As my title may suggest, this trip is supposed to be an adventurous one! I wanted to do the activities with my man before my courage dwindles with age. Skydive was the main thing, followed by the Great Barrier Reef. I searched for activities in Cairns and we found Skydive Australia and Raging Thunder Adventures. Skydive AU seems to be in partnership with Raging Thunder for package deals and there is just a great deal of choices.
As the website does not provide the exact details of the itineraries, I contacted the customer service person through the Raging Thunder livechat. This lady staff, called Amanda, replied me and gave me a better package through email instead. Raging Thunder and Skydive AU are actually just the same company. Rather than buying two packages, she bundled everything up for me. I ordered and paid directly through email (feels a little risky with the card details, but okay, it's a trustworthy company).
I think the overall price is slightly cheaper only, but then we got some freebies for having more than 2 activities with them. The waterproof bag & the ultra absorbant towel is just nice for our water play! Great souvenirs as memories of our fun activities as well! She said we had free reef shoes to keep for rafting as well. This turned out to be a lie haha! The reef shoes were all used and broken kind, I would not want to keep it anyway. In total, we paid a total of $1748.06 for 2 person's share of experience. This includes Skydive, Canyon, Rafting, Fitzroy island snorkel & Kayaking tour.
Breakfast at Bang & Grind -
I only chose this place because it opens quite early. We needed a breakfast place that can accomodate our 8.15am bus pick up at the hotel, and we needed something lighter. Who knew this lovely cafe turned out to be my favourite!!
I chose a smoked salmon egg benedict toast and my bf decided to have some pancakes after peeking at our neighbour's table. He also went with berry sauce, which is so out of the norm, possibly influenced by the neighbour again! My food came served beautifully. The portion looks smaller but it feeds me just right. The combination of the hollandaise sauce, smoked salmon, eggs, spinach and cripsy turkish bread is just perfect. My favourite is the toasted turkish bread which is at the right thickness, filled with a buttery taste.
On the other hand, the pancakes are fresh, warm and fluffy. And unfortunately for my bf, the berry sauce is obviously sour. He should have known, anything berryish would be too risky for him. He was probably under some charm at that time. I quite like the whole package, but it is more of a dessert to me (with ice cream also leh). I would always choose an egg meal over pancakes.
Skydive from 15 000 ft -
Was I afraid? I was not really totally scared from the time we decided to go until the actual day. I prepared myself mentally by watching skydiving videos, so that really helped! I also read about people's description of the feeling of skydiving. It is said to be the best feeling and experience ever. And I was ready. I hope I was ready. The day before the skydive, I re-watched Will Smith's video on skydive just to boost my courage.
We picked up a few couple of people from their locations as we headed to the place. There was a lady who came up with her bicycle as her friend booked her in on our flight at the last minute. I think we had a total of 9 people in that group. We arrived at the HQ office, signed up for the flying school membership, took our weight, signed the form and etc. They were selling insurance that covered death, but we did not buy. My stomach was hurting and I went to the toilet. At least it was cleared before the skydive :x. I must be super nervous.
We put on their pants and the staff helped us with the gears. We kept our things in the locker that cannot be locked. After watching a video guide on skydiving, the tv screen showed our names and our instructors' names respectively. Each student will be attached to one coach. Our flying instructors all walked out one by one. Where are you Hoodie? Hoodie is a cool guy, who does not talk much, just like me. I guess that was good because I was too nervous to talk. But he did all the necessary talking professionally to be recorded in the video.
"How are you feeling now? Anything to say to your friends? Are you ready to have some fun?"
We sat in a bus to go near the airport area where our plane was waiting for us. Was I shivering with fear as we were on the bus? I was nervous, but it was not fear. I was thinking "Okay we still have 10 minutes more to go." Haha. So positive!
As we alighted, we all walked towards the plane, and the first to get up would be the last person to jump. The last person who jumped is the person who wanted to be the first! And I was thinking to let her go first, while I go second, but I ended up being second last! Oh well, it was our instructors' fault for going up the plane before others.
As the plane door closes and we took flight, that was when the dread and panic started to kick in. While the rest seemed very excited as the plane took off, I was overwhelmed with a sense of trepidation with every jerk and slight drop felt from the movement of the plane. Why did I agree to this? Regrets filled my mind. I was at the brink of crying. My bf was busy with his video taking and talking to his instructor and it seems really embarrasing to tell him how I feel in front of everyone. So I kept quiet and psycho-ed myself that I-am-brave, I-am-brave, I-am-brave and everything is going to be fine. It is a fear that I can conquer anyway, since somebody is going to push me down.
