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.

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24 comments on “Reluctant Skydivers”

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. I am visiting PHilippines this July and was interested in skydiving first time, preferably in Tanauan (or elsewhere in southern Luzon)! It is so hard to find information on the internet. If anyone knows a website or contact email please let me know. Thank you!!!

  6. Heard that a Fitness Adventure Program is being launched at Planet Infinity ( Mother Ignacia, QC) and Skydiving will be their Pilot Program. Affordable too. Can't wait!!!

  7. Skydiving is just FANTASTIC. and it's SAFE. We are in 2010, remember that... far from the time when hippies were throwing themselve out of planes with home made "parachutes", wanting to fly like the birds.
    Technology got involved, high tech fabrics and advanced research brought skydiving in a totally different approach nowadays. Skydivers are wonderful people, like you won't meet in other places. Wearing a parachute on your back, you have actually 2 wings on your back... the main parachute, the one you take care of yourslef, packing it and checking it, and the reserve, that is packed by certified people, and that you simply never see, because it's closed with a seal. That one, if you happen to have an issue with the first one, tha reserve one WILL open, and you will fly it and land it, and you will still be alive. have all this repacked and go back jumping!! it's simply the best, the most exihilerating, the trully most enjoyable thing a human being can do on earth. It changed my life, and I will be a skydiver for ever, and I will live long to be able to jump as much as I can for the rest of my life. And my life is FULL, I'm never bored.
    Do it the right way, follow the right training, and jump again knowing what you are doing. You will change your mind about the suicidal aspect of this sport. Saying that is simply a shortcut, and the result of something said without any previous reflexion.

  8. Where exactly in Tanuan? How much does it cost? Is it possible to skydive without any proper training?

  9. Hi! Thanks for your post.
    I was browsing for "Xerxes F. Panganiban" and I happened to end up here as he's among who replied to your article. From his description of his grandparents' house location, I'm definitely sure that he's the one I've known 30yrs ago.
    Pls. kindly forward this message to him on behalf of Kim.
    Thanks and God Bless!

  10. 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!