Media Credit: Courtesy Skydiving club member Stefanie Chow tandem jumps during May of 2006. Chow, who became interested in skydiving when she arrived on campus, plans to complete her third skydive sometime this fall. [Click to enlarge]

When Colin Weber arrived at the University as a freshman, he wanted to continue his newfound passion for skydiving through Oregon's official club.

What he found, however, was an inactive club with no organization and leadership.

"The club had been defunct for about two or three years at that point, so I pretty much had to start from scratch," said Weber, now a junior, who is the club coordinator. "It took us almost two terms just for everything to get straightened up."

Weber's co-organizer was Alastair Wolfe, a student from England who Weber met in the residence halls, and a fellow skydiving enthusiast. Weber, who has completed 70 skydives, has jumped for seven years and Wolfe, four. Wolfe is currently studying back in England.

Weber will have a chance to show the club's activities at the upcoming Club Sports open house, held Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. in the EMU Fir Room. The club will also host its own informational meeting on Oct. 10 and 11 at the Lillis Business Complex.

A combination of cost and fear keep many potential jumpers away, however. Even as a member of the skydiving club, the cost averages about $80 per dive. According to Weber, club members can expect to pay around $150 per month for the first two to three months if members dive once a month. After three months, the costs decreases to around $100.

As for the fear, it all depends on how comfortable a person is when the airplane door opens at 10,000 feet.

"When I first started I didn't think I could do it but I did," said Stefanie Chow, who will complete her third jump this fall. "When that hatch opens that cool, crisp air goes rushing through your lungs. Literally, it's breathtaking. You really are flying."

Another source of frustration for Weber is that many students express interest, but seldom follow through.

Continued...

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