After my indoor skydiving session at iFLY Penrith, my whole body was buzzing with excitement.
The sensation of weightlessness, followed by the powerful vibration of the wind tunnel, is unforgettable. Few people get to experience this unique feeling firsthand.
Luckily for residents of Penrith, the Southern Hemisphere’s most powerful indoor skydiving facility is located right next to Panthers Leagues Club.
All flight packages include training, flight gear, and at least two flights per person with a qualified instructor. Each flight lasts about 50 seconds—slightly longer than a typical 14,000-foot tandem skydive.
My experience began with a warm welcome from Charlise at reception. She gave me a quick briefing about the lesson and directed me to the lockers to secure my belongings.
Then, I took a seat to watch the wind tunnel, which dominates the center of the room. The tunnel features a safety net at the bottom and a glowing blue ring at the top. Around it, comfortable couches allow friends and family to watch the flyers in action.
Energetic music played over the speakers, perfectly matching the adrenaline-filled atmosphere. I smiled when Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar, We’re Going Down” started playing, adding to the excitement.
Before my turn, I watched a group of beginners enter the tunnel. They wore colorful flight suits, helmets, and goggles. Their instructor, dressed in all black, used hand signals to guide them. Key commands included “head up,” “legs straight,” and “arms out.”
Next, an experienced flyer entered the tunnel. His fluid movements made it seem like he controlled the air itself—very different from how I looked when I jumped in!
Our group included nine total beginners, five of whom had some language barriers. Despite this, our instructor Brett communicated clearly using hand signals and simple instructions.
We learned how to put on our gear, understand the hand signals, and how to safely enter the tunnel. Once ready, it was time to fly.
Watching others fly doesn’t fully prepare you for the experience of your own flight. When I jumped into the tunnel, it literally took my breath away.
The shift from standing on solid ground to floating in a roaring wind tunnel is strange and thrilling. I’m sure my surprised expression was clear to the crowd watching.
With Brett’s help, I learned to work with the wind, adjusting my body to stay balanced and afloat.
For someone like me, who has no desire to jump out of a plane, indoor skydiving at iFLY offers the perfect adrenaline rush.
You can find iFLY Penrith at 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith.