Tandem skydivers serve as both thrill-seekers and therapists while thousands of feet above the ground
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - Some people want to conquer a fear, some want to fulfill a lifelong dream. Others are adrenaline junkies.
No matter what the scenario, would you strap yourself to a total stranger and jump out of an airplane? That's what tandem skydive instructors do on a daily basis.
Skydive Southwest Florida is in Punta Gorda. It's a company that prides itself on its experienced tandem instructors.
"It is crazy, but it's a way of life," said instructor Dave Scott.
He has done over 6,000 tandem skydives.
"We basically master fear the moment we leave the airplane, not just escape fear," he explained.
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Bruce Gifford, another tandem instructor at Skydive Southwest Florida, says reading people and their level of fear is a very important part of the job.
"When the door opens up, that's a major reality check. The people who tend to get nervous get very scared at that point," he described. "Sometimes I am a part-time therapist and I have to talk them through it."
If you’re interested in jumping with Skydive Southwest Florida, head over to their website: www.skydiveswflorida.com.
Their facility did take some damage during Hurricane Ian, and they even lost a building -- but they are up and operating now. The views from 10,000 feet high in that area are still both gorgeous and thrilling.