Today Zachery got to experience the best adventure of his life…he also got to cross an adventure off his bucket list! Skydiving at Sunshine Coast provided Zac’s 16th Birthday Present. We asked Zac a few months back what he wanted for his birthday.
Our older son turned 16 last year, and had a party with all of his mates. With our New Life we couldn’t hold a Birthday party for our second son!
This year we wanted to provide an experience for Zac that he would never ever forget! He started to talk about Jumping out of a plane….a perfectly good plane. So glad that this was his wish!
Skydiving Sunshine Coast – Skydive Ramblers
We rang around to see which company on the Sunshine Coast could provide the “Best Experience Ever”. Skydive Ramblers was the company that offered the best fun, the friendliest staff on the phone, answered our email with interest (and in the fastest amount of time!!) and gave us the best deal.
Their email was also what got us interested….they replied with the following…
“We are FAMOUS FOR FUN and will give your son the most amazing experience of his life!!!”
Shared From Skydive Ramblers Sunshine Coast website!
Now That Is What I Call a Fantastic Business Guarantee 🙂
His jump was booked for Sunday 4th at 9.00am. So this morning we headed out the door – very very early (for me anyway)! Two of our boys ate their corn flakes in the car, so that we could get there with plenty of time to spare! David and I had our coffee at home, and Zac (plus Nic) being early risers had eaten hours before we left home.
Arriving At Skydive Ramblers
Sunshine Coast – Skydiver Ramblers
When we got to Skydive Ramblers we walked over to the big blue building, and were greeted by the friendliest staff. They didn’t even know who we were (until we introduced ourselves!)….All of the Staff are so friendly!
After filling out the paperwork, and looking around the club house…it was time for Zac to get his harness on. It was so funny watching him get fitted up for the jump – it almost looked like a nappy! At first it was put on lose, it was to be tightened up when they got to the plane.
Watching Zac Get His Harness on!
Harness is still lose at this stage!
I kept asking Zac if he was alright? He kept telling me he was ok, and he was still smiling (at this stage anyway!)
Giving Zach One Last Hug Before he Jumps!
Within minutes we were all in the van, and heading to the airport. Before we knew it, Zac and another guy (who was jumping for his 40th Birthday gift) jumped out of the van with two of the guys from Skydive Ramblers – it was time for them to go up high!
Zachery Still Smiling In The Plane!
As the guys took care of Zac, we stayed in the van and headed to the drop off point!
Zac About To Jump out of a Perfectly Good Plane!
The big orange “X” was placed on Coolum Beach to mark the landing spot, and it was time for us to wait. We could see the plane climbing up higher and higher, at some points we couldn’t even see the plane but we could hear it 🙂
The Plane Heads To 14,000 Feet
Zachery Is Almost Out!
While we were all waiting on the ground the plane was heading up to 14,000 Feet. There was 2 guys on the ground from Skydive Ramblers who set up the orange “X” on the ground, and who also had walkie talkies. Within next to no time the first tandem jumpers were out – and then before we knew it Zac with his amazing instructor – Ceri – was following behind.
Zac is now in the Air!
At first we thought two parachutes were together. But then we soon realised that the first guy (the one who was celebrating his 40th Birthday) chute hadn’t opened properly so they had to let it go, and were using the back up Parachute. It is something that only happens like 1 in every 1,100 jumps – I think that was what the guys were saying..its very rare for a Parachute to not open the right way! At least that guy got his money worth for his Birthday gift!
Zachery is gliding down
Watching Zac Coming Down
It was the most amazing experience watching Zac coming down!
Zachery In The Sky!
Imagine the View!
Can only imagine what Zac was feeling…..it was like watching a bird soar into the wind….it was so calming – he glided over the waves, over the trees and then landed into the sand. He had a perfect landing….he was grinning from ear to ear! We are so proud of him – he had a dream to jump out of a plane, and now he can cross that one of his bucket list!
After Wards – Going Back To Skydiving Ramblers
Getting Ready to Land – on the beach!
