Looking for an adventure between trips, I decided to try skydiving near Chicago. Here’s what it was like to jump out of an airplane.
My interest in adventure activities began years ago (most likely when I went jet skiing on Lake Michigan on my second-ever day in the USA in 1999), but didn’t fully develop until a trip to Baños, Ecuador in 2013. That’s where I tried ziplining and bridge jumping for the first time – and knew that more outdoor thrills were in the cards.
After ziplining in Wisconsin, I wanted to see what else there was to do near home. I found Chicagoland Skydiving Center (CSC) in Rochelle, Illinois – about a 1.5-hour drive west of Chicago – and made plans to jump.
GETTING READY
It was clear I would be in good hands the moment I arrived at the CSC campus. The modern facility features an aircraft hangar, three landing areas, a spectator courtyard with picnic tables, and the Flight Deck Bar & Grill (great name). It is also home to the Freefall University Skydive School.
“We know that people are nervous about the experience,” said Douglas Smith, President and CEO of the Center, when I talked to him over roaring engines. “It’s fear of the unknown and fear of jumping out of an airplane. Our goal is to decrease fear and increase excitement by taking care of customers throughout the process.”
I was definitely excited. After signing disclaimer forms and browsing the gear store (how cool would it be to have a skydiving logbook?), I went to the hangar to gear up and wait my turn.
First-timers do tandem skydiving. I was introduced to my instructor Beau, who helped with the jumpsuit, harness, and altimeter, then explained what could be expected in the air. We would climb up to 14,000 feet (4,270 m), which takes 15-20 minutes, free-fall for about one minute at 120 mph (193 km/h), and spend five minutes under the parachute.
Before long, we were boarding.
IN THE AIR
You might say we were on a party plane! If any of the jumpers were nervous, you couldn’t tell. We chatted and joked around, while the videographer Javier got everything on camera.
I looked out the window. We seemed to be very high up, yet there were at least five more minutes left. “OK this is really happening,” I thought to myself as I felt the first butterflies in my stomach. Then the door opened and before I had a chance to process the adrenaline, we were second in line to jump.
I wasn’t scared, but I had a brief “whoa!” moment when I looked down from the edge of the plane. No turning back now… Javier indicated to smile for the camera, then off we went!
***
The wind. I remember the deafening wind and a blast of cold air on my ears and face. But all that mattered was that I was flying! I wanted to laugh, shout, and do flips in the air (if only I knew how).
Overwhelmed by the sensation, I almost didn’t notice when Beau tapped my arm. It was time to pull the parachute cord. One quick jolt and everything slowed down. We were suspended in mid-air.
Ah… relax, breathe, enjoy the view, do a few 360-degree turns.
Prepare for landing.
Does it have to end?
LANDED
I did not want to be back on the ground. Even before my feet touched the grass, I knew that I was hooked. As I was getting out of the jumpsuit, all I could think of was, “When am I going to be back up there?”
It took a while for the adrenaline rush to subside, but I was in no hurry to drive back to Chicago. I ordered a snack at Flight Deck, found a seat in the courtyard, and stuck around to watch more jumps. Anything to prolong the experience.
Maybe I should get a 10-jump pass…?
***
Watch the whole action in this video, including footage from the sky and my post-skydive reaction. In a girly moment, I commented about my hair being all messed up, to which Beau replied, “You just jumped out of an airplane!” Fair point.
If you go:
- Chicagoland Skydiving Center is open April-November
- Participants must be over 18 years old and weigh no more than 240 lbs. (108 kg)
- Tandem pricing (as of August 2015): $159.99 (exit altitude 9,000 ft.), $209.99 (14,000 ft.), $259.99 (18,000 ft. with oxygen mask); optional multimedia packages start at $99.99
- Group discounts and weekly specials are available
- CSC also offers engagement packages, observation rides, and event space rentals
Getting there and links:
Chicagoland Skydiving Center | 1207 W Gurler Rd. Rochelle, IL 61068
Phone: (815) 561-3663 | Website | Facebook
[mappress mapid=”49″]
I was a guest of Chicagoland Skydiving Center. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.
Photos and video: Javier Ortiz Photography
What can we say…
woooooooooooooooow!
If not the price….
Marek i Kasia recently posted..São Miguel (II) – summary of our Azorean trip in photos – part II
Ha, I’m eyeing their Ladies’ Day pricing for next time. ;)
You look so relaxed, as if you’ve jumped many times. I envy, I would like to try but I must admit that I’m a bit scared :)
Ania recently posted..Komancze – władcy Wielkich Równin
Thanks, Ania! This is something I’d wanted to do for a long time and I was really happy to have the opportunity. And compared to bridge jumping, skydiving wasn’t that scary…
Kudos, I am sure it was an unforgettable experience! I don’t like heights, but – – strangely enough – if I had to choose between bungee jumping and skydiving, I would go for sky diving for sure…
Darek recently posted..Kino australijskie: Filmy biograficzne i historyczne
Good choice, Darek! Both are great, but for me skydiving has the added thrill of going up in a plane, and the experience lasts longer. Glad I tried.
