ray2506

Yeah...!! So which of us is Laurel and which is Hardy?? Neither of us has any hair left .... but I guess if push came to shove, you'd be Hardy and I'm Laurel.... so thats another fine mess I got you into!!

Hey Ladydyver.. thanks for the reply. We'll be there from 3rd December to 15th December, hopefully see you there and you can give me some stories of encouragement.. plus some more fab quotes! "All things are difficult before they are easy" (John Norley) "Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort" (Franklin Roosevelt) "Accept the challenges, so that you ma feel the exhilieration of victory" (General George S Patton) "The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few is to be found in their perseverance under the promptings of a brave, determined spirit" (Mark Twain)

Guys, my apologies for "jumping" in on this, but I am finding heart and courage from your forum posts! I did a couple of tandems a couple of years back in Florida and about 10 years ago, did the silly little 2,500ft static line sponsored parachute jump here in Scotland (I guess thats where it all started!) I have finally commited (just tonight) to go do the AFF course with my buddy. WE go to Florida Skydiving Centre, Lake Wales in December. I can't wait, really lookin forward to it..... BUT.. I am scared silly! My first Tandem was a breeze. The second tandem a year later nearly had me lose control of my digestive system as I approached the door. Maybe that was because I knew what was coming? Now I'm faced with having to take control myself and exit the plane (whereas previously, it was not my decision) and I keep thinking of that moment, that nano second of sheer terror at the door and I wonder; Will I be able to do it? From what I have read so far in this forum, my fear is not unique and that is encouraging!

I've done a couple of tandems in the past 3 years and about 10 years ago, did the sponsored 2,500ft static line sponsored charity jump. The 2,500 ft static line jump was more scary than my first tandem at 14,000. The sencond tandem at 14,000 was even more scary.... Now at long last, I have just commited to go to Lake Wales DZ and do my skydiving course! (happens in December this year) Part of me is looking forward to it with awesome eagerness, the other part of me is peeing my pants! When I get to the door and have that nano second of fear, will I be able to go? Or will I crumble? When I get out of the door, will I remember everything I have been taught and do the thing right, or will I fold up into the fetal position and crumble? If I crumble, will the two guys holding each side of me be able to sort me out...? Either way, my yearning to do this overcomes all and I'm gonna try.... Is it normal to be so scared??