First Jump - SOLO Parachuting (9/6/2008)

The cost for this event is $242.74. Upon signing up, a non-refundable deposit of $30.00 is required.

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING BEFORE SIGNING UP! We will each parachute - solo - from 3,000ft at Skydive Toronto Inc. See here for more details.

SEVERE WARNING: This is NOT THE EVENT for those with a fear of heights or fear of flying. If you want to test your fears, you'll probably want to stay INSIDE an airplane. On this event, you will be standing on the OUTSIDE of an airplane before finally letting go of it....

THE FOLLOWING IS NOT INTENDED AS A SALES PITCH BUT MERELY THE ORGANISER'S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE! See above.

There's nothing quite so serene and awe-inspiring, as gently wafting down to earth with your own steerable parachute. You are given the opportunity to do turns in the air like a bird, before steering to target - a large inflated bag - as per the instructions given from the ground, on your personal radio. Occasionally, you might drift through a cloud and feel the moisture as everything turns misty. You'll brake your speed, make your landing standing up (on the ground, not on the bag) and "walk it off", before removing your chute. For about a week after you will feel like you can do ANYTHING - e.g., world domination, if that's your thing, etc. - and apparently, 15 years later, will still vividly remember all the feelings and wonders of jumping out of an airplane and floating softly to the earth. Nothing compares. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Years from now, when a tank of gas (or loaf of bread) costs $240.00 - you might think to yourself, "WHY didn't I jump out of a plane when I had the chance, it only cost as much as a tank of gas?!" But again, PLEASE SEE ABOVE WARNING!

There is a training program that teaches you all about exiting the plane, making your "arch", many safety procedures (including using the second, emergency parachute, if necessary) and how to land standing up and otherwise. Prepare to get dirty! Although this is in September, you might want to bring shorts and a t-shirt as well, just in case. You will be wearing a flight suit over your clothes and it can get...warm.

There are weight requirements (must be under 250lbs) and people over 40 will need a doctor's note, saying you are in good overall health. Physical fitness is imperative! You will be walking with a very heavy parachute, sitting on your feet in the plane and then climbing out onto the landing gear at 3,000 feet!

There are tandem jumps at this facility but I WON'T BE ORGANISING THOSE.

In the event of rain, we will still do the ground course/jump school and return to do the jump during better weather.

Google Map reference

DIRECTIONS FROM THE GTA:

• - HWY 400 north, to HWY 89 exit
• - At the exit light, turn right and drive east on HWY 89, past the Cookstown Outlet Mall
• - Turn left at the 10th Sideroad
• - Turn left at the 4th Line
• - We are the first driveway on the left, Fire Route #3065