Arch thousand ... 2,000 ... 3,000 ... Jerk! Before I could make it to 5,000, the painfully sharp pressure from the thick leg straps dug into my inner thighs and my body suddenly went limp as I started to descend slowly toward the earth.
As I continued falling, I tried to organize my thoughts and remember what it was I was supposed to be concentrating on: “Think, think! Turn and check the canopy ... it looks good. Only a few line twists, but they’re unwinding themselves. OK, now reach for the brake toggles ...”
FIRST THOUGHT
When I first decided more than five years ago that I wanted to go skydiving, I can honestly say it was not a tough decision to make. I have never had a strong fear of heights or any qualms about jumping out of an airplane. In fact, the idea thrilled me. I also thought skydiving was a simple process, one that didn’t require much time or dedication. It only took me one jump to realize how wrong I was.
FIRST impression
I received my first taste of skydiving on Friday night when Matt Binter, sophomore in print journalism, Collegian photographer and fellow first-time skydiver, and I attended the static line class at Peters Recreation Complex, taught by two instructors from the KSU Parachute Club (KSUPC). The class went from 6 to 10 p.m., and I thought it might drag on.
Instead, it was full of valuable information and helpful jumping tips.
FIRST JUMP
The one thing no one tells you about skydiving is that it is quite a workout.
I made my first static line jump on Saturday afternoon, my second on Sunday, and by Monday morning, I was sore and sunburnt.
However, you usually do hear skydivers talk about their sense of pride and accomplishment, and that part is definitely true.
Not only did I learn how to fall from the sky and live, but I learned quite a bit, from the science of skydiving and how to position your body to work with the wind to how a parachute is intricately packed.
FIRSt, but not THE last
As I landed my first static line skydive, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud and fight the urge to jump up and down in pure delight.
The feeling of accomplishment overwhelmed me, and I wanted to get right back up there and go again.
I’ve been cleared to make my practice rip-cord pull jumps, and I can’t wait to fall from an airplane again. I only hope I don’t get addicted — most skydivers I met this weekend freely admitted that they are hooked on the thrill.
Airtime
First-time jumper feels sense of accomplishment after static line skydive with KSU Parachute Club
Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Updated: Wednesday, July 30, 2008
 "Photo: Kansas State Collegian: Matt Binter")
Kansas State Collegian: Matt Binter
Great job on the pictures and the article! It was great jumping with you guys! Hope to jump with you again soon.
-Braden