Skydiving in Moab: In a Nauwari

 Story of my skydive in Moab:

About a month back I got a text from my sister, who is the original dare devil, 4.5 years younger than me. She is a pro when it comes to climbing Colorado’s 14000+ feet high peaks, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or ski on Black level slopes. I am too tame to do such adventures. She asked if I was interested to go skydiving in Moab. Without a blink I texted back saying my kids need me. She asked if I was ok if she did it ? I bluntly told her do it during another trip. I wanted all of us to be intact throughout the trip !! She didn’t say anything despite being obviously disappointed. Her husband had the same response as me.

A week before the Utah trip we made a trip to San Diego to meet my SIL and her family. At that time we were chatting with them about our upcoming Utah trip and I told them how my sister wants to go skydiving. Immediately our brother in law told me Madhavi do it . It is an experience that will change you.

 He did it in his seventies. He showed me his video and told me about his experience. That changed everything for me.

I told my sister, let’s do it. I told my brother in law , if I can do it you should do it too. He agreed to join us.She promptly did the bookings. 

Once the bookings were confirmed my mind could only think of a saree to do act. The regular saree would pose issues like flying up in the air. The obvious alternative was a nauwari with kashta. I packed it with my other sarees for the travel.

Monday Labor Day September 6th was our appointment. The day before I told my sister I wish I can do it in my saree. She was horrified. No way, was her response. I told my daughter about my wish and she discouraged it also. So did my son.Still without their knowledge I packed my saree and blouse into my backpack. Just in case !

8 am we pulled up at the private airport from where the company operated. The night before we had completed our disclaimer forms that basically absolved the company if anything happened to us. We also had to watch a video about the skydive. In the video the model was wearing a special jumpsuit. I thought may be that is the requirement.

At the venue we watched batch after batch get readied with the harness and other gear. Everyone was in their own attires that they had worn from home . Simple T shirts and trousers. No special suits. I checked with the staff . They said you can wear your own clothes. As soon as I heard this I went to use their changing room and came out in my saree much to the horror of my sister. The receptionist also called us over and said my dress would pose a safety hazard but that the instructor would make the final call.

Since that moment until it was getting closer to our turn my sister urged me to go change back into “ normal “ clothes. I had to keep resisting her pressure. My hopes were pinned on the instructor. I prayed hard for me to be able to go in my saree. It would be no fun without it . What a waste of opportunity,I thought, to skydive in the boring shirt and pants🤔?

Finally when the instructor came out I went up to him and asked the dreaded question. Is my attire ok? His first response was it would be floppy and pose a hazard . I made my case saying it is just an Indian version of a jump suit. He told me to stand with both legs 2 feet apart. When he saw there would be no hindrance he gave his ok . My joy and relief knew no bounds. Now my sister couldn’t argue . The Gods had given the nod 😃

I was determined to enjoy every moment of it. When it was our turn to go we were fitted with the harnesses and goggle covers. Our individual instructor and videographer introduced themselves to us and accompanied us to the plane.

The plane took off and we were in the air . It took about 30 minutes to reach the altitude of 13500 feet. My turn was the first of us three. We scooted forward to the opened door of the aircraft and boom…..after a rocking back and forth we were suddenly out into the open . I followed the prior instructions I had received about holding the harness until told to extend the arms in the air. The wind was chilly and strong outside but the view was what I was there to absorb in. We spinned around a few times , turned upside down until the parachute opened . We glided over the beautiful terrain of Moab. I couldn’t help but envy the privilege enjoyed by the birds. As I was soaking in the view and with it the entire experience of flying high above earth we were coming down at a speed of 120 miles per hour . In barely 3-4 minutes we were on the ground. The experience of a lifetime was permanently embossed on my brain I would think .

P.S we casually informed our mom after the act that we had jumped out of a plane and are very much intact 😃