Spirits soar as skydiving arrives in Geraldton

Everyone should take the jump, City of Greater Geraldton chief executive Ken Diehm declared after hurtling through the sky at 200km an hour from a height of 4600m.

He was officially introducing the adrenalin-pumping sport of tandem skydiving to the city by taking the jump himself.

“Unbelievable! Absolutely unbelievable! I’d do it again,” he said.

“I’d encourage everyone to take the jump. It was amazing.”

Before being flown on Friday from Geraldton airport to the top end of the action, Mr Diehm said he was petrified, but excited at the same time.

“It’s always been on my bucket list,” he said.

“I think it’s something everyone should do at least once in their life, and there’s no better place to do it but here in Geraldton.”

Jurien Bay Skydive will operate from Kelmac Aviation at the airport during weekends, depending on demand and bookings.

Chief instructor Pete Lonnon said Geraldton was an exciting destination for the business, and he expected it would thrive in the city.

Mayor Ian Carpenter said the business would be another great drawcard for Geraldton.

“We know it will become a very popular activity for tourists and locals alike,” he said.

Mr Carpenter drew the line at being the first skydiver, hand-balling that honour to Mr Diehm.

For inquiries about skydiving in Geraldton call 9652 1320.