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Skydive thrills as Neil takes a 220 kmh ‘free dive’

Neil Cooper- Skydiving

Neil Cooper stepped out of a light aircraft above Adelaide at 15,000 feet for a “fantastic” adventure he’ll remember forever. 

 

Neil had toyed with the idea of skydiving for some time, deciding in 2024 it was time for action. 

To get ready for the jump, Neil’s Southern Cross Care Health and Fitness coach Stacey Lee said they worked on strength and endurance training. 

“We practised breathing for when he’d be airborne and to settle any nerves,” she explained

Neil was particularly good at pushing through the hard parts of exercise. He was very determined to do everything. 

“We’re very proud of Neil’s efforts during training and skydiving.” 

Accompanied by his Coastline Skydive instructor, Neil checked-in for his skydive adventure in April and left his walker behind on land. 

After kitting up, boarding a light aircraft and enjoying a scenic flight, it was time. 

Neil first swung his legs out of the aircraft’s open door before taking an adrenalin-pumping free fall that saw him travelling at an estimated speed of 220 kmh for well over a minute. 

When the co-joined instructor pulled the ripcord, a neat parachute released behind the duo, and this took the adventure to its next and more serene pace. 

This enabled Neil time to take in jaw-dropping panoramic views of Adelaide, the hills and coastline on what was a clear and sunny Sunday one could literally see forever. 

He even got to steer the parachute for a time before the tandem skydivers neared earth and landed gently on sand at Semaphore Beach. 

“It’s less dangerous than driving a car down the street,” Neil said after.

Read Neil’s full story here