After Zac jumped we got a few photos on the beach, spoke to the other family, and then headed back to the van. He was still grinning from ear to ear – I have never ever seen him so happy!
We headed to where the guys from Skydiving Ramblers thought the Parachute was (the one that didn’t open fully) and they went into the dense bushland. Within about 10 minutes they were back….without the Parachute – they couldn’t find it on foot so for the next flight up they were going to search from the air and direct the guys on the ground for it!
Back At Skydiving Ramblers
When we got back to Skydivers Ramblers Sunshine Coast we headed into the club house to watch the DVD’s and photos on the big screen…it was so good to sit on red comfy lounge chairs, and watch the big Screen DVD of Zac Jumping. His instructor Ceri took lots of great photos and videos from Zac getting ready in the club house, to standing outside on the deck, to up in the plane, to even getting ready to jump out of the plane 🙂
Our Younger Boys were kept busy while we watched the Big Screen!
While we were watching the DVD with all of the preparations (going up high enough to jump) and getting his legs out of the plane, everyone that was getting ready to go next, got to watch Zac and his facial expressions! It was amazing to see how scary it looked, and we were not even going up!
Zac watched his facial expressions, and re-live the experience all over again.
On The Ground – Grinning From Ear to Ear
He loved every minute of his jump, and he is now addicted to jumping out of a plane – he wants to go back up and do it all over again. He is now talking about how he can go about getting his own licence!
Here is the Video of Zachery Jumping out of a perfectly good plane!
Words From Zac…..
“Jumping gave me the biggest adrenaline rush I have ever felt. The Exit from the Plane was the most challenging of it all, but once in free fall, it was the most amazing experience. I am definitely doing it all over again. I intend to get my licence eventually. Skydiving Ramblers at Sunshine Coast gave me a thrill of a lifetime”
Thanking you so much Susie From Skydiving Ramblers – and your amazing team! Zac and New Life on the Road highly recommends your service, your company, your friendly staff and the adventure…..you guys rock.
When you are looking at Skydiving and you are in the Sunshine Coast area, then you need “Skydiving Ramblers – Famous For Fun”. Please let them know that Lisa and family from New Life on the Road sent you on over 🙂
Location:- Skydive Ramblers Clubhouse, Kittyhawk Close, Sunshine Coast Airport, Marcoola, Qld, Australia
Phone:- 07 5446 1855
Email:- jump@skydiveforfun.com.au
Cheers
Lisa
——————
* Please note that Skydiving Sunshine Coast “SkyDive Ramblers” (and New Life on the Road) took very good care of Zachery for his Birthday. If you have any FAQ about skydiving then you need to read Skydiving Ramblers FAQ information page.
All thoughts and opinions are our own 🙂
WOW is all I can say. What an experience for Zac, one that he will remember for the rest of his life. He is so brave – not sure whether I would like to skydive but good on him. How scary for the man before him not having his chute open.
Jackie Stenhouse recently posted..Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
Hi Jackie,
He is way braveer then any of us 🙂
He loved jumping but watching him get out of that plane was enough for me (and I was only watching the DVD)!!
Cheers
Lisa
what a wonderful way to celebrate another year of life…by taking it by the horns! Something I’ve always wanted to do and your post summed it all up so wonderfully! Congrats to Zac!!!
ciao lisa
lisa chiodo | renovating italy recently posted..30 days of Indie – lessons learned
Hi Lisa,
He had a blast – he cant wait to go again!
Cheers
Lisa
What awesome pictures, and a memory for a lifetime. I have no idea how I spent my 16th birthday, but it was no where near that awesome I know that:)
The World of Deej recently posted..Passports with Purpose
It was such a perfect day for Zac 🙂
Thanks for your amazing support and connections
Cheers
Lisa
Oh, wow!!!
Wow, wow, wow!!!
Reminds me of when I jumped out of a plane – I wasn’t 16 though! I did it for my birthday too – 26.
Yes, I agree, what a great guarantee from a company!
LOVED the photos, especially the one of mum :).
I will definitely look up Skydiving Ramblers next time I’m in Sunshine Coast!
