Ok, finally went sky-diving after wanting to for years. Surprisingly a peaceful experience – only after the petrifying first 10 seconds which did not know what to do with my hands!

Also made easier by the fact a tandem dive. The instructor was so relaxed, apparently jumps 11 times a day on average.  Plus my three younger sisters were there jumping also. Took place in North Wollongong on the beach, really amazing views. So jump from 14,000 ft, approx 50 seconds freefall, followed by a 7 minute parachute drop (longer if weigh less).

When I commented to the instructor did not think would be so windy up here, he replied “its’s not the wind but how fast we are dropping, about 250km per hour”.

Really exhilarating experience, which hope to repeat again, maybe a new tradition to welcome the coming year.

On the funny side, just a note that the Sydney Bridge climb had more “safety checks” than the skydive. That is in terms of attire, and the lectures and long process till you actually begin climbing. In contrast the skydive instructions were brief and to the point. Had also checked beforehand about their equipment and safety procedures, so nothing to fear there.