By RUSSELL BAILLIE entertainment editor
Just how down-to-earth is pop star Ricky Martin?
Three thousand, six hundred and 60 metres, more or less.
That's the altitude Martin tandem-skydived from twice yesterday, south of Auckland, on a day-off before playing a concert at Ericsson Stadium tonight.
Although a little nervous before the first jump, Martin enjoyed the experience so much that he went straight back up for another leap, clipped to instructor Lynette Kirkman - possibly the only woman in New Zealand with whom he will have time to form a meaningful attachment.
It was Lynette Kirkman's birthday and Martin serenaded her with Happy Birthday as their plane climbed above the Mercer Skydiving Centre where she is chief instructor.
Afterwards she was bemused by being close to the sex symbol. "I was gearing him up, thinking, 'Here I am touching this gentleman's body that most women would scream for.'
"It was really nice to meet a celebrity that was down-to-earth. He didn't have any cocky attitude and I just spoke to him like I would any other person that would come along to the parachute club.
"I did actually ask him if he screamed whether he would lose his voice for the concert but no, he didn't scream."
"He really, really enjoyed it and said he was thinking maybe he will come back to New Zealand and do it again next time on his own. I can see him getting really addicted to the adrenalin of the freefall."
The jump was paid for by the local branch of his label Sony, rather risking a "Ricky dropped by record company" headline.
A Sony spokesman said Martin wanted to do something different and exciting on a rare day off. Martin and his entourage arrived on Thursday night, a day earlier than originally planned, after touring Asia.
"I think he just wanted a rush of adrenalin, I mean he's just been hounded in Asia with journalists everywhere. I think he was quite keen to get away and probably thought there was no better way than skydiving to get some peace.
After his big jumps, Martin planned to rest up at the Quay West Hotel.
Concert promoter Lynn Smart said last night that only a small number of tickets were still available. The remaining tickets will be available at the gate from midday or from any Ticketek outlet for $77.
Gates open at 6.30 pm and Martin hits the stage at 8 pm.
Freefalling Ricky keeps his cool
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