sports interview
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Louise Hosking
Next up in the sports skydivers interview series we caught up with one of our Manifest ladies, Louise. She’s been quietly crushing goals behind the scenes, so it was great timing for Cherry to nominate her to be next up on the interview list. This is Lou’s story and what she had to say!
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how did you get into skydiving?
I was craving adventure, and a challenge. Skydiving seemed like the ultimate opportunity for both. I’ve never felt more terrified than when I jumped out of the plane for the first time but the experience was equally fulfilling and made life’s other challenges seem far less daunting. Signing up for a solo course is one of the best life decisions I’ve made 
what was your favourite aff solo stage?
Stage 9. Reece jumped out with me, and the crew were waiting in the student landing area. Stage 9 was also my introduction to hop n pops, which have become one of my favourite jumps to do.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A SKYDIVING MALFUNCTION?
Nothing major. I did spend a lot of time kicking myself out of line twists in the early days though. I know that it’s only a matter of time, so I think it’s important to keep developing my understanding of the gear and learning from other peoples experiences so that I’m best prepared to deal with a more serious malfunction when the time comes.
What has been your favourite skydiving memory?
My tunnel trip to Melbourne with the girls earlier this year. We flew over in the 206 and stayed at Miff’s Dads house. It was my first time flying in the tunnel, and such a fun adventure.
Whats your skydiving goals you’re pursuing?
I’d like to finish 2023 with a wingsuit rodeo and my Packer B rating, then next year start exploring the various disciplines.
I’m set on making skydiving part of my career, so I’d also like to start working towards my BREL coach and AFF ratings too. Ultimately, I’d like to get into wingsuiting and dynamic/freestyle flying and jump around the world 
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Teaching AFF as part of the SA Skydiving crew, with plenty more jumps under my belt and some incredible memories made with my mates.
If you could give any advice to yourself when you started skydiving, what would it be?
Lean into the discomfort of the learning process. I used to be hard on myself in terms of my progression, which took the magic out of jumping a bit. Mastering any skill takes time and dedication, and sky diving is an endless learning process. I realised that I needed to shift my mindset and learn to enjoy the process, and progression became a byproduct of me just enjoying jumps with my mates
Who should we interview next?
Natalia.
