Last year I created a bucket list that I planned to complete within the next year – before I turn the big 3 0. Skydiving has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I wanted to go on my birthday a few times, but I always said I would do it before I turned 30!
My sweet husband has been on this crazy journey with me the whole time. I love that he stays right by my side, supporting me even when I book skydiving, whitewater rafting, and zip lining all in the same week!
I feel like skydiving (mostly the fear of dying) has brought us closer together. We talked about death and it made us realize how important a will is. We also learned that life insurance doesn’t pay out in a skydiving accident.
One of the skydiving instructors at Skydive Monroe was killed in a freak skydiving accident the day before we jumped. His parachute was working properly, but he misjudged the landing and hit the ground too fast. He was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital but died from his injuries. Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe account for Bennett’s family.
I later found out that I was close to dangerous situation. I was the last one out of the plane. There were 4 sets of us; 9 people total jumped out of the plane. Inside the plane there is a green light that comes on when the pilot is at the right attitude and it is safe to jump. Right as we were tumbling out of the plane, the pilot turned on the red “do not jump” light because we had gone too far and he was going to circle back around to the jump zone.
My experienced skydive instructor realized we had missed our jump zone and let us fall far enough away from the plane, but pulled the parachute earlier than usual so we had more time to float back into the landing area. The plane was still very close and almost came into our crosswinds. I could see the plane right out in front of us as we were free falling.
Luckily my guy adjusted accordingly and I had no idea what was happening at the time. I was only thinking, “Wow that plane is really close” and “I hope the parachute opens!” I wasn’t thinking about the plane hitting us!
My entire experience was caught on video. If you’re planning to go skydiving, definitely get the video. The look on my face when they open the door cracks me up every time. I screamed the entire time we were free falling and when we did the spins. When you pull one side of the parachute you can change directions.
Skydiving video from today! My face on the plane cracks me up! ???? He turns us to go inside a cloud at 4:40. Everything around us turned completely white! ??? #bucketlist #30BeforeIm30 #30Before30 #skydiving #video #ididit #pressplay
Posted by Amy Dingler on Sunday, June 11, 2017
If you pull one side and hold it, you spin in a circle. I got to “drive” and spins us some. My instructor spins us into a cloud at 4:40 in the video. The cloud was amazing! When we went inside everything turned completely white. There was no up or down, it’s all just white emptiness.
The first set of people to jump out of the plane took the longest. There were three of them jumping simultaneously, and one of the guys was jumping solo for the first time. The first guy out stepped on the wing of the plane OUTSIDE and held on there while the other two guys got ready. On the count of three they all dove together. Then our new friend, Autumn, who was jumping for the first time went. Then my husband. And then me.
I originally said this was a one time thing, but would I do it again? YES, I would! It was an amazing experience that I will never forget!
“For every day that you’re on this earth, for every minute that you have, the whole idea is doing nothing less than exactly what you feel you’re supposed to do and squeezing every last drop out of life every day, regardless of the difficulties or trials that you face.” -Ryan Tedder
God love you -and good for you for being brave enough to try this. I would love to watch from the ground 😉
Holy. Moly. No. Nope. No way. I’m glad you had a great experience. I TOTALLY wish I could do something like that, but I’m just too chicken. I would have a heart attack, I think.
I would love to go sky diving one day. It’s been on my bucket list for years, but I haven’t had the opportunity to do it yet.
Just go! Book it and GO! Most places will actually let you book a date and if you need to reschedule for any reason they will hold your reservation for up to a year!
I wish I was brave enough for this. I wouldn’t get out of the plane.
Skydiving is on my bucket list! It sounds like a really thrilling experience to have.
I am so glad you were able to experience sky diving for the 1st time, it looks like you are on a mission to get to that bucket list, good for you! Loving the photos!
You are so brave girl! I’m afraid of heights and thought it was a big deal when I went on the zip line ride in Vegas that was 500 feet above ground!
It’s awesome that you did this! I really want to try skydiving. It seems like everyone who tries it loves it!
You are so brave! I can’t believe you were actually up for doing this! Looks like a really amazing time!
Yah! That will never happen in my world. lol. i applaud you for doing it though
I have never tried skydiving before! I think it’s awesome that you were finally able to cross this from your bucket list! Congratulations on this recent achievement, I’m sure it’s worth it!
Oh my goodness you are so brave! I could not, for the life of me jump out of an airplane. My son’s best friend did it and he said he was pretty sure he peed his pants. Congratulations on this awesome feat. Not everyone is as brave as you!
My instructor jumped in flipflops, lol I’m glad you had a good time, and hurrah that there were no mishaps w/that plane that was so close.
You are way more brave than i will ever be! I don’t know what it is, but i just cant do it. When I was younger it was on my bucket list, but i think once i had kids it scooted off the list haha.
Wow! You’re brave! I don’t think I’m up for that kind of adrenaline! You’re amazing! 😀
I’ve always wanted to do this! This is amazing!
My husband has always wanted to go sky diving. I am terrified of it but what fun. I bet its just amazing to experience!
Oh you brave soul! I would chicken out i am sure but you got some amazing shots!
So scary but so fun! I am glad you had a great time.
Amy: Blown away by how many close calls there were on this jump. Everything from missing the jump zone, to almost floating back into the plane’s crosswinds, and even what had happened in the days leading up to your jump with Bennet’s accident. Your bravery is an inspiration, even to me as an Army officer. You are truly living and blazing a trail for the rest of us to follow! You are exactly the person that our company needs to team up with, we should link up and collaborate!