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SKYDIVING 101
By Hollie Overton
If you've ever dreamt of soaring high above the sky and feeling that ultimate rush, then skydiving is the perfect activity. Perhaps skydiving has been on your life list or the adrenaline junkie in you is looking for a new challenge. Jump away! But, before taking the plunge, it's important to be informed and know what to expect.
First, research your training centers before you do your first skydive. This can be a dangerous activity and being informed is crucial. Check out safety ratings, client feedback and trust your own gut instinct. If you arrive and anything seems unsafe, leave immediately and find somewhere else to do that first jump.
Southern California has some of the most incredible skydiving in the country. There are excellent places from Los Angeles and the Valley to Santa Barbara and San Diego.
Now you've done all your research and found a great skydiving center and you've arrived ready to jump. You must be eighteen years of age with a valid ID. There is also a weight requirement of less than two hundred pounds, which is regulation for most skydiving centers.
Before you start, you're required to sign a waiver. This is standard operating procedure which makes certain that if something were to happen, the company isn't held liable.
You'll be asked if you want a videographer or photographer to commemorate your jump. Some dive centers even allow you to bring your own camera. This is often included in the cost of the dive. Skydiving can range from $250 up to $500 depending on any of these extras. Tandem dives are always less expensive than solo dives but those aren't usually for first timers.
Once payment and paperwork are completed, it's time to suit up. Comfortable clothes are suggested including sneakers. In summer weather, shorts and t-shirts are acceptable. In cooler temperatures, long sleeves may be needed. You'll be given a jumpsuit, goggles, an altimeter and a harness.
First time divers are required to do a tandem dive with an experienced instructor. This means that if you freeze up or something happens with your parachute, your instructor is prepared to pull the ripcord. There are some places that allow you to dive alone, alongside an instructor but those often cost more money as well as involving greater risks for inexperienced parachutists. These tandem freefall dives still allow for an incredible experience that's both breathtaking and tranquil.
There are many different companies that offer dives. Some require as little as thirty minutes of training while others want hours logged. On the ground, your instructor will give you a quick lesson. They'll show you how to safely exit the aircraft, properly arch your body and how and when to pull your ripcord. This is also your chance to ask any and all questions and voice your concerns. If you think you'll be too nervous to pull your cord, tell your instructor in advance. They can ease any reservations you might have or simply agree ahead of time to pull the cord.
Some skydiving companies have indoor simulated dives but most expect that the lessons they give are enough, especially since you will have the instructor right alongside you.
Then it's time to say goodbye to friends and family and you're up, up and away! Inside the plane, there will usually be other instructors and students. Once you reach a certain altitude, it's time for the big moment.
The instructors will tell you the right moment and then all you have to do is step over the side and push yourself over the edge. The hard part is over and it's up to you to relax and enjoy an easy freefall.
As you float down to earth, take a moment or two to enjoy this incredible experience. You've officially made it through your first skydive and it's time for the next jump!