This video (including music - Boy and Bear "Southern Sun") documents my journey through Accelerated Freefall, or AFF as it is commonly referred to. Taken at Skydance Skydiving in Davis, CA, I learned how to become a solo skydiver through seven levels of skydiving with certified instructors. The first three I had 2 instructors, one on each side. The next 2 I had one instructor holding me and then releasing me after stability upon exit. The last 2 I was jumping on my own while my instructor watched. This journey has made me a more confident person and skydiving has quickly become a passion of mine, not just for the adrenaline rush but the people I meet. It gave me a new perspective on life.
Back story: at the age of 11 I was diagnosed with a pretty severe case of scoliosis (around a 50 degree curve) and at the age of 12 I had spinal fusion surgery (orthoscopic through the side. They had to deflate my right lung to get to my spine and place the rod in). At the hospital I saw a documentary on skydiving and decided I wanted that freedom. I told myself "One day I will." And I did. Now I am skydiving solo, and almost have my A license, which will allow me to go to almost any dropzone in the country and jump with no supervision and with other certified skydivers.
My goal is to inspire others to live their dreams through sharing my story.
The AFF journey too about six weeks from start to finish, as I had work and traveled a bit those months.