Hannah Law

Notice my instructor has earplugs in?!

Skydiving was incredible. I didn’t end up being too scared on the day; in fact, I was  more nervous before the Cole Classic ocean swim the next day!

The plane was pretty tiny – there was room for about 10 of us. What really made the plane journey was the stunning view of Wollongong beach which eventually became a tiny speck when we got to 14,000 ft.

There was no time wasting when we got to the right altitude. I was second to jump and I was more excited than nervous! That first moment when you realise you’re not supported by anything, that realisation of the freefall is indescribable. If I become a millionaire, I’m taking up skydiving as my sport just so I can feel that rush every day.

My instructor said I just giggled the whole time during the free fall

I think I’m going to become a sky diving addict. I’ve even considered doing a course so I can get qualified to jump by myself. But I don’t think I trust myself enough to jump out of a plane with nothing but myself responsible for my life!

So, for now, I’m going to stick with the skydiving with an instructor. Anyone up for coming with me again?! 

Here are some of the photos – they are stills from a video I got so they’re a bit grainy but you get the idea!!

Why on earth did I sign up for skydiving?! I’m booked in to go on 5th Feb down in Wollongong. And I’m starting to get nervous!

Have you been?

Do you have any hot tips for me?  Close my eyes? Wear a nappy?! Create a will before I go? Help!!

I’m getting back into the exercise (and the blogging) for 2011. Last weekend I headed out to Penrith for a session of white water rafting with a bunch of Poms!

We made the hour long trek out to Penrith hungover, with only a slight detour(ssh!), and kept ourselves entertained by spotting the Fire Museum and giant Sewerage Plant – two great Australian icons.

Upon arrival in the middle of nowhere, we signed the consent forms but not after having a mild attack at the words “risk of permanent injury & death”. Keen to get into the water (to shake those hangovers!) we kitted up with helmets, life jackets and paddles to receive our briefing. Our group had 10 people but we split into two: 4 in an unguided raft (brave … or crazy!) and the rest of us in a guided raft.

And we were off… up the pulley that took us to the top of the man-made rafting course, that was originally built for canoeing in the Sydney Olympics. With paddles at the ready we went head-on through the first rapid – throwing our weight to the left and then paddling furiously to the right to make sure we all stayed (relatively) dry. Still smiling, we had a moment’s break before the next massive rapid hit us and the raft behind bumped into us. Paddling furiously we tried to beat them but failed miserably. We all survived round one without being thrown into that ferocious man-made rapid that is grade 3 – apparently the highest commercial grade allowed! After telling the instructor we thought round one was pretty tame, he replied with “famous last words”. And he was right. It all went downstream (sorry, couldn’t resist) after with arms, legs and helmets being thrown haphazardly around, bums going overboard and paddles in the eye (that looked painful).

The chaos, also known as rafting, continued for about an hour and a half with a quick break for ‘raft surfing’ which was definitely the highlight!

It was a bit on the pricey side ($89) but perfect for adrenaline-junkies and thrill-seekers.

A big thanks to Dorota for organising!