Wygląda super, ale sama tego absolutnie nie zrobię
Rozumiem, bo ja np. w powietrzu czuję się świetnie, za to już gorzej mam z wodą…
Looks amazing and I’m sure it’s an unforgettable experience. I would also like to try though I think I will get quite nervous when it’s time :D
Hi Sianna. If you’re considering it, go for it! Skydiving pros know how nervous people get can, and I’m sure they’d do everything to make you enjoy the experience.
OMG! Wow. This looks absolutely exhilarating and umm scary. So glad you survived to tell the tale! Don’t think I would, I’d probably pass out from the fear!
Revati recently posted..Comment on 10 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like a Luxury Hotel by Alexis
If it makes you feel any better, I found it less scary than bridge jumping… Having the instructor and parachute definitely gave me a peace of mind.
Awesome! I am sure that was an amazing experience, but I am not sure I can bring myself to jump out of a plane. I don’t have a fear of heights, but I am not a fan at the thought of falling.
It really was amazing, Holly! But I understand that there are people who’d never ever want to jump.
As a veteran skydiver, I approve this post haha! Fair warning, it can get addicting! I’ve never jumped near Chicago, so thanks for the numbers of places to go when I get there! Awesome post!
Joe Ankenbauer | Joeography recently posted..Apocalypse Now: The Ruins of Bombay Beach
Haha great! Skydiving is definitely addictive, and I’m already thinking about doing it again. Drop me a line if you jump in Chicago, Joe.
Zawsze podziwiałem ludzi odważnych tak bardzo, by skoczyć z samolotu! Mi pozostaje tylko popatrzeć, bo to absolutnie atrakcja nie dla mnie! :P
Nie wiem, czy to odwaga, czy po prostu pęd za adrenaliną… Chyba jednak to drugie. ;)
So cool Pola! And how lovely for you to get this keep this memory through that amazing video!
Maaike – travellousworld.com recently posted..Budapest: the Ruin Pubs, Margaret Island, Sziget Eye and the Synagogue
Hi Maaike :) I’m so glad the videographer was there! Watching the clip definitely makes me want to jump again.
Wow, awesome…. definitely an amazing experience, I concur. I recently took my first jump and when I read your article it made me wonder when I can do it again…. It is a bit addicting.
And don’t worry, most guys like wind blown hair, probably in more so in the windy city, right?
Stay Jumping Out of Planes, Craig
craig zabransky (@StayAdventurous) recently posted..The Long Lake Sunset, an Adirondack Sunset Adventure in Weather
I didn’t know you jumped, Craig! Very cool. Next time we meet we should chat.
Good for you Pola. I have zero interest in skydiving but I know so many people love it.
lola recently posted..Boston Bacon and Beer Festival 2015
Thanks, Lola. I loved it. :)
Girl, you are brave! When I was 13, I couldn’t wait to get old enough to sky dive, and then I got older, and completely lost interest, haha. I’ve watched countless videos of friends doing it, but I don’t think I’ll ever actually do so myself. Who knows though!
You look super glamorous the whole time, and not nervous at all! So impressed by you!
Erin Marie at The World Wanderer recently posted..Backpacking the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina
Erin, you’re one of the most adventurous people I know! Case in point: scuba diving. I have a feeling you’ll skydive at some point. ;) And glamorous is not how I would describe myself during the jump, so thank you!
Jetting Around recently posted..Giveaway: Travel tote by Catrinka Project
This is something I will never do, but I enjoyed the video.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Stanley trailgating after outdoor adventure
Glad you liked the clip. And yeah, you seem more a water person to me. :)
One for the bucket list that’s for sure. Looks amazing!
Jess recently posted..The Wonders of Russia
Do it, Jess! :) I can’t wait to try again.
Looks stunning pictures are really good inspired me to do the skydiving.
sara recently posted..A Safari to the Territory of Elephants
Glad to hear that, Sara! I hope you get to jump soon – incredible experience.
Now that is a adventure you guys had! We do Parasailing here in Florida for a living how ever parachuting is something we always love to do.
Sun Life Water Sports recently posted..Fort Lauderdale Attractions for Tourists
I’d love to try parachuting and maybe parasailing… Hmm, thanks for the idea!
Those are some nice photos looks like you guys had a blast.
We sure did!
Oh my goodness, what an amazing experience. I’d like to do it but then I wonder if I’d actually have the bottle to go through with it. Well done!
Tania @ Larger Family Life recently posted..10 Beach Safety Tips to Remember on Holiday
I hope you’ll give it a try, Tania! Instructors know how much people fear the jump and do everything to make it enjoyable.
Nice photos seems like you had a blast.
keep the good work going
Thanks Rishi, it was AMAZING. I need to jump again.
One of my bucket list items i haven’t got to fulfill yet! thanks so much for sharing your adventure. I can’t wait to jump out of a plain myself. I write about my adventure in Alabama and share all the fun destinations! Keep up the adventure! Thanks Johnny
Vacations Alabama recently posted..Gold Panning in Alabama Video
Do it, Johnny! :) I can’t wait to try this again, the thrill is like nothing else I’ve experienced in my life.