WILD THINGS
THE Skydiver
Luke Church jumped out of a plane for the first time 14 years ago on a Saturday afternoon. It was so thrilling, he went back the next day and jumped three more times. Since then, Church has completed more than 7,000 jumps of varying degrees of intensity, while helping fellow skydivers get their fix. “It makes me feel like a superhero,” says Church, the co-owner of Skydive St. Louis. “It’s about as close to flying as you can get.”
When he approaches the exit door of an airplane at 13,000 feet, Church isn’t thinking about anything but the next few minutes. He encourages students to follow his lead. “That’s one of the most attractive things about it, ” Church says. “You’re not worried about your schedule, bills, or the grocery list. You’re just living in that moment.”
Two jumps stand out to Church: a wingsuit jump from a hot air balloon and his first night jump on New Year’s Eve 2011. “I jumped naked, actually, ” Church says with a laugh. “I could see all the fireworks going off below me.”
PRO TIPS
Be curious.
Just about anyone who is willing to try skydiving can make it happen. Church has overseen jumps for divers young and old, as well as those with physical disabilities.
Watch from the DZ.
For newbies who are interested but have cold feet, Church recommends spending time at a drop zone watching other divers glide safely back to Earth.
Don’t sweat the landing.
Parachutes have brakes that allow for soft touchdowns. “It’s really easy, ” Church says, “like stepping off a curb. There’s really not much to it.”
THE LINGO
“Canopy flare”
Braking/decelerating the parachute.
“DZ”
The designated drop zone where jumpers will land.
“Hard deck”
Altitude by which a parachute must be deployed.
“The beer light is on”
When the last jump of the day is complete and it’s time to celebrate with a cold one.
THE LINGO
“Top rope climbing”
A climber uses ropes and a harness to an anchor set at the top of a route.
“Lead climbing”
A more advanced climbing style, in which a climber sets anchors
