Have you ever wondered what it would be like to jump out of a plane, but not had the courage to sign up? Or wanted to experience the sensation of free-falling, but have a fear of heights? Then indoor skydiving could be just the ticket.
This guide to indoor skydiving will tell you everything you need to know for your first visit. Find out who can do indoor skydiving, where you can do it and what to wear. Discover what happens on the day and whether or not indoor skydiving is good value for money.
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What is indoor skydiving?
Indoor skydiving is an increasingly popular recreational activity, which has now become an official world sport. We first got the idea to try it when the twins got a Virgin Experience voucher for their birthday.
Indoor skydiving simulates the sensation of skydiving (jumping out of a plane) without the need for a plane or parachute. It lets you experience the sensation of flight, by flying in a wind tunnel. This tunnel generates wind and forces it upwards at approximately 120 mph.
Where can you go indoor skydiving?
We booked our indoor skydiving experience through iFly UK. We chose our nearest centre, which is in Basingstoke, Hampshire, where they have a 14ft diameter skydiving wind tunnel. iFly have locations in Milton Keynes and Manchester too.
What happens on the day?
When we arrived, the twins were given a jump suit, helmet, goggles and earbuds. They got suited up and then we watched a pre-flight training video, giving all the visual instructions needed for the indoor skydiving flight.
When it came to their time slot, they went with their flying group to the bench area by the wind tunnel and I went around the other side of the tunnel to watch and take photos.
The flyers then waited their turn go in for a 1-minute session. If you are a beginner, you will be held by the instructor for most of the time. He will give you guidance on body positioning, in order to control your body.
Once the group (about 10 people) had had their first go of indoor skydiving, the twins went back in for another minute.
Who can do indoor skydiving?
Anyone from age 3 to 103! Skydiving is a low impact activity, but can put some strain on your neck or back, so there are some restrictions. These include pregnancy and previous shoulder or back injuries.
Generally, they try to cater for everyone, regardless of disabilities.
Is it value for money?
Indoor skydiving is an expensive experience for the actual amount of flight time, but it’s very unique. Best of all, as you can see from the smiles the kids loved it.
It is obviously a cheaper option than doing a real sky dive and gives a very real taster of freefalling. It’s an exhilarating experience, which gives flyers the thrilling sensation of soaring weightless through the skies, but without the height or risk.
Top tip: The instructor may offer some “add-ons” at an additional cost, such as the virtual reality experience. It is worth agreeing in advance with your children what they can sign up for.
Pin for Later: Indoor Skydiving
