JUMPING OUT OF A PLANE FROM 14,000 FEET

They say skydiving changes the way you see the world — and I can confirm, they’re right.
This wasn’t a lifelong dream or a bucket-list mission. It was one of those “let’s just do it” moments that turned into something unforgettable.

I found myself just outside of New York, on a blue-sky day, stepping onto a tiny plane with one mission: to jump out of it at 14,000 feet. And yes — I have the video to prove it. Watch it here

🪂 The Build-Up

Strapped into a harness, surrounded by nervous smiles and adrenaline-charged strangers, the plane climbed higher and higher. The noise of the propellers faded behind the pounding in my chest. It’s one thing to imagine skydiving — it’s another thing entirely to watch the plane door slide open and realize you’re about to exit the aircraft… on purpose. No turning back. Just air.

🌍 The Jump

The moment your feet leave the plane, everything goes quiet.

You’re not falling — you’re flying. The wind takes over, the ground rushes toward you at 120+ mph, and for 60 seconds, you're in pure freefall. The kind of freedom you can’t experience any other way.

And then — the parachute deploys. Suddenly, you're floating. The view opens up: the rolling hills, scattered lakes, and wide-open horizon of New York below you. It’s silent, peaceful, surreal. And all you can think is: Why didn’t I do this sooner?

💬 What It Taught Me

Skydiving isn’t just about thrill. It’s about trust, release, and mindset. You have to trust your instructor, your gear, and the process. But most of all, you have to trust yourself — that you’ll let go when it counts. It reminded me that fear only has power if you let it. Once you commit, you realize how much is waiting for you just beyond the edge.

✅ Final Thought

If you ever get the chance to skydive — especially over a city like New York — take it. Jumping out of a plane sounds crazy until you do it. After that, it’s just clarity, adrenaline, and one hell of a story.

“Skydiving isn’t just about thrill. It’s about trust, release, and mindset. You have to trust your instructor, your gear, and the process.”

— GEORGE STROUMBOULIS

how many people sky dive annually?

Skydiving is a popular adventure sport enjoyed by enthusiasts worldwide. According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), in 2024, there were approximately 3.88 million skydives made at USPA-affiliated drop zones in the United States alone.

Globally, the number of annual skydives is estimated to be around 3.2 million. These figures highlight the widespread appeal of skydiving as both a recreational activity and a competitive sport.

Advancements in equipment, training, and safety protocols have contributed to making skydiving more accessible and safer for participants. Whether you're a first-time tandem jumper or an experienced solo skydiver, the thrill of freefalling from thousands of feet above the ground continues to attract people seeking adventure and new experiences.

If you're considering taking the leap, it's essential to choose a reputable skydiving center and ensure you're well-informed about the procedures and safety measures in place. Skydiving offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and exhilaration, making it a memorable experience for many.

what are the benefits of skydiving?

Skydiving isn’t just an adrenaline rush — it delivers real mental, emotional, and even physical benefits that go beyond the jump. Here’s why more people are strapping in and stepping out of perfectly good airplanes:

🧠 1. Mental Clarity & Focus

When you jump, everything else disappears — no distractions, no stress, just presence.

Forces you into the now — pure mindfulness
Clears your head like few other experiences can
Helps reset your brain and sharpen focus post-jump

“It’s like meditation... at 13,000 feet.”

💪 2. Conquering Fear = Empowerment

Jumping out of a plane redefines your relationship with fear.

Teaches you how to act despite fear, not avoid it
Boosts confidence and mental resilience
Makes other challenges in life seem... smaller

After skydiving, that difficult conversation or big decision? Suddenly, not so intimidating.

😄 3. Mood Boost & Adrenaline High

Skydiving triggers a massive endorphin and dopamine release, leaving you on a natural high for hours — even days.

Fights anxiety and low mood
Promotes feelings of joy, accomplishment, and euphoria
Many skydivers say it’s their ultimate stress relief

🤝 4. Stronger Social Bonds

Jumping with others — even strangers — creates instant connection.

Shared fear and triumph = deeper bonding
Great way to meet adventurous, like-minded people
Many people form lasting friendships through the sport

🌍 5. New Perspective (Literally and Figuratively)

Seeing the world from above reminds you how small your problems really are.

Offers a literal shift in perspective
Encourages gratitude, humility, and awe
Reinforces that life is meant to be experienced, not just managed

🛠️ 6. Builds Trust in Self and Process

Skydiving forces you to trust the system, your gear, and your own courage.

Encourages discipline and preparation
Reminds you that control doesn’t mean eliminating risk — it means managing it

✅ Final Thought:

Skydiving is more than a thrill — it’s a powerful personal growth experience. You leave the ground nervous, and you land changed — stronger, lighter, and fully alive.

advice to prepare for your first sky dive

✅ 1. Choose a Reputable Drop Zone

Do your homework. Make sure the skydiving center is USPA-certified (or nationally accredited), has great reviews, and experienced instructors. Safety first. Always.

🧠 2. Get Your Mind Right

Nerves are normal — even seasoned jumpers feel them.

Trust the process. Skydiving is safer than most extreme sports.
Focus on your breathing, not your fear.
Visualize the jump going smoothly. Mindset matters.

👕 3. Dress Smart

You don’t need special gear, but:

Wear comfortable, athletic clothing
Opt for closed-toe, lace-up shoes (no sandals or boots)
Skip bulky jewelry, watches, or anything that might snag

🚫 4. Don’t Overeat — or Undereat

Eat light and clean a few hours before your jump.

Avoid greasy, heavy meals
Stay hydrated — but skip alcohol or anything that alters your senses

🎧 5. Listen Carefully to the Briefing

Before the jump, your instructor will walk you through every step.

Pay attention to body position, timing, and signals
Don’t be afraid to ask questions — clarity = confidence
Trust your tandem instructor (they’ve done thousands of jumps)

🧘 6. Stay Loose, Stay Calm

The most common mistake? Tensing up.

Relax your body during the jump — especially your arms and neck
Smile and breathe on the way down — it helps more than you’d think
Let the experience take over — don’t fight it

🎥 7. Get the Video

You’ll never forget your first jump — but it’s worth capturing the moment.

Most centers offer photo/video packages
Watching it back helps relive the adrenaline
And yes, your face will look hilarious mid-freefall 😄

🏁 8. Celebrate the Moment

You just jumped out of a plane — that's not normal. Take it in. Reflect. Brag a little. Book your next one.

✨ Final Thought:

Your first skydive will feel like a blur — but it’ll shift something in you.
Go in prepared, stay present, and trust the experience. The fear is temporary. The feeling? Unmatched.