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Finally, Sharp says that Skydive Kansas always gives people the option not to jump if they don't feel comfortable, even if they're already suited up and in the plane.
she adds that, with experience, it becomes relative to your own comfort zone. It's also illegal to jump through clouds, Reimer says, so a low cloud ceiling could result in a little more time on the ground.
Skydiving is not without its dangers, however. According to the USPA Web site, 853 injuries and 18 fatalities were reported in 2007 out of more than 2.1 million jumps. Ed Scott, executive director of USPA, says injuries are usually a result of poor landings rather than equipment malfunctions. Scott says the type of parachute used by skydivers today is very forgiving and maneuverable, but can be mishandled. He says that injuries and deaths occur when people land hard under a fully-open parachute. Most of the time, he says these people are intentionally landing very fast, which can cause the skydiver to hit the ground before he or she is prepared for landing.
Scott says students don't usually have to worry about injuries, as student parachutes are larger and more forgiving than the standard parachute. He says these parachutes are designed to make it hard for students to maneuver in ways that would lead to trouble, and students are also often provided with some kind of in-air support, guiding them through the descent and landing.
Sharp says one of the biggest misconceptions is that being too careful means you're scared. "Caution isn't cowardly." she says. "And not having fear doesn't make you courageous."
Students interested in trying out the sport can contact the KU Skydiving Club. Reimer, the club president, started the club in spring 2007.She says the club holds occasional meetings at the Kansas Union to introduce prospective members to the sport. People can get information about the club at the info fairs at the beginning of each semester or from its Web site groups.ku.edu/~kuskydiving.
If you don't want to go the club route or are only interested in jumping with a couple of friends, you can contact Skydive Kansas through its Web site, www.skydivekansas.com. The price is a little higher, but the experience is just as impossible to describe.
Skydiving isn't cheap, however. According to the KU Skydiving Club Web site, the first tandem jump costs $165, even with the club discount.As you continue to gain experience, the price starts to decrease, but the sport still requires a decent amount of cash.
Wilson, club vice president, says the goal of the club is to get members interested in the sport and hopefully work for their license, which allows members to skydive solo. He says the club tries to go for jumps about once a month, though members are free to go on their own whenever they want.
There are benefits to jumping as a club member.The club jumps with Skydive Kansas, which offers discounts to club members,and Reimer gives free parachute packing lessons during meetings.
Next time you're looking for something new and exciting to try out, give skydiving a shot for an experience you'll never forget.
Where do I sign up?
Contributed photo
A skydiver completes a successful jump. Jen Sharp, instructor at Skydive Kansas, says being cautious when skydiving isn't cowardly, but a smart frame of mind.
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August 28, 2008