me feel any safer.

Reidy on his freefall
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We eventually got to the designated height and the other 2 jumpers were first to go. From my position I couldn’t see them actually go but as soon as they did, I realized it was my turn to jump and my feelings changed. Shuffling forwards, the nerves left me and I started to get excited and concentrated on what I was told to do for a better jump - tuck my feet under the plane and lean right back, pushing my head into my instructor. I looked at the camera smiled and then just let my instructor jump out with me attached. We back flipped out and we were free falling.

George on his freefall
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It was a exhilarating feeling, just falling. Stretched out and looking around at the view. Through scattered cloud I could see the lake (the biggest in New Zealand) and the town of Taupo on its northern edge. I was pumped and full of elation. It felt like ages that we were just falling but the ground wasn’t getting any nearer, or so it appeared. The cameraman was circling me and I didn’t know what kind of expression to give I just pumped my fists and shouted into the camera. My mouth was very dry and my face felt like silly putty, it was a great feeling.

The view over Lake Taupo was amazing
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Then I was tapped on the head and the parachute opened. My cameraman dropped away and I was suddenly jolted up right and was now in a seated position, able to look out over Lake Taupo and its surrounding area. I still couldn’t believe what I was doing. We were gliding right over the lake and I could now see the ground and water getting closer. I looked out for the others but couldn’t see them above me.

I could now see the airfield and landing sight getting closer and it was time to land. As we circled in on the field I had to get my legs up high and let my instructor do all the work. We landed with a smooth landing and the rush of adrenaline was insane. I was so glad that I done it. I ran off to the side and watch Reidy and Adam land safely and the joy on their faces showed me the same kind of jubilation that I felt.

Adam freefalling
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After doing a bit of a group celebration for the camera, we were shown back inside to get changed and wait around to be shown the video. It was great to hear that everyone had loved it and we were still buzzing. Watching the video back was great and we got to see how everyone enjoyed the jump. The DVD looks good and we’ll try to post in on YouTube ASAP or you’ll have to wait until I return to see it.

It was an amazing thing to do and I’m so shocked that I did it, as I know my friends and family will be. But it was an amazing thing to do and I loved it all. I would have done it again in an instance if only it was free and I wouldcertainly recommend it to anyone!!