At the mid point, Hoodie started the video taking and asked me whether I was ready for some fun. I looked at the camera, shaking my head and laughing bitterly. But he managed to turn it around into a positive mood again. He helped me put on the eye mask when the light at the front turned red. It was time to go. As the door opened, and the first scream was heard, I looked to my camera and said " I'm doing it. I'm doing it." And then I shook my head, resigned to my "fate". The funny thing is when the door opened, my fear disappeared. I was just curiously looking at others going down with a nonchalant mood.
Hoodie moved forward with me as the people in front went down. Sitting at the edge, the wind was so strong. I did not managed to put my legs against the aircraft as I was instructed to. Hoodie had to use his feet to put my legs in place. He must be irritated, this woman does not understand simple instructions. Or maybe I had totally forgotten. At least I remembered to keep my hands crossed against my chest as I held on to the straps. I was quite thankful that I had to look up and lean against the instructor's shoulder.
I had no time to look down, there was no countdown, and then we just dropped off the plane. I screamed my lungs out but I could barely hear myself. I was quite shocked it actually happened, and it happened so fast. I continued screaming as it was so crazy, that adrenaline rush! Indeed, the fall does not give you the feeling like your heart is going to pop out. The wind was gushing up, like it was cradling me.
4 seconds later, the first "parachute" was released and Hoodie tapped me on the shoulder. That was the signal when I can raise my hands up. I only know it's 4 seconds because I have the video. No one is so free to count the seconds when you're on top 😆 . I actually remembered the presence of the camera and was just looking at it and going OMG-OMG-OMG. It was just unbelievable to me at that time.
The next moment, I was turning in circles. The turning made me a bit dizzy. As I was screaming from the start, my mouth was opened all the way and it was just horribly dry. I was also trying to breathe through my nose instead, but it felt so weird and difficult. I decided to breathe through my mouth throughout in case I suffocate mid air. I was getting tired and not enjoying the feeling as much at that point. I could not close my mouth for a proper smile LOL. The skin and fats were also all flapping around with the wind.
I believe I can fly.
The whole process lasted about 45 seconds before the big parachute was released. That pulls you upwards and it can be uncomfortable and sudden. I definitely screamed again. I realised that Hoodie did a bye hand sign to the camera before he released the parachute, but I was not aware and was not warned beforehand about the pull upwards. Finally, I can slow down and breathe! I watched the video and saw my hands raised like I was surrendering. That was the best time to look around at the surrounding. The eye mask was taken off by Hoodie at this point. The place we went is all green patches and does not have the most ideal view. However, it feels quite cool to be high up there! Hoodie let me hold onto the right strap of the parachute. With a pull, we swerved right and down. That was super fun although I was also a little scared.
As we were going to land, I was told to raise my legs. It was really tough to do so in that position though. I guess my muscles are not strong enough. I ended up sitting on my calves as we landed, with the parachute covering Hoodie's head. The ground was wet, and so my pants were wet after the landing.
Ground feels good. My body felt so tired as if it went through a whole lot of exertion. At the same time, I was so excited to have completed my skydive! Everything went super fast! Hoodie asked if I will do it again. I told him maybe not now, maybe not soon. I need time to recover! Probably will not do it again! It does not feel like the best feeling in the world.
(Regardless, I urge you to try it for yourself! No regrets now, because I would never know how it feels like if I never tried it.)
Anyway, the joke of the day was that Hoodie wanted to shake my hand but I was totally unaware. I only realised after watching the video and I feel so sorry towards him. From a handshake, he managed to change it to a thumbs up sign but it still looks quite awkward haha. My video is really well taken! Even though Hoodie is the cool quiet type, he say what is nice for the video, and the angles and shots were captured well. On the other hand, my bf's intructor is the very friendly talkative type but his video turned out worse than mine. I could not really get a nice picture of him.
We took the bus back to the HQ. This ride back was so much more relaxing! The next batch of skydivers were already there and there they go again, our instructors were going up right after they came down! I think they will get bored after awhile, won't they? Our videos and pictures required about 30 minutes wait before it was ready. 5 minutes later, we were called by their staff to be told our canyon tour the next day has to be cancelled due to the lack of people. The next best slot was right that afternoon!
