Normally accustomed to diving underwater, scuba instructor Sally Rathbone decided to try the “other” diving and volunteered to throw herself out of an airplane owned by Sri Racha-based Thai Sky Adventures.
Managed by American Wayne Edmisten and Englishman Harry Hongjindapong, who have a combined 45 years of skydiving experience, Thai Sky Adventures opened in Ao Udom in November with a sales office in Pattaya.
“I have wanted to skydive for years and was excited when I arrived at the center at 9 a.m. and met my instructor, Frank Volkmar,” said the diminutive 27-year-old Englishwoman, who normally spends her days as an IDC Staff Instructor for Aquanauts Dive Centre on Soi 6 and Beach Road. “He was friendly and professional and immediately removed any trace of nerves about throwing myself out of a plane 13,000 feet in the air.”
“He gave me a thorough briefing about my body positioning when exiting the plane, during freefall and for landing. After that we geared up and headed off to the airstrip where a small plane was waiting. Along with us was Scotsman Dave Burnett, who was completing his first assisted solo dive for his Accelerated Free Fall course, which will qualify him to do solo dives.
“As we ascended I looked down at the view and felt mainly excitement with a few underlying nerves. Frank firmly secured my harness to his and, after watching Dave jump with his two jumpmasters, we moved to the edge of the plane with the videographer. Before I knew it we were falling fast through the air and I was enjoying every second!
“I expected to feel fear in the free fall period of the dive, but it was the best part. All your natural instincts are still telling you to stay alert since it is hard-wired into your head. But your brain just starts watching and enjoying what is happening. It is the most peaceful you can ever feel while still having an adrenaline rush. It’s scared, excited, and calm, all at the same time.
“I expected to see the ground rushing towards us, but because of the height it barely feels like you are falling. When Frank opened the parachute at 5,500 ft. the deafening sound of the wind suddenly disappeared to leave behind complete peace and silence. As we glided in, we had a great view of the area and Frank allowed to try steering the parachute before landing smoothly at the drop zone. What an amazing experience and one to definitely be repeated!”
Thai Sky Adventures is located in 19 km from Pattaya just off the main Bangkok-to-Pattaya highway. The company provides transport from your accommodations to the drop zone or offers car and motorcycle rental, if required. For more information contact 085-900-3412 or online here..