Well it has been a while since my last traveling journal. Then again, I have not been doing much interesting travel as compared to Asia. Nevertheless, I have picked up a thing or two since, such as skydiving. Yes, you read write, skydiving. I am in the process to acquire my skydiving license. Already on level 3 and only 4 more levels to go before I complete the AFF (Advance Free Fall) program.
Well, back in August of last year was when I first wondered into the art of skydiving. After several months, I decided to give it a try and pursue my license. While in Puerto Rico, I went back to the original skydiving location from August and began my lessons into obtaining License A. Upon my 6-8 hour class, I was able to jump, without being attached, with a JumpMaster. My first dive was quite an experience. I tried to take pictures, however some of you may realize that I dont have any pictures of my landing. You may ask why. Well, this day was my first solo jump my first non-tandem jump with an instructor. We both went up and jumped off the plane. Everything went well up to the point when it was time to pull the pilot chute the section of the parachute which opens and deploys the main parachute. Well, because of my inexperience, when I pulled the pilot chute, I did not release it from my hand and of course, the main chute did not open. I continued to drop for another 2000 feet. (So in other words, I was suppose to open at 5000 feet). So already closing in at 3000 feet, I started thinking, ok, cut off and release reserve. At the same time, I noticed that my instructor, who was still hanging on from my suit with his bare hands, was smacking the living hell out of me and was about to smack me in the face when I realized that I was still holding on to the pilot chute. Immediately, I let go of the pilot chute (at 3000 feet) and my main chute opened and quickly decelerated. After confirming a good opened canopy, I looked down to identify the landing area but could not find it. I was about a good 1-2 miles away from the landing area just by the airport. Well, I was lucky enough to get as close as possible to the airport but was some considerable distance away from the landing zone. Please see the attached picture.
Unfortunately, I did not pass the level, yet the instructor told me that if I jumped again and performed everything in level 2, then I would pass level 1. The very next day, I went again and jumped successfully. A month passed by and again I decided to jump this time it was this past weekend in Miami Skydive at Homestead Airport. Well, after a month since my last jump, I needed to take a refresher course and then it was off to jumping. At Miami Skydive, I had 2 JumpMasters jump with me ( Don and Pete ). Well, off we went and began our freefall everything went well until the approach and landing. Just as I was about 10-15 meters (35-50 feet) above ground, a slight change of wind draft and the crowd on the ground prompted me to perform a minor correction BIG MISTAKE!!! I ended up accelerating and did not have enough time or distance to break therefore having quite a rough landing. In other words, I landed on my booty and boy does it hurt. I must say it is quite bruised and hurts but it will surely heal soon I hope. Please do know that this will not deter me, it will just postpone a bit until I fully heal and are able to jump again.
Anyway, as you all know I am in Monterrey, Mexico and will be here for quite some time apparently. Will be in Madrid, Spain from June 1 through June 10 so if you have any plans to be in the area please do let me know.
Until then, please take care of yourself.
Hasta la vista.
-Nicolas
ps. Don't forget to sign my guestbook. Thanks!