Then I called SkyDive Chicago to confirm my reservation and was advised to just get in the car and start driving and they will register me when I get there - I guess they are aware of the fainthearted pulling out of the jump the last minute.
Skydive Chicago is located in Ottawa - the town's claim to fame is "this is the place where Abe Lincoln spoke first" - well anyways ..I was excited about it.
This was something I wanted to do - Shivani was more than excited but scared to participate.After getting there it seemed like a wide open hangar with folks packing their parachute and checking equipment and stuff !
After a 10 minute instruction video and FAQ's - we all went ( about 6 people ) - myself and a band of 5-6 related hispanics guys - who apparently drove 1.5 hours to get to Ottawa.
Each of us was assigned a Tandem Instructor ( I guess based upon height and weight ). I was assigned.. of all the people a 'mate from GoldCoast - Australia' who is being wandering in America for few years and seemed and sounded very knowledgeable about sky diving !
We dress up and all get into a plane (no seats) we all sit on the floor and in formation as they told us with the Instructor behind us and we off we go - we got to 33K in about 10 minutes - How do I know ? - Well I have a altimeter (one which works) on my wrist. And then as the plane was gliding down the Instructor tied his suit to mine and gave me some final instructions and we were all set to go.
oh ! by the way one of the amigo's out of the blue, as we reached altitude and when one of the Instructors shouted that we will start the jump, started screaming - It was wild - I am guessing in excitement or fear or both or maybe because he was the first to jump...I was after him - I can best summarize the emotions as cool hand luke before the jump and during instruction session - scared just before the jump and exhilarating during and after the jump !!
Seriously recommend it !
Caio - Anup
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