It’s wonderful that they went to so much effort to make sure Zac’s birthday will be one to remember, forever. Lots of stories to tell, that’s for sure.
Lina@MothersLoveLetters recently posted..How To Ask For Support
Hi Lina,
WOW – you are brave! I am so glad that this was Zac birthday wish…I got to live the experience through him 🙂
He had the best time, and I highly recommend Skydiving Ramblers for anyone that wants the best experience ever!
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Happy Birthday Zac! That is a fantastic way to spend your birthday. 🙂
I’ve been skydiving and it’s an incredible feeling. For me, it was all about overcoming the fear of jumping out of the plane.
After that, I felt like I could do anything. You showed so much courage for someone so young. You’re going to have a wonderful life. 🙂
Hi Jazz,
Thanking you for Zac’s Birthday wish – will pass it on to him!
Wow – how amazing that you jumped from a plane to help with overcoming a fear….I am not that brave 🙂
Its amazing what confidence Zac had yesterday – I am so blown away that he was able to jump!
Cheers
Lisa
G’day Zac,
Seemed like you really loved it. As they say in the flying business ” HAPPY LANDINGS ”
Cheers
Harry
Harry Lynn recently posted..Tribute to Peter “Rusty” McLeod Part 3
Hi Harry,
thanks for Zacs Happy Landings thoughts! He had a blast 🙂
Cheers
Lisa
Sounds like the perfect gift for teenagers:) One thing I haven’t done yet either!
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..Christmas Comes Early: FREE Personal Writing Magic Guide
Hi Annabel,
He had the best time – so glad that he was able to have his Birthday wish come true. Skydive Ramblers provided the best experience ever 🙂
cheers
Lisa
Congratulations Zac! Smiling all the way! I love the way you have shared this journey with us Lisa 🙂
Hi Kama,
He had the best adventure. He loved it so much that he cant wait to go again.
Cheers
Lisa
Hey Lisa
A great guarantee it may be, but you will never catch me jumping out of a plane Lol ! After spending many years working at heights and needing to hold on to avoid falling, I could never bring myself to jump! Looks like he had a ball. Wonder what he has in mind for next year?
Cheers Beanie
Adam Bean recently posted..How can a $20,000 fiasco be good for your business?
Hi Adam,
I so agree 🙂 I would never jump out of a perfectly good plane! But Zac had the best time, and would love to go again!
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
First of all, A very happy bday to Zac. I’m happy he is able to slowly complete his wish list. I’ve always had interest in sky diving and would definitely try it out one day. I was about to book a trip once but ended up going fishing. I was too afraid! Thanks for the good read!
Regards,
Wilson
Wilson recently posted..Occasion Wear For Weddings
Hi Wilson,
Thanks for Zac Birthday Wish 🙂
You so need to try sky diving…he loved it! If you have a dream and want to try Skydiving then go for it 🙂
Cheers
Lisa
What awesome pictures, that truly is a memory for a lifetime.
I don’t remember my 16th birthday, what a memory Zac has Congratulations
Rita recently posted..Connecting With the Earth Helps in Reducing Stress
Hi Rita,
It was the best day ever for Zac – he loved it even though he closed his eyes at first!!!
Cheers
Lisa
Looks as tho you all had a good day – but Zac had the best! Even the weather smiled on you all as the sun was shining…..
This is building great memories for your family Lisa and that is what family is all about. When the boys are older you will be amazed at the conversations you will have with them and their versions of the events (their memories) will be different from yours and you will be able to have a good laugh about the times you’ve had together.
Cheers
Jenny
Jenny Johnson recently posted..Oscar The Wonder Dog
Hi Jenny,
How true you are! He loved every minute of it – I cant wait to see what his older Brother thinks of the jump….he cant imagine jumping out of a plane!
Our youngest wants to jump already – and yet our other two boys are not interested! Funny how they all like different things – but are from the same family.
Cheers
Lisa
Wow…great skydiving experience! I wish i could came with Zachery… any ways great awesome article on skydiving experience… thanks for sharing it… i surely gonna try it!