We were due to jump on the 3rd August but at 4.30pm on the 2nd it was cancelled. Unfortunately a double booking of the airfield meant that all jumps on the 3rd and 4th were cancelled. Team FieldAvis went into action and had secured another jump at a different airfield within an hour of the anger and frustration subsiding.
Our new jump would be on the 5th at Wanborough, about 30 mins from where we were based for the first jump (Nr Cirencester). The new jump would not be with the Red Devils but it would be the opportunity to skydive and fulfil our promise to all those who had sponsored us (thats you!).
We were really lucky with the weather on the day. Claire and Richard went first and unfortunately Claire did not like it but she was massively brave and pleased to have given it a go. My turn came and I amazed myself...I seem to be really calm and not nervous at all (some sort of out of body experience I think). There were seven of us when I went up (and yes seven landed safely!). Those who were jumping on their own were 'dropped off' on the way up. I was probably scared when we fell out the plane but it all happened so fast I can’t remember! The freefall is insane....blinking hec....you would not believe how fast it feels (well it is about 120mph!) but it has to be experienced to be believed. Once the parachute is open you go into a serene float down to earth. I felt sick at this point which started with a sharp right turn just after the parachute was deployed. My instructor asked if I was ok with the sharp turns...the answer was no! The sick feeling did not go away but we slowed down the decent and kept the turns at a more gentle pace which allowed for some sight seeing. The views were great and highly recommended and even though I felt sick I would still like to do it again (bacon roll on landing helped with the sickness).
My instructor had plenty of one liners to ‘keep me cheerful’, some of which I cant really write down (due to their rudeness) but I will fill you in when I see you (or email me back and I might tell you). Asking me in the plane when we had reached 1 mile up whether there were any clubs I wanted to join was just the start! Obviously the rudeness and cheekiness did lift my spirits.
During the dive, I would like to observe that clouds smell of smoke – this was noticed whilst rushing through them at over 100mph! And that being in a plane squashed between someone else’s legs and then having the cameraman sitting between your legs is quite interesting....only slightly less room than on an easyjet flight!
I attach one photo - yes it is me! I will send out some more when I get them.
If you have never skydived before then what are you waiting for! Get yourself out there and do it. If you are scared of heights then trust me this does not even come into play. I am scared of heights but it did not even cross my mind...it is nothing like being on a building and looking at the ground. And don’t be scared that anything can go wrong, because to be honest you could just as easily be run over tomorrow (I am full of cheerful thoughts!).
Anyway......
Claire, Richard and I would not only like to thank you for sponsoring us to jump but for taking the time to read this and put up with loads of plugging for the event and badgering for money. I know I really appreciate all your support and Help for Heroes are hugely grateful for your generosity.
To date we have raised £3,417 with a few pounds still to collect.
Our web page will remain active until October if you would like to read any of the witty comments left by you all.
http://www.bmycharity.com/skydivefieldavis
We did have the jump filmed therefore once I have received the DVD and vetted the content I might let you have a look.
I look forward to telling you all about my next adventure...roll on 2012 (suggestions welcome). It might involve more skydiving!!
Love to all
Holly
