One thing that I’ve come to love about skydiving and adrenaline sports is the tight-knit community.
Though I’m still very much learning the inner-workings behind it all, I’ve come to realize that the jumping community in particular (read: skydivers and BASE jumpers), is ever expanding, yet small enough that with every new person you meet, there’s a good chance they’ll know someone you do.
During Bridge Day weekend I was lucky enough to meet some skydivers who are regulars at another NE Ohio dropzone, Aerohio. What make that even better, is that I was able to jump with a few of them on Sunday as I visited their home DZ for the first time.
Yesterday was a beautiful fall day. Mid 50s, not a cloud in the sky, winds at a perfect 5-10 mph. A number of my regular jumping buddies were headed down to Rittman to jump out of the caravan, and given that my home DZ didn’t have a turbine, it didn’t take much to twist my arm.
I took part in four great freefly jumps – a 4-way sitfly where we campfired (or attempted, anyhow), a two man rolling train into a sit as we tried to get Matt to perfect his sitfly, a three man head down with two amazing freeflyers in an effort to teach me the basics, and a relative sitfly with my girl Christa – that we kept pretty relative.
Getting to jump with some of the people I met at Bridge, a couple of incredible experienced jumpers, and my long-time jumping buddies made for a great day. I even met a few new jumpers that are quickly becoming new friends.
(Part of our crew from Bridge Day this year)
Aside from the fact that my freefly partner couldn’t be there because of the flu, it was a great day at a new DZ!
I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of such an exciting community. There’s always something new going on (like the impromptu balloon jump we’re currently planning for this afternoon), the people generally welcome you with open arms, and our community continues to grow with each first jump that’s made.
Personally, I couldn’t be happier with the friends I’ve made this season. Can’t wait to see how my jumper network continues to grow. Hopefully one day y’all will be a part of it, too!
Blue skies!
Ashley