 "Photo: Courtesy of Skydiving Delmarva")
One of Towson’s newest clubs involves an activity unlike any other: jumping out of an airplane.
If you’re up for the challenge, the Skydiving Club may be for you.
Fifteen Towson students marked the school’s first organized jump on Sunday, becoming the first participants in Towson’s Skydiving Club. The club was officially approved this semester and was founded by president Chelsey Anderson. On Sunday, the group went to Skydive Delmarva in Laurel, Del. Anderson, a sophomore, said the facility offered a generous group discount amongst other benefits.
“We did a lot of research and this place seemed the most professional and willing to help students,” Anderson said.
Most of the divers were going for their first jump on Sunday. Despite some initial fears, Anderson said everyone truly enjoyed the experience.
“When I first heard about the skydiving trip, I thought I was way too scared to go… [But] the more I thought about it, the more I knew in my heart I would regret it if I didn’t go. I am so glad I listened to my gut and went because I had such an amazing time,” sophomore Bridey Gallagher said.
A main focus of the club is to establish camaraderie.
Anderson said that the group was able to watch each other jump and were able to greet each other when they reached the ground.
“We only took 15 people so that we would have time to spend together at the drop zone… Probably the coolest part was having people be excited for each other, and these were people who didn’t know each other in the morning,” Anderson said.
She feels that the group was well prepared for the day, even though skydiving is often considered dangerous.
“At the drop zone they make you sign a liability sheet. They don’t try to lighten it; they let you know the risks. There is also ground training to learn more about the movements and equipment,” Anderson said.
She also said that skydiving may not be as dangerous as some people think it is.
“The way it was described to me is it’s like driving a car. There are risks of injury, even death. But the only time it’s dangerous is when you start running red lights, or breaking other rules,” Anderson said. “Skydive Delmarva has never had any serious problems… They said more people have been injured driving to the drop zone than actually at the drop zone.”
The Skydiving Club is currently recognized as one of Towson’s sports clubs. It receives funding from the department, and hopes to receive more in the future.
A majority of the club’s money comes from its own fundraising. Skydiving costs approximately $200-$250 dollars a person.
Anderson said the club attempts to defer some of the costs for participants.
“We’re setting up fundraisers so if people come and help out we will help sponsor them to make it a little cheaper,” Anderson said.
She decided to start the club when she first attended Destination Towson before her freshman year.
She had gone for her 18th birthday and said she fell in love with the sport and wanted to continue.
Currently, Anderson plans to hold three trips of 15 people next semester so that more people can join the club.
This will be accomplished through additional fundraising throughout the winter.
“I highly encourage anyone who is interested in skydiving to join the club and try it out.
Not only have I gotten to experience something super awesome that I never dreamed of doing in my entire life, but I’ve gotten to know a bunch of great people in the process,” Gallagher said.
Once the club is in its second year it will be able to request an increased budget.
This can help fund the certifications that are required to participate in competitions.
Anderson said she hopes that a team can be formed in time to compete in a collegiate competition next winter break.
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Blue Skies,
Chelsey Anderson