Getting ready- IT S TIME! It was about 30 minutes ...

Getting ready- IT S TIME! It was about 30 minutes out till our jump so they started to get us in our harnesses. This is when I met my amazing instructor Amanda!! I felt comforted from the second we met. She was full of warm energy, outgoing, and very informative about any questions I had. I also met my videographer at this time! Ron was awesome!! He was also full of energy and really positive. I felt really comfortable in front of the camera with him. He got some before shots of how I was feeling (THE NERVES) and us getting in all of our gear. I strongly strongly recommend getting a videographer/photos for your first jump because your adrenaline is pumping so high you almost can t believe the experience just happened when it s over. I was so happy we paid the extra amount for this so I could relive the experience. I ve watched the video at least 50 times already.

THE JUMP- OMG!!! Once the plane lifted off the ground I knew that this was it. It s happening. I am literally going to jump out of a plane in a few minutes. The plan ride up was the biggest height of my nerves. It was pretty toasty in the plane because it was 90 degrees out but once we hit a few thousand feet they opened the door for some airflow. That moment sunk my stomach a little because the whole experience set into reality. I watched my altimeter rise and wait until we were at 13,000 ft to jump. During the wait, Amanda kindly went over the body positioning again and the steps for me to remember when we jumped. She also clipped me to her at this time at four different points. She mentioned if I forget anything we talked about remember to: tilt my headlock, arch my body, and SMILE! There were 4 professionals in front of us and once we hit about 13,000 ft the door opened and out they flew. I didn t even have a chance to let the nerves sit because I was the first of our group to jump. We scooted to the edge of the plane, I dangled my legs out, cupped the edge of the plane with my legs, titled my head back on my instructor s right shoulder and OFF WE WENT! AHHH! My stomach dropped 1000x more than what it did on any roller coaster. I was flying! The adrenaline rush and this stomach drop was incomparable to anything I ve ever felt in my entire life. I was literally FLYING. I almost forgot to look at Ron for the video because I was so consumed by the feeling of flying and the world underneath me. It was the fastest, most exhilarating minute of my life! Once the chute was pulled, we coasted through the air for what seemed to be ten minutes. Amanda and I were a light weight combined so it took us longer to float down. Those minutes were the most peaceful moments I ve had. We were talking about how amazing heaven would be like if it was anything like this. It was so easy to hear Amanda during this descend so we just chatted away and enjoyed the scenery until we landed. Amanda guided a calm and collected landing. I held my legs out straight and we landed so calmly I gently put my feet down and I was standing on the grass. Ron did a great job of again capturing my emotions the entire time and checking in with how I was feeling throughout the experience.

Post jump- The video was also available within 15 minutes after the jump and all the files are downloadable through their link! Overall, if you have the urge, choose Skydive Chicago!!