After we collected our thumbdrive, they specially arranged a driver to send us back to our hotel first. We had approximately 1 hour to prepare before they came to pick us up for the canyon. We could have eaten something really, but instead we spent our time looking at our skydive photos through the tv...
I SKYDIVED!
Stay tuned for the next crazy canyon experience!
As the website does not provide the exact details of the itineraries, I contacted the customer service person through the Raging Thunder livechat. This lady staff, called Amanda, replied me and gave me a better package through email instead. Raging Thunder and Skydive AU are actually just the same company. Rather than buying two packages, she bundled everything up for me. I ordered and paid directly through email (feels a little risky with the card details, but okay, it's a trustworthy company).
I think the overall price is slightly cheaper only, but then we got some freebies for having more than 2 activities with them. The waterproof bag & the ultra absorbant towel is just nice for our water play! Great souvenirs as memories of our fun activities as well! She said we had free reef shoes to keep for rafting as well. This turned out to be a lie haha! The reef shoes were all used and broken kind, I would not want to keep it anyway. In total, we paid a total of $1748.06 for 2 person's share of experience. This includes Skydive, Canyon, Rafting, Fitzroy island snorkel & Kayaking tour.
Breakfast at Bang & Grind -
I only chose this place because it opens quite early. We needed a breakfast place that can accomodate our 8.15am bus pick up at the hotel, and we needed something lighter. Who knew this lovely cafe turned out to be my favourite!!
I chose a smoked salmon egg benedict toast and my bf decided to have some pancakes after peeking at our neighbour's table. He also went with berry sauce, which is so out of the norm, possibly influenced by the neighbour again! My food came served beautifully. The portion looks smaller but it feeds me just right. The combination of the hollandaise sauce, smoked salmon, eggs, spinach and cripsy turkish bread is just perfect. My favourite is the toasted turkish bread which is at the right thickness, filled with a buttery taste.
On the other hand, the pancakes are fresh, warm and fluffy. And unfortunately for my bf, the berry sauce is obviously sour. He should have known, anything berryish would be too risky for him. He was probably under some charm at that time. I quite like the whole package, but it is more of a dessert to me (with ice cream also leh). I would always choose an egg meal over pancakes.
Skydive from 15 000 ft -
Was I afraid? I was not really totally scared from the time we decided to go until the actual day. I prepared myself mentally by watching skydiving videos, so that really helped! I also read about people's description of the feeling of skydiving. It is said to be the best feeling and experience ever. And I was ready. I hope I was ready. The day before the skydive, I re-watched Will Smith's video on skydive just to boost my courage.
The best things in life are on the other side of fear.
We picked up a few couple of people from their locations as we headed to the place. There was a lady who came up with her bicycle as her friend booked her in on our flight at the last minute. I think we had a total of 9 people in that group. We arrived at the HQ office, signed up for the flying school membership, took our weight, signed the form and etc. They were selling insurance that covered death, but we did not buy. My stomach was hurting and I went to the toilet. At least it was cleared before the skydive :x. I must be super nervous.
We put on their pants and the staff helped us with the gears. We kept our things in the locker that cannot be locked. After watching a video guide on skydiving, the tv screen showed our names and our instructors' names respectively. Each student will be attached to one coach. Our flying instructors all walked out one by one. Where are you Hoodie? Hoodie is a cool guy, who does not talk much, just like me. I guess that was good because I was too nervous to talk. But he did all the necessary talking professionally to be recorded in the video.
"How are you feeling now? Anything to say to your friends? Are you ready to have some fun?"
As we alighted, we all walked towards the plane, and the first to get up would be the last person to jump. The last person who jumped is the person who wanted to be the first! And I was thinking to let her go first, while I go second, but I ended up being second last! Oh well, it was our instructors' fault for going up the plane before others.
As the plane door closes and we took flight, that was when the dread and panic started to kick in. While the rest seemed very excited as the plane took off, I was overwhelmed with a sense of trepidation with every jerk and slight drop felt from the movement of the plane. Why did I agree to this? Regrets filled my mind. I was at the brink of crying. My bf was busy with his video taking and talking to his instructor and it seems really embarrasing to tell him how I feel in front of everyone. So I kept quiet and psycho-ed myself that I-am-brave, I-am-brave, I-am-brave and everything is going to be fine. It is a fear that I can conquer anyway, since somebody is going to push me down.
