Adventure videos tend to show the real person deep down inside. The fear, the freedom, 
the nervousness, the excited, the passion is written all over their faces. It was easy to share my biplane flight video because there was no sound and the camera was too far from my face to see the true expressions, but my skydiving video is up close and personal. In the spirit of adventure and freedom though, I’ve actually included my skydiving video.
As you watch it, try to envision yourself doing the exact same thing… preparing to jump from a plane, enduring the 20 minute flight knowing that you will be evacuating the plane before it lands, stepping toward the open door 13,000 feet above the ground, and putting your entire faith in the guy strapped to your back.
I once heard a skydiving joke from my instructor before a jump. He said: “Do you know what will be the last thing to go through your skull if the chute doesn’t open?” “No, what? I replied. “Mine!” (In case you didn’t get that, I am strapped to his chest or front so if we crash, and inevitably die, his head or skull will be smashing into mine as we hit the ground.) Tell me that’s not reassuring before a jump?
“If riding in an airplane is flying, then riding in a boat is swimming. If you want to experience the element, then get out of the vehicle.”
Have you done it before? What were your thoughts? Do you want to try it for the first time? What’s holding you back?
Bucket List Publications 
So A*W*E*S*O*M*E!!!!!
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When I took skydiving lessons, we had to practice jumping off a high platform into sawdust a gazillion times, then went up for our first jump–solo–no piggy-backing with an instructor! Whoopppseeezies! Great photos here, Leslie!
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That was an awesome video Lesley. How awesome! Wow, it makes me want to give it a go. And I like the quote that “you have to get out of the vehicle to experience the element. By the way, I really like your blog site. Its very easy and simple to view and move around, lol. Blessings.
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Skydiving was always something that I wanted to do but now that I am older and get motion sickness very easily I really hesitate! Ugh!
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awesome blog post! loved the video and what a way to appreciate this wonderful world!
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Scary! But exhilarating once you are in the air, I’m sure.
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I went with friends (unbeknownst to our parents) when we were Seniors in High School – a way to celebrate graduation. We went through the class, and once I saw the plane, I opted out. All of my friends went except for me. I never regretted that decision. I’m still glad I didn’t do it. I like seeing others do it though! Good for you!!
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Loved the video, It spoke volumes more than mere still pictures could have. I have to admit that I wanted to drag my feet at the door. I would never have made it to the bottom, my heart would surely have stopped at the door. This was awesome, though!
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Whoa!!!
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All I can say is, WOW, what an experience!
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hahahahaha that guys comment made me laugh in the most nervous way so I can only imagine what it was like for you; perhaps, are you being funny or would I be safer jumping out of the plane without you would be the right description?? 😉
well done, you were super brave and I cannot describe how jealous I am of that opportunity. i’ll get there though! in the future, maybe when I’m no longer but a poor student. love your blog!
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You’ve more faith than I have or more guts. Where there is guts, there is glory. I have neither and that is what’s holding ME back.
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Great post and video! I’m glad I checked out your blog. FOLLOW!
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The riskiest thing I want to do is own a motorcycle. Skydiving is occasionally on my list of things to do… so I may try it at some point
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I wish I could skydive too 🙂 just don’t have enough guts yet.
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Did it once! It was exhilirating. The best part was when the canopy opened and you pull up and sit there, floating in the sky. The silence was AMAZING. And then it was all over. Way too fast.
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Hi Lesley! I loved your movie! The first time I skydived was with my then new boyfriend (now my husband) who I had only known for a few weeks. I have never felt so free as when I fell from the sky. I was terrified all day in the lead up to the afternoon flight but was totally won over with the exhilaration and want to do it again. You are an inspiration!
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Hi Lesley you inspired me to share my own skydive experience, my post references you, check it out if you get time:
http://magentafrog.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/when-are-you-truly-free/
Safe travels!
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I really want to go skydiving. Excellent video.
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Amazing!!!
I feel big American spirit here.
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Kitesurfing for me now. Skydiving – next!
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Totally freakin cool…When Your Hubby jumped out I honestly said “holy crap” because of the view!!! You guys are amazing!
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First jump I ever did was at Plymouth Skysports in Indiana. Best experience I ever had. Although, the second jump is fun too. You get to feel like a big shot in front of your non-skyfallen friends.
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Pingback: Nominated for Seven Things About Me Award « Ellyn Baker
Definitely not on my list! I am not hights friendly 🙂 But I really admire those who have the courage to do it. Two thumbs up!
