Indoor skydiving is a popular recreational activity that allows individuals to experience the sensation of freefall without having to jump from an airplane. This experience takes place inside a vertical wind tunnel, where powerful fans create a column of air that supports the human body in mid-air. It is a safe, controlled environment suitable for people of various ages and skill levels.
Whether you are looking for a unique weekend activity or are interested in learning the fundamentals of human flight, indoor skydiving offers a practical way to explore the world of aerodynamics. This guide covers the essential information you need to prepare for your first flight, including safety requirements, equipment, and what to expect during the process.
How Indoor Skydiving Works
The core of indoor skydiving is the Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT). These structures use high-powered fans to move air upward at speeds typically ranging from 80 to 150 miles per hour. The air is recirculated through the building to create a smooth, consistent flow that mimics the conditions of a traditional skydive.
When you enter the flight chamber, the force of the wind pushes against your body. By adjusting your body position, you can catch the wind and lift off the ground. This is known as bodyflight. Because the wind speed can be adjusted by a controller in real-time, the experience is tailored to the weight and skill level of the individual flyer.
Who Can Participate?
One of the primary benefits of indoor skydiving is its accessibility. Unlike traditional skydiving, which has strict age and health requirements, indoor skydiving is open to a much broader audience. However, there are still some general guidelines to keep in mind.
- Age Limits: Most facilities allow children as young as three years old to fly. There is generally no upper age limit as long as the participant is in good physical health.
- Weight Limits: To ensure the safety of both the flyer and the instructor, most tunnels have a weight limit, typically around 250 to 300 pounds. This varies by location based on the power of their specific wind tunnel.
- Physical Health: You should be in reasonably good health. People with a history of heart, back, or neck problems should consult a doctor first. Most importantly, individuals with a history of shoulder dislocations are often advised not to fly, as the wind pressure can cause injury.
- Pregnancy: For safety reasons, pregnant women are not permitted to participate in indoor skydiving.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A typical indoor skydiving session lasts about one to two hours from start to finish. Knowing the steps involved can help reduce any pre-flight nerves and ensure you have a productive session.
1. Check-In and Waivers
Upon arrival, you will need to check in at the front desk and sign a safety waiver. It is recommended to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled flight time to complete the necessary paperwork and prepare for your briefing.
2. The Pre-Flight Briefing
All first-time flyers must attend a training session. A certified instructor will explain the basics of aerodynamics and demonstrate the neutral body position. You will also learn the hand signals used inside the tunnel, as the noise of the wind makes verbal communication impossible.
3. Gearing Up
After the briefing, you will receive your flight gear. This usually includes a specialized jumpsuit, a helmet, goggles, and earplugs. The jumpsuit helps the wind lift you more effectively and gives the instructor handles to hold onto if you need stability.
4. The Flight Session
When it is your turn, you will move to the flight chamber with your group. You will enter the tunnel one at a time with your instructor. Most beginner packages include two flights, each lasting about 60 seconds. While a minute may seem short, it is actually longer than the freefall portion of a typical 12,000-foot outdoor skydive.
Essential Equipment and Clothing
The facility will provide the technical gear, but what you wear underneath is important for your comfort. Proper attire ensures that the jumpsuit fits correctly and that you remain mobile during the flight.
- Shoes: Wear lace-up sneakers that can be tied tightly. Slip-on shoes, sandals, or boots are not allowed as they can fly off in the high-speed wind.
- Clothing: Choose comfortable, well-fitting clothes like a T-shirt and leggings or athletic pants. Avoid shirts with collars, hoods, or loose strings, as these can flap painfully against your skin in the wind.
- Jewelry and Accessories: Remove all jewelry, watches, and loose items before flying. These can become lost or cause injury if they catch the wind.
- Hair: If you have long hair, it is best to tie it in a low bun or a tight braid to prevent it from tangling in the wind.
Learning the Basic Body Position
The key to a successful first flight is mastering the “arch” position. This is the neutral belly-flying position used by skydivers worldwide. To achieve this, you lie on your stomach (in the air), push your hips forward, and hold your arms up in a “U” shape with your legs slightly bent.
Maintaining this position allows the wind to distribute evenly across your body, providing a stable hover. Your instructor will use hand signals to tell you to straighten your legs, bend your knees, or lift your chin. Relaxing your muscles is essential; if you are too tense, you may find it harder to stay stable.
Hand Signals to Remember
Because the wind tunnel is very loud, you must rely on your instructor’s hand signals. These are the most common signals you will see:
- Two fingers extended (like a “V”): Straighten your legs.
- Two fingers bent: Bend your knees.
- Chin up: Lift your head to help maintain your arch.
- Relax: Open your hands and relax your body to stop shaking or vibrating in the wind.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Skydiving
While both activities involve the sensation of flight, they are quite different experiences. Indoor skydiving is often used as a training tool for professional skydivers because it allows for much longer periods of practice in a controlled environment.
Indoor Skydiving:
- Takes place in a controlled, indoor environment.
- No parachutes or airplanes are involved.
- Much lower cost per minute of flight.
- Safe for young children.
Outdoor Skydiving:
- Involves a jump from an aircraft and a parachute descent.
- Includes the sensory experience of high altitude and weather.
- Requires a higher minimum age (usually 18 in the US).
- Subject to weather delays and cancellations.
Safety and Professional Oversight
Indoor skydiving is considered a very safe activity. Facilities are governed by organizations like the International Bodyflight Association (IBA), which sets standards for instructor training and safety protocols. Your instructor is always within arm’s reach during your flight, ensuring you stay in the center of the tunnel and helping you maintain your balance.
The wind tunnel itself is equipped with safety nets at the top and bottom of the flight chamber. The air speed is controlled by a professional operator who monitors every flight to ensure the wind is at the correct velocity for the person currently in the tunnel.
Conclusion
Indoor skydiving is an accessible and thrilling way to experience the mechanics of flight. By following the instructions provided during your briefing and staying relaxed in the tunnel, you can quickly learn to control your movements in the air. It is a unique activity that combines physical coordination with a sense of adventure.
If you enjoyed learning about this recreational activity, you may find our other guides on outdoor hobbies and unique local experiences helpful. Explore more articles on SearchAndHelp.com to find practical advice for your next adventure.