Looking for something to do during the weekend is generally an easy task — especially in Baton Rouge. Clubs, bars, malls, museums and movies usually encompass most college student’s weekend activities.
But for students wanting to break the monotony skydiving offers a unique experience.
Jumping out of a plane and plummeting to earth might be a terrifying experience for some students. But for others — like Mass Communication sophomore Meg Then —it’s an exhilarating adventure.
“I just always wanted to do it,” she said. “Living life!”
Even Mike the Tiger wanted to experience a free fall. Skydive N’awlins Trainer Rick Payne had the unique opportunity to skydive with the fully outfitted mascot.
But that’s just another unusual notch on Payne’s bedpost, which include skydiving naked, base jumping and skydiving 7-15 times a day.
“I was always the kid who climbed the highest tree, I loved the excitement,” Payne said. “When I found out I could do (skydiving) for a living, I was there. I love the rush.”
Payne said he has been all over the world thanks to his skydiving career. He said his worst experience in his 30-year career was “getting puked on.”
Skydive N’awlins has been in business for six years and averages 2,500 jumpers a year with its four instructors. Summer season is the busiest, with reservations filling up at least a week in advance.
The cost for a tandem skydive is $175, the cheapest in the surrounding Baton Rouge area. Skydive N’awlins reports there have been no fatalities.
http://www.skydivenawlins.com/