First jump - have question

[behoffy 0]

Hey there! I'm new to skydiving. My husband and I took our first jump about 10 days ago. Absolutely loved it. It is something we had been wanting to do for years. My father went to his grave always wanting to have jumped but never did. I didn't want to make that same mistake. So glad I did it and will probably do it again soon.

Here's my big question.... are any of you who are new to sky diving experiencing "post-jump depression?" Does the rest of your life now seem boring and sort of meaningless? Please understand I'm a normally happy and content person, don't get the blues at the drop of a hat. I've gotten some valuable feedback in the womens forum and am looking for more from other newbies.

Thanks!

[SkyPainter 0]

Hi! Welcome to the sky! I am also a newbie, did my tandem a week or so ago, and waiting for the weather here to clear-up so I can begin the AFF course.

I think "post jump depression' is not depression at all, but rather a mental and physiological response to the overwhelming adrenalin rush of that first jump! Our brains and bodies are programmed to seek pleasure, not pain, and in that process we long to experience it at that level again.

Certainly, very few things can measure-up to the sensations of flying and freedom, but we need to separate those from other pleasures - seeing my kids born, tasting various single-malt scotches, hearing great jazz, for example. Each is precious in it's own way, and each provides me with a different pleasurable experience.

Jumping is SUCH an overwhelming experience, that we yearn to go right back up and do it again! I know I did right after my tandem!

I went to the Pro Shop at the DZ, and bought the SIM (Skydiving Information Manual), and have been studying it like it was the SATs .... at least it has afforded me a deeper insight into the sport, and how the progressions are structures, and a LOT of other great information, as well! It has helped to fill-in the time until the next classes/jumps.

Depression? Nah..... Craving more? You bet! It is certainly a high point in life to date, and ranks right up there with the others.
Hopefully, you will be able to find the time/money/weather to be able to continue with this amazing hobby. But remember, it is a hobby - you still have a life to live off the DZ!

Best,

Blue Skies, Safe Landings always,

SkyPainter

Live deliberately; Dare greatly; Land gently
SkyPainter
SOS 1304, POPS 10695, DS 118

[skymama 37]

Welcome to the forums!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[behoffy 0]

Thanks so much for that thoughtful and meaningful response - it helps much. I never planned for this to become a hobby. I just figured it would be a one-time experience to always be remembered. In no way did I expect these feelings.

Good luck with AFF. My husband is considering that as well. Not sure if I'd ever get to that point, but I'm thinking about tandem progression. Hoping to make our second jump this weekend.

Again, thanks. Your words are truly appreciated.

[dreaming13000 1]

Quote

....I went to the Pro Shop at the DZ, and bought the SIM (Skydiving Information Manual), and have been studying it like it was the SATs .... at least it has afforded me a deeper insight into the sport, and how the progressions are structures, and a LOT of other great information, as well! It has helped to fill-in the time until the next classes/jumps......

Skydiving took over my life for the last month....I completed my AFF and had my first "solo" jump on Saturday! I bought the SIM and learned everything I could about this sport...not only did it help me handle my emotions and craving for everything skydiving but it also fine tuned my love and respect for this sport! Plus watching you tube videos helps me get a fix really quick too hahahaha....

Good luck and blue skies!

jess

"A man only gets in life what he is believing for, nothing more and nothing less" Kenneth Hagen

[airathanas 0]

Post jump depression is another way of saying MOTIVATION!!!

Welcome to the skydiving world!

http://3ringnecklace.com/

[Katinka 0]

Hi! I do know exactly what you mean. I did my first skydive at 53, happily married with two grown kids, lots of life experience, lots of great times.

There is nothing to compare to skydiving. You can't explain it to a non-skydiver. Beyond even that, I've read many posts, especially from women, that this sport brings you back to who you are. Or maybe even, who you were before husband, kids, job, the daily grind.

It's the thrill, new again. You want more of it. And, yes, daily life is dull by comparison. You just jumped out of an airplane - how cool is that!?

Go do it again!

[behoffy 0]

Oh, fantastic - someone in my age group (I'm almost 47). I never meant for this to be some sort of a life-changing event. This feeling has really thrown me. I just hope I can get a little normalcy back. You know, just happy normal life with a little jumping from time to time maybe. Is that possible, or does it have to become an addiction like so many people are saying?

Thanks so much for your comments.

[skymama 37]

Quote

Oh, fantastic - someone in my age group (I'm almost 47). I never meant for this to be some sort of a life-changing event. This feeling has really thrown me. I just hope I can get a little normalcy back. You know, just happy normal life with a little jumping from time to time maybe. Is that possible, or does it have to become an addiction like so many people are saying?

I'm around your age (I'm 43). It's quite possible to be a "fun jumper" and not let skydiving take over your life. I jump every other weekend and do other things with my family on the other weekends. If you and your husband decide to jump together, you will have the advantage of being able to travel to skydiving events (called boogies) together. It's a great way to see the sights of different areas and get in some jumping time.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[ericwt 0]

Behoffy—
Like you, I am new to the sport (first jump was 5/4, finished AFF 6/14 and now have 17 jumps in, hoping to complete my A license this month). I am sure the emotions are different for everyone, but I definitely experienced some post-first-jump reflection (and still am, 2 months later).

Like a lot of people, I had expectations; of course that changes your attitude about the outcome. On one hand, my first time touching ground again was amazing. The self-confidence, the exhilaration of freefall, and landing on your own won’t be duplicated in any other part of your life—you only get that skydiving. But this was a very personal experience for me, and I knew going in that it would be the best thing I had ever done. And it was. And when something like that is over, you feel like you’ve hit a high point in life and it’s only down from there—until you realize there’s a whole lot more to experience. It was kind of like losing my virginity all over again--that’s the only life experience that comes close in my opinion.

Well, one thing I learned early is that when you’ve touched the ground, there’s only one place left to go—back up. For me, the ground is now the limit and when I’ve touched down for the last time, that’s when the high point of my life will be over. Not a second before. I’m hoping to draw this out for 25-30 years yet :-)

It’s great that you and your husband are doing this together. Despite two months of stories and great times, I have only been able to talk 1 friend, possibly, into joining me. That came as a bit of a letdown. Everyone wants to hear the stories, knowing what it’s like—but getting them to do it and the money commitment is too much for most I’ve talked with. When I find something new I try to get all my friends to join in, so they can have fun too. However, this is a hobby I’m doing on my own for now. And, as one of my instructors said, “Everyone at the drop zone is your friend—you just haven’t met all your friends yet.”

Also, despite doing this for 2 months, last weekend I turned with the wind at the last second (bad move on my part…absolutely the dumbest thing I’ve done under canopy so far) and had a very ungraceful, albeit injury-free, landing. So at some point, be prepared to question your own abilities and whether this is for you. I know I am, but I’m willing to pick myself up off the ground and walk back with my head high. So take your instructors advice and stick with it (if, on the other hand, your instructor says skydiving perhaps isn’t for you, I would heed that advice…but I’ve never heard that, lol).

Whether it is for the sake of my own stupidity, or perhaps in spite of it, I always know I’ll be back to jump another day because nothing is more fulfilling than gathering up all that mental wherewithal and answering ‘YES!!!’ to that all important question when your neighbor turns to you on the plane and asks “Are you ready to skydive?” And then you jump into the big blue.

Enjoy!!