2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

The Jump

I dedicate this piece to all my brothers and sisters that do, those that will, those that can't, and especially those that came befor,e and are no more.

So many times I have heard people condemn
A sport that has no meaning to them . . .

I started jumping when there were still round parachutes. That is, as they say, "when skydiving was dangerous, and sex was safe". Things in the world have changed in both directions in the evolution of health, and science.

I am attempting to set the record straight for all those who think I am certifiable because I jump out of a perfectly good airplane as frequently as time allows. They ask why do you do it? The easiest answer is, "because the door was open" but that is not the reason at all.

I am a believer in universal energy and our connection to it. I can play with it between my hands as you would play with a basketball. Everyone has their own, and if they take the time they can learn to feel it, some can see the aura, and there are even cameras that will photograph it.

A drop zone is one of the most energy intensive environments you will ever visit. Everyone has elevated levels of enthusiasm, which is electric, and with each new body that arrives the energy combines, and increases. When you add yours to theirs you can feel the energy engulfing you, and none of it is negative. It is like you feel just before an intense lightning storm. It's in the air.

Because we all risk together we watch out for each other and become very close. All new arrivals are welcomed with open arms. I have often referred to those that I jump with as my family. Everyone has a heightened level of attention to everything that is around
them; more so than any other place you are likely to go. And since everyone watches out for everyone else we have a group bond that most will never experience.

Yes, skydiving can kill you but the probability is less than 100,000 to 1. It does happen but it is usually caused by neglect or inattention to detail. There are only 4 things that I can think of that a skydiver can't control; gravity, the weather, the airplane, and other skydivers, or arrant objects that may traverse the drop zone during a jump. Skydiving is actually much safer than most of the other non-docile activities that one can participate in.

I will be the first to agree, however, that it would seem a bit unnatural for people to aggressively launch themselves out of the door of a perfectly good airplane at 2 miles above the unforgiving ground. But tude

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Freefall: Flying without wings?
We want to hear your view. Write now!