Skydive Hawaii

Jumping out of a plane at 12,000 ft sounds crazy, right?  Like who would want to do that? But seriously, I think skydiving is both the craziest thing I've ever done and the most exhilarating thing I've ever done.  I've always considered myself an adrenaline junkie, contrary to what many people may guess about me.  I had been throwing around the idea of skydiving for a while with friends.  So when I heard that one of the best places to go was in Hawaii, I couldn't get the idea out of my head.  I kept thinking how can I miss out on this crazy opportunity to see such a beautiful landscape from the sky?

I think the scariest part of skydiving is the plane ride up.  You are packed into a tiny craft plane, sandwiched in between strangers, straddling a wooden bench.  It probably would have been more awkward seeing as there wasn't even an inch between me and a complete stranger who I happened to be latched to, if I hadn't been completely consumed with fear thinking "what the hell am I doing" and "how much higher are we going?"  Thank god, Potter, my skydive instructor, was super cool and kept making sure I was good.  The actual jump part wasn't half as terrifying probably due to the fact that it happens so quickly and the land isn't even recognizable as land.  At 12,000 feet, the Earth looks more like a crazy beautiful painting, just a bunch of shapes and vibrant colors.  When it was my turn to jump, I don't think I could even register quick enough that I was about to jump out of a plane.  It was like: "you ready?" - "wtffff" - "3, 2..." - so many pretty colors - "holy sh*t, I'm flying!!"

The free fall was my favorite part of out of the entire experience.  You feel like you are weightless and flying.  Although, I'm pretty sure I screamed my head off the entire time.  The landscape and views are amazing.  It's even better you can see one of the best beaches in Oahu, the North Shore from above.  I don't think there's any better way to view the world, especially Hawaii.  Once the chute opens, it really just feels like you're parasailing through the sky.  The landing was something that frightened me a little but it turn out to be so easy. Tuck your knees high, listen to your instructor and land standing up like a boss (haha that sounds weird coming from me).

The experience as a whole was something I will never forget.  The people at Skydive Hawaii were so welcoming and nice.  I was checked in, signed my life away (literally) and up on the plane within 20 minutes of arriving.  I did have a reservation (which is key) and it was just me, so that probably factored into the speedy service. I definitely would recommend getting the earliest, if not the first, reservation time of the day, as there tend to be delays and what not. If you have a later reservation and there are delays you could end up waiting for hours. Again, crazy I didn't wait long since it was literally the only clear, blue sky day in the middle of 3 hurricanes.  And when in doubt, buy the pictures AND video.  It is totally worth the money.

Seriously one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I would definitely go again!  Any suggestions where?

Check out Skydive Hawaii the next time you're on Oahu.

Yours Truly // Shannon