skydiving Yes, the act of willingly jumping out of the plane and free-falling in the atmosphere for no other reason but the sheer thrill of it. An experience many put on their bucket list, promising to one day check it off, but often said times easier than done, right? Well there’s no better time than now to complete one of the most counter-intuitive exploits known to man, and woman of course, and walk away with a whole new swagger.
It’s hard to really describe exactly what it feels like barreling toward the earth at 200km/h with only the wild of the wind and the meticulously packed parachute strapped to your back to break your fall (don’t worry – it will), because skydiving must be experienced first-hand to truly get a grip on. But trust me, it’s worth it.
Falling from 13,500 feet in the air is oddly enough not everyone’s cup of tea, but in the right hands, it’s a life-changing experience. I visited Parachute Montreal to try skydiving for myself and here are 10 reasons why you should too:
1. Skydiving options you won’t find anywhere else
With 3 different packages to choose from, Parachute Montreal has a skydiving option for everyone. Whether it’s your first jump, or your 800th, each package is designed to offer you the experience you are looking for.
INITIATION package
This is perfect if you are looking to skydive without any freefall. Jump from 7,500 feet with your shoot deploying as soon as you leave the plane, so all you have to do is enjoy the view while flying under the canopy.
ULTIMATE package
So you’re ready to freefall, the ULTIMATE package takes you up 13,500 feet and jump attached to your instructor. At 5,000 feet, your instructor deploys the parachute while you get to ride the wind back to the ground.
INSANE package
When you’re looking for the biggest rush, you gotta go high altitude. Fly up to 18,000 feet, oxygen tank and all, and get ready for the longest freefall of your life that you won’t find anywhere else in Canada.
2. Unmatched experience
Lead by the only Master Learning Facilitator for the Canadian Sport Parachuting Association, Mario Prévost, Parachute Montreal’s management team has a combined experience of more than 54,000 jumps, so you know you are in expert hands from start to finish. 75% of our instructors have the highest level of certification in Canada (D CoP). Parachute Montreal’s team of instructors, trainers, and packers also just so happens to develop training programs for the Canadian Army elite, so definitely know exactly what you’re feeling and will guide you every step of the way.
3. Professional video and photography services
Since you’ll be so focused on your jump, Parachute Montreal offers full video and photo services so you can relieve the experience and share it with your friends and family. A professional photographer will join you on your jump and document all of the stages from start to finish. Then, when you’re back safe and sound on the ground, you’ll receive an edited 5-minute video complete with soundtrack showing you in action as well as numerous photos of you in freefall.
4. The skills to pay the bills
Parachute Montreal has international and national skydiving champions in their team. Team Fuzion are national female champions in 4-way formation skydiving and Team Evolution placed 3rd at the 2014 world championships and are also the Canadian champions in a 4-way formation skydiving and vertical formation skydiving. Andy Woolf is an Australian swooping champion, and Lionel Chambon (my instructor!) is a French and national champion in landing accuracy.
5. Expert training programs
Tandem skydiving is an amazing experience, but for people who want to become solo jumpers, Parachute Montreal offers full training and solo certification. Their PFF (Progressive Free Fall) training program helps students learn how to skydive in a completely safe environment and only takes 2 or 3 days to complete.
6.Amazing facilities
Facilities are state-of-the-art, including a training room, parachute packing room, viewing room, and changing area. The landing area covers more than 2 million square feet, and is free from obstacles, ensuring a safe and easy landing. Hang out on the beautiful patio and picnic area where you’re free to bbq, watch the parachutes land, or eat at the restaurant. Awesome if you’d prefer to watch the action from the ground, as well as ideal for bachelor parties.
7. The size of their plane
Sometimes, size does matter, so it’s a good thing Parachute Montreal has the biggest plane for skydiving in Canada. The safe and reliable Twin Otter aircraft offers room for 23 passengers per flight which means that you won’t be separated from your group of friends and can all jump together out of the same plane.
8. State of the art equipment
Sigma equipment
United Parachute Technologies
9. Close proximity to Montreal
Located just 30 minutes outside of Montreal in Saint-Esprit, getting out of the city for an adventure couldn’t be easier. Parachute Montreal is the closest skydiving center so you can spend the day enjoying your jump instead of stuck in the car.
10. Parachute Montreal has a shuttle bus
Don’t have a car? No problem! Parachute Montreal offers a shuttle bus service to and from the city to make your life more convenient. If you plan on taking public transport to get there, you can get to Parachute Montreal by taking the CRT Lanaudière bus line 125.
I can honestly say that my experience was unforgettable. For one thing, I can officially say I jumped out of a plane (and lived to tell the tale), but honestly, skydiving really does blow your mind. While you’re flying through the air, everything else disappears and you truly are on top of the world. It’s an amazing feeling that left me wanting more and I am definitely excited to do again in the future. Discover skydiving for yourself this summer with Parachute Montreal who offer a range of skydives to choose from, world-class training, and the experience of a lifetime.
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