Every week I sit in an English Literature lecture, listening to the same old appraisal of yet another poet or author writing about the wonders of adventure. It bothers me that whilst we are encouraged to ‘seize the day’, we continue to live our lives the same way. It feels like the necessary cycle of student life restricts us to doing everything with the aim of a future career, and we lose sight of our desire for adventure. We always dream, without ever actually living. What is the point in that?
When the opportunity to skydive was presented to me at the Refreshers’ Fair, it was like a light bulb started to flash above my head. OK, so it wouldn’t exactly be a heroic feat, but it’s still pretty cool. I mean, how many people can say they’ve experienced human flight?
One problem: I was terrified. I signed up for the earliest possible opportunity to jump, because I knew I would back out otherwise. My roommates probably got sick of my constant mood swings. I was either: ‘OMG, so excited’ or ‘Crap, I’m going to die!’ Although, I have to admit now that the idea of falling was considerably scarier than the reality.
Of course, I didn’t know that then. I will never forget the moments leading up to the jump; little by little we were reaching 500ft, 1000ft, 3500ft… I shuffled towards the edge of the plane, unable to breathe, with tears in my eyes. More experienced skydivers laughed as if I was being dramatic, but I was certain that I was going to die, definitely, 100%.
Then it all happened very quickly: an instructor told me to smile, I felt the pressure of the wind against my legs, and all of a sudden I was flying, falling, there was nothing beneath my feet. The funny thing was I was no longer scared. I could see my canopy was intact, I checked everything as I had been instructed. The parachute held me comfortably in the air, and… I WAS FLYING! It was just me, on my own, no stress. It felt like everything else had disappeared, every second was infinite, I felt more alive in those moments than ever before.
Landing was just as satisfying. I’ve never felt more powerful, yet the intensity of relief made me want to sleep. Within the space of 60 seconds I had gone from feeling extremely fragile to invincible, and there’s nothing else quite like that.
I’ve learnt a lot from this experience. Firstly, I’m a little over dramatic. Secondly, things aren’t always as difficult as they seem, because fear is only temporary. So, if you’re scared of something, it’s probably not that bad. Finally, in order to actually live, you have to just go for it no matter what’s holding you back. Just jump.
Learn more about UoN Skydiving here.
Edited by Harriet Dunlea
Image courtesy of author