_Life is short: Why not catch some fresh air?
In Prague, there are many ways to wreak havoc on the ground. From seedy corner hernas to embarrassingly relaxed drug laws, Prague does not have responsibility high on the list of concerns. This might be why adrenaline-seekers take it to the next level — in the sky.
Skydiving has become a popular pastime in the Czech Republic. For one thing, it is significantly cheaper to soar through the air here than in most other countries in the world. For students, part of its appeal stems from the cute, cherry-on-top aspect of finishing off your study abroad experience just right. What exactly does that mean? Free-falling 200 km/h from a 4,000-meter altitude. We talked with junior Heejung Kim, an MCC Major in Steinhardt, about what it’s like to fall through the blue Czech skies.
Survival Guide: You seem to be a sane, happy individual. Why did you choose to skydive?
Heejung Kim: (laughs) I’ve always wanted to do it since high school, and I feel more independent now. I found out that Prague has a skydiving service and it’s cheaper than America. I think it’s $100 less than in the States, and half the price compared to Switzerland. I thought I could enjoy some nice views of the Czech Republic instead of New Jersey.
SG: Did it live up to your expectations?
HK: Totally. My friend came from Spain to do it with me. On the way, even on the plane, I didn’t feel any of the emotions. I wasn’t nervous at all, because I’m a “roller coaster person.” The highlight and the most nervous part was when I was at the door of the plane. It was incredible when the guy pushed me. I felt there was nothing but me falling through the sky. Free-fall lasted about a minute; 55 seconds, to be exact. When he opened the parachute, everything slowed down. I was so excited. I was like, “I want to do it again!” I was so shocked in a good way and in a happy way.
SG: Other than the fact that there’s an obvious risk involved,why wouldn’t you want to tell your parents?
HK: Parents think it’s really dangerous, because accidents do happen. So I didn’t tell my parents — at first. Once I had done it, and they knew I was alive, they were pretty cool about it. When a friend of mine told his parents, they said no. He’s going anyway this weekend and not telling them. And I’m going with him.
SG: You are quite the daredevil. What would you recommend to other students interested in skydiving here?
HK: I recommend skydiving in general. If you do it here, you’ll remember Prague as an even more memorable place. That is really cool.
Sky Service
Location: Dlouha 10, Prague 1
Phone: 732 333 777
Website: www.skyservice.cz
Prices
Tandem jump: 3,800 Kč
Tandem jump with a video on DVD and photos on CD: 5,800 Kč