Reluctant Skydivers
Whoever coined the term “extreme sports” must have been giving the most misleading understatement of the century. “Extreme” simply means outrageous or radical, such as outrageous clothes and radical beliefs. Skydiving is not an extreme sport. It is suicidal. And I came to this conclusion a couple of hours too late. The wind rocked the small open plane and I barely heard the instructor shouting, “Ready?”
As I tried to avoid staring down beyond the plane, my mind kept its agitated monologue. Skydiving was invented by people who have nothing to do. Skydiving is done by lunatics who chose not to die by boredom. I, on the other hand, wouldn’t mind being accompanied by boredom for the rest of my life.
Yet, it was probably boredom that drove us, me and two of my friends, towards Tanauan, which is two hours south of Manila. Tanauan is known as the skydiving capital of the Philippines. Its Skydiving Center has 1200 meter airstrip. And it has several aircrafts available to skydiving enthusiasts. I should have backed out from there.
I never claimed to be an enthusiast. But I let them strapped a parachute over me. The instructor assured us that we were wearing state-of-the-art parachutes. For the maximum safety of all their customers, all the parachutes have Cypress automatic activation devices. Cypress? Cypress is supposed to be a sturdy evergreen tree. Not this contraption.
The plane is now flying over the rest of Batangas. We were near the drop zone, an area between Mount Makiling and Taal volcano. I closed my eyes, hoping that I was only dreaming.
“Now!” the instructor shouted again. Somebody shoved me. I knew that because I have every intention of staying inside the plane. I kicked to find anything solid, translated as safe, beneath me. But I only floated. The gusts of air at that altitude were unbelievably powerful.
My survival instincts kicked in and I struggled to remember the instructions given to us. What was it? “Relax”, I think. I realized that I was still holding my breath. My arms are already spread and at least I got that right.
“Enjoy the view” was another important instruction given to us. I slowly opened one eye, and then the other. The Taal lake and volcano are breathtaking. The Taal volcano is the smallest one in the whole world. Thin fumes rose from it. The greenish blue of the lake helped calm my nerves, but not entirely. Yet, I thought that angels must be lucky to be seeing this view.
Then I was alarmed at the speed I’m falling. I held on and the parachute opened, slowing me down. After a few moments, I can see people waiting for me. I finally landed and stayed lying down for awhile until I could feel my legs again. Exhilaration seeped in and an inexplicable happiness swept me. “I did it!” was all I could think of.
Related topics:
The Taal Lake Yacht Club, A Great Weekend Trip
For weekend and day trips, the Taal Lake Yacht Club is truly a great choice. Environment friendly water sports and the Nature Trek are great specialties. This is one weekend trip you'll want to come back for....
Anilao, Diving Options in Batangas
Anilao is one of the many diving sites that the Philippines has to offer. Aside from diving, there are likewise activities that cater to people who are not into diving....
Philippines’ Second Summer Capital Tagaytay
Are you a nature lover,looking for an affordable place where you can satisfy your eyes with the wonders of nature? Tagaytay is the place where you should go....
Tagaytay City: Home of Specialty Restaurants
Going to Tagaytay City is not complete without visiting their specialty restaurants. Mouth-watering foods are served while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the city....
Travel Hot Spots
The Philippines can be one of the best tourist destinations in the world. The scenery can compete with any other Asian neighboring countries. The people are warm and friendly and anyone's stay here would surely be a memorable one. ...
Scenic Philippines
Perhaps one of the Philippines most alluring resources besides its natural resources and topography are its scenic spots. These beautiful scenic areas are found in the various parts of the country....
A Bird’s Eye View of the Philippines
There are of course an abdundance of tourist attractions found in the Philippines. It covers very loosely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao's most important attractions which visitors should not miss on their trip to the land of 7000 islands....
How to Enjoy a Store Business More
Starting a store business often means manning it oneself. And manning a store business can be very tiring and discouraging at times. But with the right attitude and mindset a store business may be more a hobby than work. There...
Why Travelling in the Philippines is the Best?
Travelling in the Philippines is the Best! From white sand beaches to three-layered forests, who could ask for more? The Philippines is a world famous tourist destination! ...
What Makes the Philippines a Pearl?
The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia that has 7,107 islands. There is a tourist spot for every type of person. The Filipino hospitality is a bonus for travelers....
9 Responses to “Reluctant Skydivers”
Leave a Reply
Hi! Despite the initial fear, I am sure it was an incredible experience. I am also planning to experience my first jump maybe by next january so I was just wondering how much do they charge? thanks!
My grandparents’ house is located in Bilog-Bilog, Tanauan, Batangas. Where exactly is Skydiving Center located? Is it located at the airstrip in Santor between the Mabini shrine and bayan? I’m interested because I’m going to be in Tanauan this December. I have 7 AFF jumps to date (passed 4), and would love to jump in the Philippines. Is their equipment well maintained? Do all their rigs have AADs? Are they USPA certified? Will jumping in the Philippines count towards my certification? I’d love to know.
i really want to try skydiving ..but dont know how much it will cost me and where/
I want to jump!!!!…. Please anybody willing to help this fool experience free falling for several microsecs…. would be much appreciated. Mien cell 0922-774-3771
My Motto: You only have one life to live, so live it to the fullest! Kudos to you guyz who faced your fears (albeit reluctantly) and took the plunge. I would appreciate help in facing the same challenge. How do I reach the Batangas SkyDiving Center? You can text me at 0920-814-8079. Thanx
can anyone please post contact numbers of tanauana aerial sports?
Where exactly in Tanuan? How much does it cost? Is it possible to skydive without any proper training?
guys i want to try sky diving in cebu, please sms me 09266406129. thanks
my bday is approaching and this is definitely what i want to do! can you give me the contact details of the Tanauan Skydiving center? and to other readers, anyone interested to jump with me? 09279537207… thanks!