My first jump Written by Dan Cocren

Steve at last managed to convince me that to jump from plane was just what I needed, I have to admit that it was not something I had ever felt the lack of, but now that I have done it, I understand why Steve loves it so much, and what he meant when he said that it was the most exhilartating thing known to man!

As we climbed to 4000 metres altitude in the propeller plane known as the "Zebra" (you'll know why when you see it), my heart was pounding in my mouth. I made a huge effort not to show how terrified I really was, but as the door opened, and the other parachutists jumped into the nothingness, I thought I was about to loose it. There was no time to however, as before I knew it I was hurtling through the atmosphere, thankfully firmly strapped to my instructor.

It was like nothing I have ever experienced, and far more exciting that I could ever have imagined. The view of the Ariege, the Aude and the Pyrenees on the horizon was unbelievably beautiful, and as we dropped in freefall I tried to take it all in. The roar of the air as it sped past my ears was deafening and just when I thought I could take it no longer, the parachute opened and there was an amazing peace suddenly, apart from the gentle flutter of the God-sent parachute above us.

My instructor gave me the reigns and showed me how to change direction. You've just got to pull, quite hard, in the direction you want to go. All too soon, terra firma was close, and my instructor told me to pull my knees to my chest. I did, and kept them there, forgetting to put them on the ground when we landed, which meant that we ended in an elegant heap.

I jumped to my feet and felt my knees go weak, and realised that I was panting like a marathon runner. It must have been the effects of the huge dose of adrenalin which my body had supplied in amounts I had forgotten were possible. I loved it, loved it, and will remember it for the rest of my life.

Thanks Steve and Extreme-Ariege for an unforgettable experience.