For anyone who has ever dreamed of flight, the concept of indoor skydiving is instantly captivating. iFLY, the world leader in vertical wind tunnels and a company that has been operating since 1998, offers the experience of freefall. Since its opening, it has expanded to numerous locations worldwide, making the thrill accessible to flyers from ages 3 to 103.
Indoor skydiving has grown insanely popular because it offers the raw thrill of freefalling without the risk of jumping from a plane. But is floating on a column of air really the same as jumping out of a plane? An experienced skydiver, Ashley Gubbels, explains her experience with iFLY and compares it to tandem skydiving.
“With iFLY the adrenaline wasn’t as intense,” Gubbels said. “I knew I was gonna survive.”
I found that the controlled environment removes fear, allowing flyers to focus entirely on the physics of body flight. For me it was definitely an out of body experience at first. After several seconds I got used to it, and it was incredibly fun to float, fly, and try new skills. I think it’s something everyone should try at least once.
The Process
The whole process, from start to finish, will take, at most, an hour and a half. Yet, the journey from ground level to full freefall is a rapid, carefully orchestrated sequence.
First, the transition begins with gearing up. After securing the necessary waivers, flyers put on a vibrant, bulky flightsuit, along with earplugs, goggles, and a helmet. Next, is a crucial safety briefing where the instructor teaches the essential, non-verbal hand signals – a specialized language needed to communicate over the roar of the wind.
The true test begins upon approaching the glass tunnel. As each flyer takes their turn, the instructor guides them into a powerful, upward column of air. This is the moment physics takes over.
“You have to control your movements. When you’re tandem skydiving, you put your life into another person’s hands, this time you do it yourself,” Gubbels said. “No parachute this time.”
The flight itself lasts about one minute, about the same time as a real freefall when skydiving. If available, there is an optional High Flight which is a rapid, exhilarating ascent toward the very top of the tunnel – definitely the highlight of my experience.
Making flight a reality
iFLY is more than just a curiosity, it’s a genuine unforgettable adventure. It is an excellent way to scratch that adrenaline itch, celebrate a special occasion, or simply experience a new dimension of human movement. The experience is safe, incredibily fun, and utterly exceptional. For those who are seeking the closest feeling to freefall without the risks of a plane jump visit the iFLY website!