At the mid point, Hoodie started the video taking and asked me whether I was ready for some fun. I looked at the camera, shaking my head and laughing bitterly. But he managed to turn it around into a positive mood again. He helped me put on the eye mask when the light at the front turned red. It was time to go. As the door opened, and the first scream was heard, I looked to my camera and said " I'm doing it. I'm doing it." And then I shook my head, resigned to my "fate". The funny thing is when the door opened, my fear disappeared. I was just curiously looking at others going down with a nonchalant mood.
Hoodie moved forward with me as the people in front went down. Sitting at the edge, the wind was so strong. I did not managed to put my legs against the aircraft as I was instructed to. Hoodie had to use his feet to put my legs in place. He must be irritated, this woman does not understand simple instructions. Or maybe I had totally forgotten. At least I remembered to keep my hands crossed against my chest as I held on to the straps. I was quite thankful that I had to look up and lean against the instructor's shoulder.
I had no time to look down, there was no countdown, and then we just dropped off the plane. I screamed my lungs out but I could barely hear myself. I was quite shocked it actually happened, and it happened so fast. I continued screaming as it was so crazy, that adrenaline rush! Indeed, the fall does not give you the feeling like your heart is going to pop out. The wind was gushing up, like it was cradling me.
4 seconds later, the first "parachute" was released and Hoodie tapped me on the shoulder. That was the signal when I can raise my hands up. I only know it's 4 seconds because I have the video. No one is so free to count the seconds when you're on top 😆 . I actually remembered the presence of the camera and was just looking at it and going OMG-OMG-OMG. It was just unbelievable to me at that time.
The next moment, I was turning in circles. The turning made me a bit dizzy. As I was screaming from the start, my mouth was opened all the way and it was just horribly dry. I was also trying to breathe through my nose instead, but it felt so weird and difficult. I decided to breathe through my mouth throughout in case I suffocate mid air. I was getting tired and not enjoying the feeling as much at that point. I could not close my mouth for a proper smile LOL. The skin and fats were also all flapping around with the wind.
I believe I can fly.
The whole process lasted about 45 seconds before the big parachute was released. That pulls you upwards and it can be uncomfortable and sudden. I definitely screamed again. I realised that Hoodie did a bye hand sign to the camera before he released the parachute, but I was not aware and was not warned beforehand about the pull upwards. Finally, I can slow down and breathe! I watched the video and saw my hands raised like I was surrendering. That was the best time to look around at the surrounding. The eye mask was taken off by Hoodie at this point. The place we went is all green patches and does not have the most ideal view. However, it feels quite cool to be high up there! Hoodie let me hold onto the right strap of the parachute. With a pull, we swerved right and down. That was super fun although I was also a little scared.
As we were going to land, I was told to raise my legs. It was really tough to do so in that position though. I guess my muscles are not strong enough. I ended up sitting on my calves as we landed, with the parachute covering Hoodie's head. The ground was wet, and so my pants were wet after the landing.
Ground feels good. My body felt so tired as if it went through a whole lot of exertion. At the same time, I was so excited to have completed my skydive! Everything went super fast! Hoodie asked if I will do it again. I told him maybe not now, maybe not soon. I need time to recover! Probably will not do it again! It does not feel like the best feeling in the world.
(Regardless, I urge you to try it for yourself! No regrets now, because I would never know how it feels like if I never tried it.)
Anyway, the joke of the day was that Hoodie wanted to shake my hand but I was totally unaware. I only realised after watching the video and I feel so sorry towards him. From a handshake, he managed to change it to a thumbs up sign but it still looks quite awkward haha. My video is really well taken! Even though Hoodie is the cool quiet type, he say what is nice for the video, and the angles and shots were captured well. On the other hand, my bf's intructor is the very friendly talkative type but his video turned out worse than mine. I could not really get a nice picture of him.
We took the bus back to the HQ. This ride back was so much more relaxing! The next batch of skydivers were already there and there they go again, our instructors were going up right after they came down! I think they will get bored after awhile, won't they? Our videos and pictures required about 30 minutes wait before it was ready. 5 minutes later, we were called by their staff to be told our canyon tour the next day has to be cancelled due to the lack of people. The next best slot was right that afternoon!
After we collected our thumbdrive, they specially arranged a driver to send us back to our hotel first. We had approximately 1 hour to prepare before they came to pick us up for the canyon. We could have eaten something really, but instead we spent our time looking at our skydive photos through the tv...
I SKYDIVED!
Stay tuned for the next crazy canyon experience!
