UNFORGETTABLE, THAT’S WHAT IT IS – SKYDIVING SECUNDA
Jason Richardson is one smart operator as he has seen the niche with a skydive operation in the vicinity of Johannesburg. He opens his Skydive Secunda club tomorrow DV on 25 March in our own town, our own turf and our own airfield!
Jason (seen strapping and checking a German visitor) himself has 24 years’ experience and has 2700 + jumps as tandem master under his belt. His other two masters are Vernon Pretorius and Tony le Roux. Vernon has 21 years’ experience with 2000 jumps and Tony 25 years’ experience and 6500 jumps to each of their impressive credits!
Tony and his tandem mate (below)!
The pilot, Justin van As, has 10 years’ experience and 2600 flying hours to his credit.
A more likeable bunch of guys will be hard to find. Not only is the interaction among them relaxed and playful (based on a shared trust, no doubt), but their preparation is meticulous and professional. The masters themselves go through the equipment and check the computerised safety back-up systems of each chute. They then fit the jumpers, check all webbing of the harnesses and instruct the jumpers in the three basic steps:
- Once outside the plane, keep your hands on the harness
- Pull back your head
- Bend your legs to the back to touch the buttocks.
Vernon is adjusting his quarry’s harness.
The entire process is patiently explained and between pilot and masters the jumpers learn that they will fly to a height of 10 000 feet, drop to 5 000 feet and then open the doors to jump. The jumpers are told what to expect (such as wind, noise, cold) and how long it will last. The jump itself is between 5-7 minutes long. All possible contingencies are explained and the masters stay in constant communication with their jumpers during the jump.
Thumbs up – look Ma, no hands!
The quiet confidence and light banter does much to calm the nerves of the jumpers and they are photographed before and during the jump to capture these precious adrenaline-filled minutes. This film is sold separately.
Bombs away…!!
This must be the way to go for anyone who has it all! The pleasure of knowing that one is safe and in good hands, but also to have the freedom to freefall and watch the earth go by is an amazing experience! For a fleeting few moments one experiences one’s own insignificance, but also the incredible freedom of flying.
It speaks for itself that a club like this will benefit the entire Secunda area and will cascade to businesses that offer accommodation, as well as restaurants. SME businesses and youngsters will have the opportunity to get involved and harvest some of the benefits provided by the club.
Locals are especially welcome to check out the new boys in town and the club offers training in static line courses and accelerated freefall, as they are members of the Parachute Association of South Africa.
The incredible opening offer of R1 500 per jumper is an unbelievable chance to join the extreme junkies and make friends!
CONTACT DETAILS: JASON RICHARDSON 072 150 7680
WEBSITE: www.skydivetandem.co.za
e-mail: skydivetandem@mweb.co.za
C’mon man, life awaits!