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Hi guys!

There is always something that happens for the first time with us. But, in my opinion, the older we get the less "things-happen-for-the-first-time" we have. It's quite sad, isn't it? I think we should make our life more diverse considering the fact that our routine is sometimes eating us alive. Don't you think so, friends? Of course people are different, so are their interests.

Friends, I'm going to tell you about my first parachute-jumping experience)). Well, it was new and unusual feeling, although it didn't live up with my expectations! Honestly, a steep waterslide in Aqua Park seems more dangerous to me). May be I just didn't understand what was happening as the duration of flying wasn't so long - only 4-5 minutes; and the free fall lasted only 3 seconds. BUT! I felt like screaming "aaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!" when the door of the airplane was opened. As a result I've got a huge bruise on my knee and my nails broken, and of course I've got my adrenaline going! :))).

OK, let's start from the beginning. We came to the airfield Bayserke at 10 o'clock yesterday and started training which lasted 4 hours. Our trainer was telling us about the theory of jumping and describing how the parachute works. The main canopy of the parachute Д-1-5у ("jellyfish 'chutes") we have jumped with is round and has 82, 5 square meters in area. Can you guys imagine! It could cover up to three big cars! These parachutes are the USSR made and still have no analog.

Well I was a kind of model for our instructor. And, friends, I must say those parachutes are so heavy!!! The main parachute weighs 16 kg. and an emergency one is about 8 kg. You see, guys, it was quite hard to wear them both as my weight is only 49 kg.) But, believe me in the air it hardly does any matter :).

The main rules are quite simple:

1. You have to weigh from 40 to 95 kg. and be over 16 years old.
2. No alcohol, drugs or energetic drinks.
3. You have to be examined by doctor: your blood pressure and pulse must be standard.
4. You have to sign a standard contract, get the insurance, and pay the money.
5. And of course you are forbidden to wear skirt and high hills during the jumping)))).

After we got a portion of theory we began to train how to jump out of airplane (there was a sort of "door" on a training field, which was removed from an old airplane :)) and how to land. You see, guys, if you don't follow these rules you will break your legs in the best case. So we were training until our instructor told us it was enough. To be honest, I felt like a soldier in the army :)).

Finally it was time to divide us into the groups of 10 because the airplane has only 10 sits. I was in a second group. So before jumping we had to be examined by doctor who then decided whether you're allowed to jump or not. Unfortunately, my companion had some problems with his pulse and he was excluded. I myself had a classic combination of blood pressure and pulse. I was near to scream: Hurraahh!! :)).

Our group of 7 boys and 3 girls went to big field where our parachutes and the airplane were ready. The trainer assistants helped us to put on parachutes and helmets. And finally we followed our instructor towards the airplane!

Inside the airplane our 10 parachutes were attached to the cable so that they could open automatically in 3 seconds after jumping. Well the airplane took off! Guys! Despite my skepticism it was just fantastic! Boys and girls was screaming and cheering each other up :)). When the airplane got altitude of 1000 meters our trainer opened the door! I was so excited and looking forward to my turn to jump, although I was the last. First our instructor allowed going 4 boys. Then the airplane made a circle and another 3 boys jumped out. You see, guys, according to the rules of parachute jumping the lightest person goes the last. Finally it was girls turn! When I looked down I saw the whole city! It was really amazing!

Well, jumping down was the best moment! After a few seconds I felt a rapid leap up - my parachute was opened and after that my helmet fell on my eyes :). You know, it was so quiet in the air! I was really enjoying the moment!

But after one minute I remembered the rules we were told about :)). I had to direct my parachute towards the white cross that was as orienteer for us. When I finally discovered the sign I was trying to fly towards it, but I realized soon that it was in vain. I noticed a herd of cows as well and was getting closer and closer to it :)). Fortunately, I managed to fall nearby :)). So every cow is still alive :))). One of the instructor's assistants was watching me during my flight and met me on the ground.
I arrived home safe and sound, and happy of course!

So guys, I feel really good because it was another "fear-overcoming" for me. Now I know for sure I'm not afraid of heights!

I hope you'll share your stories with me, friends!

Take care,

Yours
Marina