Skydive Alabama — Local services in Cullman

Walking into their wondrous place, "Bleed It Out" by Linkin Park was playing—a possible green flag.

"You don't want to go for a ride, do you? We could get out...see the world."

My friends and I were super anxious about who we'd be paired with, but the moment we started talking to our instructors, we all internally laughed at how perfectly they read and matched our personalities. The playlist continued through a lovely mix of Warp Tour vibes, confirmed green flag.

"Is it safe?"

Trust is hard, especially in a life where you are constantly defending your boundaries. The thought of being strapped so closely to someone else was terrifying. You literally need to do what they say, when they say it, and trust them in that exact moment—brutal. If you can't trust the person, if you fear they might violate your boundaries, if you have to be defensive, it’s just not worth it. I wasn't afraid of the sky. I was afraid of that.

"Sure, do you trust me?"

At the point my instructor Ryan introduced himself, "Headstrong" by Trapt was playing. Not at all a call-out from the universe to me. Ryan had a calm, reassuring presence. He made me feel respected. He took moments to ask me about my comfort level and concerns. He didn't rush or dismiss my questions. He patiently addressed each one. He explained every step of the process, ensuring I felt comfortable and confident. Honestly, he was so patient and clear and I felt so comfortable, I may have checked out a bit. But hear me out—"Scars" by Papa Roach was playing. Really, the fact that I was mentally rocking out and not completely hyper-vigilant is a true testament to the fact that he'd earned my trust.

"What?"

Hey, let me tell you a thought—crazy realization—when someone simply respects you, and your boundaries aren't crossed every second, you can just enjoy yourself and the moment. Wild.

"Do you trust me."

By the time I was getting into the plane, I wasn't afraid anymore. Tell me, princess, now, when did you last...trust all the people around you and let go?

"Yes."

The plane ride up was brilliant. Looking out at the clouds was indescribable. Whenever I've taken commercial flights, I stare at the clouds, imagining a magic carpet ride. At some point, between rocking out and watching the clouds, seven-year-old me felt safe, took over, and filled me with joy.

When we jumped, soaring through the sky—the freefall was unbelievable. I audibly pouted when we had to deploy the parachute because I didn’t want the freefall to end, but the parachute ride was dazzling too.

Instead of everything rushing around, there's time to spare. You see all the details of the trees and the hills. Every turn a surprise and a perspective you can't feel any other way. Sure, you can see the trees and clouds from the plane, yes. But there's glass and metal between you—you can't feel it. You’re seeing and feeling the air, the sky, and the colors in a way that's all so magical. You're truly a part of the sky with new...

The first time I jumped was 30 years ago, and I thought it was the most fun a person could ever have. But this jump with Skydive Alabama proved me wrong. This was even better. We went straight through a cloud at 120 MPH!!! Then when the shoot opened, I was allowed to take the controls and turn and do what felt like twirling in the air. In Pensacola, I didn't get to do that so it was just "ok" after the shoot opened. This time, it was almost as fun as the freefall!!!! The people are the friendliest I've ever met. I felt like I "belonged" there which was truly awesome, because my daughter backed out on me at the last minute, and I went alone. I felt like "one of them" from the minute I got there. I believe that is incredibly important, because you are truly putting your life in their hands. Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! Definitely going again!!! On a personal note, my son died two months ago, and the pain of it has been unbearable. I needed to do something to feel alive again. Adam was 8 years old the first time I went, and he stood on the beach and watched me land. So, I relived the joy of that moment with him. I'm not sure if this part if appropriate, but it was a big a part of why I went that day. The joy and excitement and friendship of all the people who were there was absolutely contagious! I felt more at ease that day then I have for months. My niece commented on that when she saw the video. She said "You had NO fear." She thought that was so strange. It's because of the people there. I was so at ease it was crazy. I forgot to mention the plane ride. THAT was incredibly cool too. I am highly claustrophobic, and I usually have to put myself to sleep to fly. The minute the jet closes the door, I freak out. But, all I can say is Oh My God! we flew with the door open!!! I LOVED that part too. I thought my claustrophobia might have interfered to the point that I couldn't do it, but, even though we were all packed in there, I had ZERO claustrophobia! I can't say enough good things about that day and the people there. Great Advice: If you have EVER thought about skydiving, DO IT! Life is way too short not to!!! And, you cannot find a better place than Skydive...

Let me start off by saying "WOW!" This was better than I expected (and I had some high expectations.) Skydive Alabama Customer Service was awesome from the beginning. I had some questions a few days before my jump so called them up. They were respectful, courteous and answered all my questions which made we feel comfortable with the company we decided to go with.

The day of our jump, we were nervous, excited and all the emotions. Three of us had never jumped before. The moment we got there the atmosphere was chill. After we watch a short video on the do's and don'ts of safety, it was time to go get our equipment on.

My Tandem Instructor was Joe Murphy. I HIGHLY recommend him. He was super chill making me feel relaxed immediately. He never made me feel stupid or inadequate, especially when I had to ask him the same questions- sometimes several times :) He has a GREAT sense of humor and was able to keep it light. He knew how to explain the important stuff while not making me fearful. He knows his Skydiving Stuff!!

The flight up was great. At 14,000 feet it was time to jump. Boy was that exhilarating! Like nothing you have ever experienced! The sky was beautiful, the sun was shining and I have some amazing, crazy video and pictures to prove it...That was a fantastic experience ! So much so I am jumping again, soon!! Here's a couple tips to help you on your adventure: Leave your jewelry at home, go to the bathroom BEFORE you put your safety gear on, listen closely to your trainer-he is the one in charge, Buy their goggles-there they have what you need at a reasonable price and if you are teetering on getting the PICTURES or VIDEO -GET THEM BOTH!!

Thank you Skydive Alabama, Joe Murphy and all the staff for making this an adventure of a lifetime for me and my friends! See...