Imagine yourself being launched forward while sitting inside a giant tin can.That’s exactly how I felt as we took off down the runway, except this tin can wasn’t full of wild-caught tuna. Instead, it was filled with individ- uals, like myself, who desired to experience something new. While I am more accustomed to flying with plush seating and flight attendants asking if I needed another drink, something inside of me leaped with excitement. I was taking a step, or a giant leap, outside of my own comfort zone and into uncharted territory. I was ner- vous. But I knew there was no turning back once the last wheel lifted from the runway.
Our pilot circled round and round until we were a little over fifteen thousand feet in the air. It was then that my dive instructor completely opened the hatch door and started to howl like a wolf in the moonlight. Naturally, I had no option but to join him. I opened up my mouth and let out an enthusiastic howl to compliment his. He motioned me to scoot closer to the open sky right out- side the door hatch. He pulled my head closer to his and then instructed me to lean back as we inched closer to the edge. The next thing I knew, he was launching out, and together we were doing a front flip into the wind. Immediately, my heart sank into my stomach. I tried talking or even screaming, but for the first time in my life, I was actually speechless. Over- come with adrenaline and thrill, it was all I could do to catch my breath.
As the first one out of the plane, I spent the next few minutes enjoying the sensation of weightlessness. Like birds in flight we were soaring over Tulla- homa, falling at speeds upward of 100 mph. Then, before I had a chance to fret, the trained instructor to whom I was harnessed, pulled a ripcord releas- ing our parachute. Whoosh. Our safety net filled with air and provided a gentle ride down to the green grass below. A smile so big you could see it from the hanger, was plastered on my face. This was a birthday gift I would never forget.
Whether you are celebrating a milestone, achievement, crossing an item off a bucket list, or just wanting to feel the fleeting uncertainty of our humanity, Skydive Tennessee offers big thrills for a small town! Open sev- en days a week, there is ample oppor- tunity for memory-making. Skydive Tennessee facilities are located at the Tullahoma Regional Airport, remov- ing the need to calculate drive time or make overnight lodging plans! In- stead, you can jump into an epic week- end without having to get away. Wor- ried about safety? Be assured, Skydive Tennessee is a military veteran owned and operated business equipped with some of the industry’s best and most experienced instructors. For more information or to schedule your first jump, visit skydivetullahoma.com. -GN