Four Explorer Scouts Defy Gravity Over North Lincolnshire

Four North Yorkshire Explorer Scouts can claim a first when they got a bird’s eye view of North Lincolnshire on Saturday 29 April.

Explorer Scouts Sophie Jenkin and Lauren Oglesby from Derwent Valley Explorers, Philip Beaumont from Eskmouth (Whitby) and Charles Symes-Turnbull from Titanic (Leven) ESUs took part in a Scouts Tandem Skydive with Harrogate and Nidderdale (HANDS) DC Helen Westmancoat at Skydive Hibaldstow. Dan Sissons, ACC (Activities) for North Yorkshire joined the Explorers and their families for the day.

As it was the Explorers first experience of skydiving, they were all uncertain of what to expect. After being briefed by our instructors, they were ready for their first jump. After a quick plane ride up to 15,000 ft, the time came to be brave and take the leap from the plane, securely harnessed to an experienced tandem instructor. After a minute’s freefall, some of it through cloud, the Scouts were given basic tuition on how to steer their canopies and were shown local landmarks.

Unfortunately, it was too hazy to see the Humber Bridge or Sheffield on the day, but the Humber Estuary could be clearly seen. Sophie and Lauren raised over £500 for Martin House Children’s Hospice in Scarborough for their skydive.

It was great to hear their reactions following the skydive, ranging from “Brilliant!”, “Really cool!” to “I don’t know how to describe it!” UK Chief Commissioner, Tim Kidd tweeted “Well done Explorers, I couldn’t do that” HANDS DC Helen Westmancoat, who wants to encourage skydiving as an air activity for Explorers and Network, was pleased when all agreed they would “like to do it again”. She will definitely be arranging another jump for anyone else who is interested, Explorers, Network, and leaders.