The Last Land Dive

The Last Land Dive

Land Diving for 2012 is Complete

Today is the last day of the Land Diving tradition on Pentecost Island.

I only thought it would be appropriate to post one of my favorite photos from that unforgettable day from earlier this June.

Be in the Moment

I think this photos really sums it up for me.

I love the smile, energy and the passion of what’s happening here – in this moment.

You can really sense the camaraderie and the trust between the two. I especially love the happiness that was captured.

I Got Your Back

It is the guys job on the left is to cut the vines that are holding the platform up, as seen in the photo.

When he chops the vines the platform swings down and softens the impact from the vine stretch. There is also another helper about half way down the tower that is holding on to the two vines.

It is that persons job to push the vines out of the way when the Land Diver is in Free fall.

If you watch closely you can see it in the video posted above.

An Experience of a Lifetime

I waited patiently for over 12 years to experience Nanggol (Land Diving) and it was worth every second.

The first time I saw video of the Land Diving, I thought it was just something that was done for a promotional video – it didn’t seem real.

Which happened to be an old AJ Hackett Bungee Jump video of mine (from when I bungee jumped in Cairns, Queensland – Australia). I then found out that it wasn’t something that was done just for a video.

This was real!

Once I found that out, I just had to go! I added it to my bucket list immediately. I had to see this Land Diving with my own eyes because I just couldn’t believe it.

Even now after witnessing this incredible ceremony, I still sometimes cannot come to terms with what I saw.

Awesome – just awesome.

Seeing the Land Diving Tower for the First Time

I remember walking to the tower through the jungle and seeing the top of the tower peek through the tree tops.

I couldn’t believe my eyes – I had made it. I was there, we were there – finally after all these years.

I can only compare my feelings to when a huge fan sees one of their favorite movies stars in person – I was excited, very excited.

Overwhelmed in fact.

I was frantic – I had to rush through setting up my tripod and all my cameras. I rehearsed this the day before with full nerves in tact.

I had to get it right.

I had to get the perfect spot. I had to get the perfect frame.

I did not.

It May Sound Funny to You and Probably Does

But to me, this was a big deal.

There aren’t many things in life that are more satisfying then reaching and achieving a life long goal or experience that you have.

This is what dreaming is about. It’s finding something you love and going after it and not taking no for an answer or the easy way out.

That is what Living is About.

Three Land Diving Towers!

I’ve since discovered that there are three Land Diving Towers.

Sometimes I wish that I had not found that out because now I must go.

I must go again and witness this unbelievable, timeless ceremony again. Which is done the same way today, as it was done so many centuries ago.

Next time we will watch from the other two remaining towers.

Land Diving in 2013?

Travel plans for 2013 are vague at this stage, however.

While it still remotely up in the air – I’m almost certain we will be returning next year to the Magical South Pentecost Island to watch this remarkable feat of courage, fellowship, friendship and most certainly bravery, that is Nanggol!