For me, I was 18 so it's a distant memory of 30 + years. We spent two half days of class and finally had the opportunity late in the afternoon. It was a beautifully clear calm day, mild weather.
Adrenaline started flowing long before entering the plane. By the time we were all geared up and ready to board, I was already floating. The adrenaline was still building, G*d I had to pee. Adjusted the thigh straps one more time and got cold feet. I let the others begin to board and by the time I was ready to go, I was the last in the plane. It was a small single engine plane. The flight up was uneventful and the pilot leveled off around 7000'. He told me to open the door not realizing the pressure difference when releasing the hatch. The door flung open and 90-100 mph winds caught me by surprise. I thought I was going to cum in my pants. Sh*t, the last one in is the first one out. By now I was ready. My left foot solidly on the step, sitting in the doorway of a plane at 7000' slowing to 70-80mph. I was hooked up, patted on the shoulder and told to jump. Without hesitation I started screaming and dove forward. My jump buddy swore he heard me for 3-4 seconds, then it was his turn to jump. Jumping stag, your line is pulled as you exit so that is done for you. From that moment on your hightened senses take over. Once you stop screaming you immediately notice the silence. Your moving with the wind so you don't hear it. Everything is around and below you. The plane continues to release its students and begins a steep dive back down. All you can do is stare and absorb what your senses allow. Keeping an eye on our landing mark I continually adjusted my direction to stay in close range to the target. So gentle all the way down. Landing is abrupt and thankfully our instructors spent a few hours having us practice our landing rolls. You see the ground coming at you and its faster than you imagine but still not enough to freak you out. You prepare yourself to land, see the direction the wind is pushing you and plan yourself to roll that direction as you touch the ground. Flopitty, roll and flop, you're down. And you begin to wonder.... is there enough day light left to do it again.
Diamond Lew
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