Well, we did it! The 3 Russell Worth Nutz (Skydive Nutz) had an amazing time on our tandem skydive on Sunday 18th August 2013. The highest tandem skydive in the World without oxygen.
Our experience began with a briefing, which lasted about 20 minutes. We had to complete a ‘check list’ and sign to say we were happy to be thrown out of a perfectly serviceable aircraft at 15,000ft! Mmmmm………that made us stop and think!
We were then kitted out in the flying suit and cone-head helmets (very fetching) in preparation for the flight.
After climbing into the aircraft we were harnessed to our instructor in readiness for take-off. The point of no return – only one way to come down!!!! When we reached 12,000ft, the instructors put our goggles on for us and before we knew it we were being shuffled towards the door! We had the moment filmed by our own personal cameraman and so, after seeing him fall out of the aircraft, we quickly followed! Didn’t even have time to say no!!!!
The feeling of freefalling through the air at 125mph was absolutely awesome yet terrifying at the same time!!! The cameraman was filming this and so we all appear to be smiling – well, you have to don’t you when a camera is zoomed in on you! Or was it the g-force giving that impression?
Once the parachute was deployed there was a comforting pull on the straps, which felt safe but yet again, the screaming started as the chute opened.
It was then that we could clearly see how high we were! Still one mile away from the ground.
For the next 6 minutes or so, we were shown how to steer the chute and were performing all sorts of turns (which felt like the most bizarre rollercoaster ever) and how to slow down to 20mph and then increase the speed again. Scream?? Oh yes, did we ever!!
The views were spectacular. We could see the coast and the instructors pointed out various places of interest. Kerry even got to see a rainbow below her!
We all landed safely and even remembered to bring our legs up and out in front of us, so that we landed gracefully without injury!
Unfortunately, we then had to ‘do a piece’ to camera to explain how we felt. Not quite sure I can repeat anything we said, although we all did agree that it was:
An exhilarating, heart-stopping rush of adrenaline; a once in a lifetime experience (although Kirsty says she would do it again); the best jump ever; and our Sunday afternoons will never be the same again.
All this done in aid of St Luke’s Hospice, Plymouth. An amazing charity who looked after a very special person (Judiths mum), and who continue to do such great work.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who has donated. We have raised an incredible amount – well in excess of £1,000. For those of you who still wish donate, our link is still up and running:
http://www.justgiving.com/Judith-Bloxsome
For a few more photos of the day check out our Facebook album
