Everest Skydive: Pinnacle of Skydiving

Three solo skydivers were interviewed in Hotel Malla after their dives during Everest Skydive 2013. Weather, because of the Cyclone Phailin in India, the entire sub-continent was affected and hence the Everest Skydive. Because of the unfavorable weather conditions some turned to be lucky being able to jump beyond 20000m and few were unfortunate. Marc Kopp, set a record of being first disable person to skydive during this year’s Everest Skydive. Here, we have an interview of David Philips, Alexander Zadirov and Patr Zadirov on their skydive experience.

David Philips, Alexander Zadirov and Patr Zadirov during an interview 

EH: How was your trip to Nepal, do you like Nepal?

David: What I have seen so far, Nepal is amazing, totally amazing.

 Zadirovs: We like Nepal very much. It was a great experience, people were nice and we had an amazing holiday. We enjoyed a lot.

EH: The Everest Skydive begins with the trek to Syangboche, how was your trek?

David: The trekking was amazing too.

Zadirovs: There were two main parts of our trip, trekking & skydive itself. The trek part was perfect. It was interesting, nice people guided us through. Lot of beautiful places and everything was just great. It is our first time in Nepal. We have been too many countries before. The capitals of many countries are very specific. The countrysides here resembled to the countrysides of our country. The trek was fantastic.

EH: How was your skydive?

Zadirovs: The team of Everest Skydive; divers and crew in the drop zone were professionals which we would rate very highly. The great team, great people and perfect atmosphere; everything was great. Except for a thing which is beyond the control of Explore Himalaya and the crew, was altitude. We planned two jumps from a lower heights and one jump at a same time from 20000m+ altitude. But, perhaps the bad weather restricted the pilot of our helicopter to fly beyond 10000m. So, we had jumps from the heights not exceeding 10000m. Some guys did 23,000m. We must say, we were unfortunate. Everything else was perfect.

David:  I got to dive from the altitude of 22000m and it was truly amazing. People there were some of the best I have ever met. They were professionals, and they helped you for everything you needed. They were right there for you. I did my 1000, 1001, & 1002 jumps here in the Everest.

EH: How would you recommend the Event back home to the interested skydivers?

David: I would just tell them, this would be one of the most amazing experiences that they would ever have in their life. This is the pinnacle of skydiving for me. This is top; the only other place from here is the space

Zadirovs: We already have people who are interested in this trip back in Russia. Besides, what we highlight is the positive aspect, the team and the trek. Only thing required is, attention shall be granted. Besides, this it was a great experience. We would recommend anyone saying that they would have a great great time. But, we are not in the position to guarantee the elevation of dive. We loved the trek part, enjoyed time with the guides and views were outstanding and the crew of Everest Skydive was wonderful.

EH: How were the hotels you stayed in?

David: Great, everything went smooth and service in the hotels was fantastic.

Zadirovs: Hotel in the city was great. We were shocked with the services in the hotels beyond 3000m. The facilities of hot water, amazing service, mobile networks; anything we needed was available. We admire the system of Nepalese Tourism working so hard to facilitate the trekkers so well in such tough conditions.

EH: How do you rate the service of Explore Himalaya?

David: To me, I would rate 10 on 10. Everything has been amazing.

Zadirovs: We would rate it very highly everything was organized without hiccups and all we have to do is, just followed the instructions.

EH: Do you have any recommendations, so that Explore Himalaya can exercise to make this Event better in the coming years?

David: Nothing specific but if there is a space to work on elevation factor that could be great.

Zadirovs: Only one recommendation; elevation. Otherwise the team and everything was perfect. We totally understand weather is beyond control however, this event lasts for two weeks and if there is any space Nepalese Government can slightly consider in Traffic Control Rules particularly for the Event.

EH: Do you think the Event has potentiality to attract more skydivers in the coming years?

David: Yes, absolutely. It has the abundant potentiality to do so.

Zadirovs: Why not? Even, a high official of the Russian government who is also a skydiver is planning to come to Nepal for the Everest Skydive next year. If the Event is promoted well it has a huge potentiality.

EH: Thank you so much for your time.