Why Everyone Should Try Skydiving At Least Once

As a new USN Sailor fresh out of "A" School for Electronics Technician, I was beyond excited when I got my orders to shore duty in Hawaii. I remember the 6 hour flight out of San Diego and our initial approach to Oahu. Looking out the window of the 737, I could faintly see the outline of the island.

I've flown about 10 times in my life, but never across an ocean like that. After my flight landed and I got checked into my command, I made a vow to see the entire island from those great heights again.

After about 3 months of settling in, I heard an advertisement on the radio for Skydive Hawaii, offering 14,000 foot jumps for $99. I told this girl from my command about it, and she agreed to go with me. It was 2 days after my birthday. January 18th, 2014. After watching a short safety video and signing papers saying they weren't responsible if we died (lol) we were up in a single-engine plane.

I wasn't nervous until the first time I looked out of the open door at maximum altitude. My heart was pounding, my brow was sweating. I hid it pretty well, but sheer terror was behind that fake smile.

I could see the outline of Oahu's North Shore through the thin cloud layer. The wind at the exit door was a nice warm breeze, as we weren't quite high enough for the atmosphere to have dissipated dramatically. The lump in my throat was growing as my tandem instructor nudged me toward the beautiful abyss.

3...2...1...

Freedom.

Never in my life have I had an experience like that. The inability to determine my fate from that second onward was the greatest high I've ever experienced, and I've done TONS of drugs. The view of Oahu from 14,000 feet will forever be etched into my mind. The tiny, faint waves lapping against the rocky shore, the mountains jutting into the clouds from below. If I did believe in God, I would have tried to high-five him at that point.

When the instructor pulled the chute, what resulted was one of the most calming and beautiful experiences imaginable. Floating serenely down, watching the previous jumpers look like ants on the landing field thousands of feet below. The natural beauty of the island penetrating my soul, almost like a full-body orgasm.

I think that every human being should have the opportunity to experience this first hand at least once in their lives. Afraid of heights or not, you won't be in control of the outcome. So, take a chance! Everybody dies eventually, but not everybody truly lives!!

If you want just a small glimpse of what I'm talking about, I did upload my skydiving video to YouTube. Here's the link: