Skydiving - the Rush to Earth

In line with the extremo military related sports, how about some sky diving?  Parachuting usually is used to refer to jumping out of airplanes with the chute opening immediately.  Most military parachute drops operate this way. HALO jumps - high altitude low opening - are a little closer to skydiving though some HALO jumps require breathing gear and clothing because of the extreme altitude.

Skydiving means you jump out of the plane, fall free for thousands of feet and then open your chute.  We're talking quadruple thrills here.  First is going over the edge into the void. Then you fly free down the sky. Third is the moment before your chute yanks you - because you can never be certain it will. Fourth is hitting the ground unbroken and knowing you survived. All told - huge adrenaline rush, blown out excitement, fear and glory all in a rush to earth.

Is it dangerous? Sure thing.  Stuff happens and you can end up splatted.  But the risk is really pretty low with quality instruction and equipment, and a well-packed chute (and a secondary, of course).  People make hundreds of jumps over years safely.  Now it is true you can pick up some bruises and broken bones from a bad landing or if you get blown off target, but you could do that tripping on the stairs at home and you sure wouldn't get the incredible rush to remember while you heal up.

Are these people who actually jump out of airplanes for fun crazy or what?  No, but they may have gotten  addicted to the experience. Not only is it a huge thrill, but it can be extremely relaxing.  You sure aren't going to be worrying about the little problems when you hurl yourself out of the airplane and make the fall to earth. Skydiving takes you way out of your everyday life.

There's a dirty little secret in every extreme sport - every one of them has moments outside the ordinary - points of mind filling clarity and a thrill that only the participants can really understand and share. Like other extreme sports, skydiving is a radical experience that can change you and your life.