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Hello , i am a huge fan of extreme sports as i personally love surf, kite surf etc, your video seemed pretty awesome to me and astonished! I ‘d love to gather some damn money and do it too one day! till then .. i will just add a “like” to your post!!! 🙂 stay active, stay alive 🙂
greedings from Greece
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“IF RIDING IN AN AIRPLANE IS FLYING, THEN RIDING IN A BOAT IS SWIMMING. IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE ELEMENT, THEN GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE.” ………………..like ur point!!
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Thanks for sharing your video! I haven’t worked up the courage to share mine yet, but a few pics are up on my blog from my first jump last saturday…No nerves – but totally hooked now!! Next up – solo jump!!! Even thinking of getting certified!
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That was awesome! You rock!
Makes me want to try it…but what I’d really like to do, is trek to K2 base camp and document some of the climbers…but $$,$$$ is my main deterrent in that adventure!
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Pingback: When are you truly free? « magentafrog
That’s awesome–I love the video!! Looks like so much fun 🙂 I want to go skydiving so bad, but I just haven’t done it yet. One of these days I will go though, but I’m sure I’d be pretty nervous on the way up!
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Hmmm… the instructor wears the helmet, but you hit the ground first? Looks like you had a blast!
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Very cool to have the video. I did a similar tandem jump about 15 years ago – I’m not even sure I got any pictures!
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Thank you for checking out and liking my photography blog – and thank you for your Bucket List work, and in particular, your skydive experience. I’ve logged nearly 500 jumps – the last being in 1981 – when i broke my back. Not skydiving, but jumping on a trampoline.
Keep it up – and thanks again for checking out my photography work!
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OMG, that is SO SCARY! Skydiving is on my bucket list, and I’m half pumped/half mortified to do it. I’m totally scared of heights and it would be the scariest most impressive thing I could ever do. I admire you lots for your adventurousness. Great blog 🙂
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I’m going skydiving for the first time next month! So glad I watched your video, now I know what to expect. How far up did you jump from? And how long was the ‘flight’ down? Was it uncomfortable to be strapped to a complete stranger? [Sorry for all the questions, I’m just so intrigued!]
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I want to say it was 13,000 feet, but I’m not 100%. The free-fall last about 30 seconds maybe and the open chute ride is about 5 minutes. It wasn’t uncomfortable and they feel more like your best friend considering the circumstances. 😉
Enjoy your jump. It is a life changing experience.
🙂
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I tried it too and loved it…for me it was the sense of weightlessness that was the best.
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You’re very brave!
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I’m not good with heights at all, but your video made that look so amazingly, well, amazing.
Maybe some day. On Valium. LOL
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Skydiving is truly amazing! I did it in Taupo, New Zealand about a year ago soon.. Everytime I watch my video I get chills all over my body and feel that adrenaline rush once again! SUCH an amazing thing to do, I definately want to go again..
Love our posts, I’ve always wanted to go hot air ballooning! I am also terrified of under water adventures.. Going to try and push myself to do some scuba diving in Australia, though! Will definately check out your Cali-posts since I’m about to travel the US west coast. Also, thankyou so much for liking some of my posts, definately motivate and make me write more, to improve my english!
Really looking forward to more inspiration from you! Because you truly are inspirational, I kind of look up to you, actually.. You have a role model look upon life and what is important and I’m just starting out but I hope I can manage to both experience everything I want to in life AND have a family. Also I’d love som tips on what to do in California when you’re short on time and on a budget.. I’m planning on going to Yosemite too, wondering if youo’ve been?
Stay inspirational and adventurous!
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Skydiving was the most exhilarating thing I have ever done. That first feeling when you hop out of the plane is like nothing I have ever felt. Amazing.
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OMG – I accidentally ended up here, too – clicked on California just for the heck of it. I’ll probably watch this one a hundred times before January. Thanks.
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Love it! Where did you go skydiving in CA? I’ve also been. I went twice in Lodi, CA. It was beautiful over the vineyards. I got a video too, but it was so long ago it’s on a VHS tape. Ha!
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Hey! I’ve been thinking of blogging about my sky diving experience, and came across your blog. I was soo nervous (much more than you look in the video) 🙂 And seeing the speed at which the people who jump before you going down… it’s enough to make you change your mind! But sooo much fun when you are in the air. Nice blog you have here. Cheers!
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Omg! I would love to try this sometime! 😀 But maybe, I’ll start off with paragliding though, you probably can’t compare. 😛
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