Skydiving is man’s revenge on gravity. Some say it’s the ultimate rush and at 220 kph (140 mph) free fall it’s hard to disagree. Sven reassured me, “I 4637 zumps underz my belts.” as he clipped our harnesses together in the plane. ”Three minutes!” came a shout from the pilot and all the instructors checked their altimeters. 

Harnesses on taped up ready to jump

The harness had been a little difficult to fit being a quadriplegic, laying it out on the floor then me on top seemed to work best. With a few yoga like moves and one “oooh that’s gotta hurt” I was buckled up.  We also duct taped our knees and ankles together and asked the instructors to wrap their legs around ours before they pull the cord. You don’t want your legs flying up knocking them out. Well, at least not until you have landed haha.

Back in our wheelchairs we headed out to the plane. The doorway was about five foot off the ground and the step ladder obviously useless. With all the places to grab a hold of the harness and lift three strong people got me aboard fairly easily. Anyone can lift a bucket full of water, not so many can hold it five foot off the ground for long. Something to be mindful of when people have to lift you. A quick safety drill and off down the runway we went.

Blowing a kiss goodbye

Leaving the wheelchair far behind approaching 14500 ft. Sven shuffled me over to the open door dropping my legs out of the plane. I was strangely very calm no fear or nerves at all. With one last breath and a kiss goodbye out we went.

Most people with quadriplegia have diminished lung capacity. During the 60 second free fall the force of wind in my face made it hard breathe and the wind noise is quite loud. It’s like sticking your head out a car window on a highway only double the speed. Don’t ask me how I know that. There were some clouds, I took a big lung full of one as we passed through it. Then I saw the ground rushing toward us.

Skydiving freefall

With a hard pat on the shoulder to warn me, the parachute popped open bringing us to what seemed like an abrupt stop. Glad I couldn’t feel the 200 kph harness wedgie the other guys complained about. Sven forgot to wrap my legs, they flung up in front of me but did no harm. All goes quiet and peaceful. We all drifted by each other until time to land. Pulling down hard on one toggle we spiraled down dropping altitude quickly. The big red X was in sight.

We had arranged for our carers to be waiting as we came in to land so they could catch our legs avoiding dragging them along the ground. It wasn’t needed, we had practically come to a stop when we touched down.

Bill landed back on earth

It was freezing cold on the way down so rug up. We gathered around a camp fire afterwards, ears popping while Bill in the second group of human missiles descended upon us from an even higher 16500 ft (an extra $40.00).

After landing Sven told me, “Zat is 4368 but you da first quadriplegia I ever skydive witt” I replied, “Well I’m glad you waited to tell me that mate!” After such a rush life seems boring. We sat staring out the window all week, it takes a while to actually come back to earth. If you’ve ever thought about doing a skydive, go for it.

Where: We skydive with Ramblers at Toogoolawah QLD. Australia.
Cost: $270 plus $70 for a video of your skydive and/or $45 for stills.
Rating:: *****  Start saving. Ramblers website: http://www.ramblers.com.au