BikeMomma,

Congratulations! I would have to say that skydiving is the most exhilarating thing I ever did. I was more alive in those moments.

I did my jumps over 20 years ago when the chutes were military style
Personal ones were nicer but the rentals were half-spheres. Another difference is that I did static-line jumps (solo with 5 second automatic openings). I still remember the euphoria when the chute opened. Also, I had to swing over to grab the wing until I was over the landing spot. For me this was the hardest part. I had/have acrophobia and my hands were sweating profusely. Once I let go, I figured it was out of my control, which strangely was comforting.

We spent a fair amount of time learning how to land correctly: with eyes on the horizon and legs together with knees bent so one would roll on impact.

I was so happy on the first jump that I was able to hold my position that I returned for a second jump. However, #2 jump left me in a precarious situation in that I was about to land on a barbed wire fence. There was little control in those chutes I chose to watch where I landed so I would (hopefully) land away from the fence (which I did) but I risked breaking my legs if I stiffened on landing. Since I was able to walk away unscathed, I decided not to temp fate anymore.

I can't imagine free-falling. That must have been the most incredible feeling.

Quillfred