“Lean back. Like, really far, with your head on my shoulder and making an arch with your back. Hook your legs under the landing bar, and breathe deeply. Ready? Ok, let’s jump!” And with that, we’re out the door. We flip forward to a full somersault, and come around facing down to the ground, which essentially looks like Google Earth does when you zoom in really fast. The wind smooshes my face into an entirely unattractive perma-grin and as the tap on my right shoulder comes, I release my hands from the harness and throw them out next to my head in right angles. Result; the classic skydiving pose. Feeling; pure ecstatic exhilaration.

Free falling for a good 30 seconds before the chute is pulled, I absorb all the overwhelming feelings of floating above our world, such as giddy joy, wonderment, adrenaline and open-mouthed stoke. This is far beyond what my wee brain had ever deemed possible. The feeling of being alive is 100 x stronger when you’re 10,000ft above solid ground.

Whistler Skydive is only 30 minutes north of Whistler, which is ample time to psyche yourself in or out of your impending fate, whilst taking in the gorgeous surrounds and appreciating how lucky you’ve been in life.

Sign in is easy, I recommend not reading the waiver* as it holds such gems as: “Please remember that Whistler Skydive staff, pilots & instructors are human beings and capable of making mistakes”. Ok, cool, hopefully no mistakes whilst I’m strapped to you and plummeting toward the earth.

Turns out, these guys are professional. Professional, intelligent and trustworthy; all attributes that I appreciate in someone who holds my life in their hands. And I’ll tell you, it was so worth it. The gradual climb to 10,000ft takes you over the beautiful Mt Currie mountain range, past sparkling Lillooet Lake, over Wedding Lake, with Mt. Baker visible on the horizon. It’s easy to see why people spend hundreds of dollars on sightseeing flights alone.

Once we reached the required height, the instructor gives you another rundown of what he requires from you, the pilot opens the door and a deafening roar from the atmosphere consumes you. It’s breathtaking. Literally; remember to keep breathing. The next few minutes will be some of the most exhilarating of your life so remember to smile whilst the instructor snaps 150 photos of your adventure, and take in the incredible views all around you. Skydiving truly is a life affirming experience, and with only a few weeks left to get out and try it for yourself, I leave you with something that a wise old man once told me; YOLO my friends. YOLO.**

*Whistler skydive recommends the opposite.

**it means You only live once. Seriously