Skydiving for the First Time Issue 20 Home Page

Overcoming My Fear of Heights Hironobu Yasuda from Japan Photo from Hironobu Yasuda There was a whole new world and the sky was beautiful. I had never seen such a beautiful world! First, I felt an awful acceleration.   On Saturday, April 22, 2001, I jumped from an airplane 13,000 feet up. What was the purpose? It was just to overcome my fear of heights. Seven years ago, when I went to France, I couldn’t go up the Eiffel Tower because I was afraid. It seemed so high. I wanted to overcome my fear, so I could dare to go skydiving. At first, I didn't think I could, but I finally did it. I don't think that I could have jumped out of that plane without the encouragement of my wonderful friends and classmates: Yucel and Tatiana! Unfortunately, we couldn’t jump together. However, as we prepared to jump, there was something special among us—a special bond. I made a reservation to go skydiving one week before the day of my jump. I felt nervous during the whole week, kind of blue; but mysteriously, when it was the moment to jump from the airplane, I didn’t feel any fear… I just jumped! That was awesome! Awesome! Photo from Hironobu Yasuda Then I felt like I was lying in the air… like a bird! I think it was an illusion, but it was wonderful!   There was a whole new world and the beautiful sky. I had never seen such a beautiful world!!! First, I felt an awful acceleration, and then I felt like I was lying in the air… like a bird! I think it was an illusion, but it was wonderful! The oncoming wind blew me strongly. It was amazing! After about 50 seconds free fall, the parachute opened. When I landed on the ground, I felt a lack of oxygen. It was difficult to breathe in during the freefall. I was so glad that I survived and was able to overcome my fear! Everything went well! If possible, I want to jump again. My first jump is an outstanding memory for me. More first jumps: I Did It! | I Landed in a Tree! | My First Skydiving Experience Return to: Skydiving for the First Time | Issue 20 | Home Page TOPICS Online Magazine - ©1997-2008 - Sandy and Thomas Peters - topics.mag@gmail.com