Marco women take skydive plunges

• %27All I could do was sit there upon landing. I was taking it all in. The entire experience was incredible. I had said I%27d probably be %27one %26 done%2C%27 but I%27ve changed my mind. I%27m definitely doing it again%27 - Jodi Pree

Make-up, check. Purses, check. Sense of adventure, check.

With these necessities taken care of, three "Island Girls" club members recently headed to Skydive Spaceland in Clewiston for the incredible experience of jumping out of a plane.

The jumpers, Jaye Spencer, Jodi Pree and Liz Knapp, all belong to the Newcomer's Club of Marco Island, which includes the "Island Girls" mini-club under its umbrella of assorted activities.

Spencer first suggested skydiving as an event last May after her first jump.

"Jaye was so enthusiastic and couldn't wait to jump again. Her enthusiasm was contagious Liz and I raised our hands immediately to join in on her next skydive adventure," Pree said.

After almost a year of planning, one Groupon deal, and finally settling on a date, the ladies were ready.

After arriving at Skydive Spaceland and signing their lives away on many forms, they watched a brief video about "what to expect." Then they met with their tandem instructors, who suited them up for the jump.

A short plane ride to 14,000 feet and securely strapped to their instructors, the Island Girls faced their fears at the open airplane door.

After that, it was a freefall at 120mph followed by a swift jerk of the parachute opening at 5,500 ft. Taking in a leisurely four minutes of amazing views, the trio gently landed on soft grass.

"All I could do was sit there upon landing. I was taking it all in. The entire experience was incredible. I had said I'd probably be 'one & done,' but I've changed my mind. I'm definitely doing it again," Pree said.

"I'm ready to go again … right now," Knapp said.

The jump was followed by a toast at CJ's upon their return to Marco with their fellow Island Girls.

The Island Girls have decided that skydiving will be an annual event. Plans are already in the works for next year's adventure.

See more photos of the jumpers -- pick up a copy of the Thursday, May 21, Marco Island Sun Times print edition.