Skydiving has become a remarkable passion for Hana Terrell, a 28-year-old SoulCycle instructor from Los Angeles, who has embraced the exhilarating sport passionately since her inaugural jump in Hawaii two years ago. With an adventurous spirit and a thirst for new experiences, she has travelled the globe as part of this unique hobby, visiting breathtaking spots like the Swiss Alps, Fiji, and even soaring above the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
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Terrell’s journey into the world of skydiving began in 2022. Despite her initial trepidation—”I was the most anxious person of all time,” she recalls—she decided to overcome her fears during a trip to Hawaii, where she made her first tandem jump while securely harnessed to an experienced instructor. This pivotal experience ignited her passion for skydiving, leading her to actively seek out further training upon her return to California.
Eager to pursue her newfound interest, Terrell found the process of obtaining her skydiving license surprisingly accessible. She undertook a training course that involved one class and seven “coached jumps,” eventually amassing a total of 25 dives. With her successful completion of these requirements, she earned her wings—that is, her skydiving licence.
With approximately 450 jumps completed, Terrell acknowledges that while her experience may seem impressive to outsiders, it places her among the novice end of the skydiving spectrum. She is keenly aware that many of her peers possess far more experienced backgrounds in the sport. “In comparison to a lot of people in the sport, I’m really not a good skydiver,” she admits. Yet, she continues to grow more confident and skilled with each leap into the sky.
The thrill of skydiving isn’t just about the adrenalin rush; it has provided Terrell with life-altering experiences and relationships. Through various community gatherings dubbed “boogies,” she has connected with a global network of adventurers who share her love for the sport. These excursions have allowed her to jump from helicopters in the Swiss Alps and military aircraft over Egypt, taking in views of the stunning landscapes from a unique perspective.
“I’d never really traveled before I started skydiving,” Terrell shares, reflecting on her transformation. “It really opens you up to a network of people all over the world.” She attributes much of her travel opportunities and friendships, which have blossomed from shared skydiving experiences, to her engagement in the sport. “So many of my friends are from skydiving,” she explains, expressing gratitude for how this hobby has enriched her life.
In addition to enjoying breathtaking scenery, Terrell has glimpsed the world from above—experience that adds a layer of magic to her travels. She has floated above Fiji’s turquoise waters, landed on stunning beaches in Hawaii, and marvelled at the beauty of the Maldives. These unique vantage points, attained through skydiving, have given her a deeper appreciation of the natural wonders on our planet.
Looking ahead, Terrell is eager to continue expanding her horizons both in the sky and on the ground. She aims to improve her flying abilities while further exploring new heights, both literally and figuratively. The friendships she has forged through the skydiving community have added immeasurable value to her life, inspiring her to chase even more adventurous goals in the future.
Ultimately, Hana Terrell’s journey illustrates the transformative power of trying new things and facing one’s fears. Skydiving has not only offered her an exhilarating pastime but has also opened up a world of friendship, travel, and self-discovery she never knew was possible. As she continues to jump from planes and embrace the thrill of the sport, her story serves as a reminder that sometimes taking a leap—figuratively and literally—can lead to the most rewarding experiences of all.