If the thrill of skydiving has intrigued you but outdoor weather conditions or safety worries have held you back, indoor skydiving could be an ideal choice. Also known as body flight or vertical wind tunnel skydiving, this activity involves floating and maneuvering in a controlled vertical wind tunnel to simulate the free – fall sensation without jumping from an airplane. This article will explore what indoor skydiving is, how it operates, its history, benefits, and all the information you need to give it a try, offering valuable insights for both curious beginners and those aiming to improve skills for outdoor skydiving.
The History of Indoor Skydiving
The concept of indoor skydiving originated from scientific and military research on wind tunnels. Wind tunnels, originally designed to test aircraft and parachute designs, allowed engineers to observe how objects move through air. In the 1940s and 1950s, military organizations began using wind tunnels to train pilots and paratroopers for emergency parachute deployments, studying body positioning and stability during free fall.
The first breakthrough in recreational body flight came in the 1970s when John “Sky” Clements, a skydiver and engineer, experimented with using wind tunnels for human flight. He realized that by adjusting wind speeds and body positions, people could simulate the feeling of skydiving indoors. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that commercial wind tunnels became accessible to the public, turning indoor skydiving into a popular recreational activity.
The Science Behind the Wind Tunnel
The Wind Tunnel Structure
Vertical Design: Most wind tunnels are tall, cylindrical tubes made of clear acrylic or metal, allowing spectators to watch the action.
Airflow Generation: Fans at the top or bottom of the tunnel push air downward, creating a vertical airflow that reverses direction, moving upward through the flight chamber. The speed of this airflow can be adjusted, typically ranging from 110 to 180 mph (177 to 290 km/h) for adult flyers, depending on body weight and desired maneuverability.
Body Positioning and Balance
Neutral Body Position: To float in the tunnel, flyers assume a “stable arch” position: lying on their back with slightly bent knees, arms extended, and head up. This position creates enough surface area to catch the airflow, balancing the upward force of the wind with the body’s weight.
Maneuvers: By adjusting body parts—such as moving arms, legs, or hips—flyers can steer left, right, up, or down. Experienced flyers can even perform flips, spins, and acrobatics by altering their body’s relationship to the airflow.
Safety Features
Grated Floor and Walls: The bottom of the flight chamber often has a grated floor to prevent injury from landing. Soft padding or mesh walls may also line the tunnel to absorb impacts.
Speed Control: Instructors can instantly adjust the wind speed to match the flyer’s skill level, making it safe for beginners who need slower speeds to stabilize.
Essential Equipment for Indoor Skydiving
Jumpsuit or Flight Suit
A tight-fitting jumpsuit (often made of nylon or polyester) helps reduce air resistance and allows instructors to grip the flyer easily during training. Some facilities provide suits, while others allow experienced flyers to wear their own.
Helmet: Required for all flyers to protect the head from accidental collisions with the tunnel walls or other flyers.
Goggles: The strong airflow can dry out eyes or cause irritation, so goggles shield the eyes and improve visibility.
Flightsuit Accessories
Gloves and Shoes: Lightweight gloves help with grip and control, while closed-toe shoes protect feet and provide stability on the tunnel floor.
Earplugs: Optional but recommended, as wind tunnels can be noisy (around 100 decibels).
The Benefits of Indoor Skydiving: Why It’s Gaining Popularity
Accessibility and Inclusivity
No Age Limit: Children as young as 3 or 4 years old (with proper supervision) and seniors can enjoy indoor skydiving, as it requires no jumping from heights and the wind supports the body’s weight.
Physical Ability: Unlike outdoor skydiving, which requires some physical strength to handle 伞具，indoor skydiving is accessible to people with limited mobility, provided they can maintain a basic body position.
Safety and Control
Reduced Risks: Without the risks of parachute malfunctions, weather changes, or aircraft issues, indoor skydiving is statistically much safer. Most facilities have strict safety protocols, including mandatory training with certified instructors.
Repeatable Experiences: Flyers can practice and refine their skills in a controlled environment, making it ideal for beginners to build confidence before attempting outdoor skydiving.
Weatherproof and Convenient: Indoor wind tunnels operate rain or shine, so there’s no need to wait for clear skies. This consistency makes it a reliable choice for planned events, parties, or team-building activities.
Cost-Effective Training: For those interested in outdoor skydiving, indoor training can accelerate skill development. A single indoor session can provide the equivalent of multiple outdoor free falls in terms of practice time, as flyers spend more time in the “free fall” state without the need for aircraft rides.
Suitable for All Skill Levels
Beginners
First-Time Flyers: No prior experience is needed. Instructors will provide a brief training session on body positioning, hand signals (to communicate in the noisy tunnel), and safety procedures. Most first-time flyers can achieve stable flight within minutes.
Family Fun: Many facilities offer family packages, allowing parents and children to fly together, making it a unique bonding activity.
Experienced Skydivers
Skill Enhancement: Professional skydivers use wind tunnels to practice advanced maneuvers, such as formation skydiving or freestyle tricks, without the cost and logistical challenges of outdoor jumps.
Year-Round Training: In regions with harsh winters, wind tunnels provide a way to maintain skills during off-seasons.
Adventure Seekers and Athletes
Safety Measures in Indoor Skydiving: What to Expect
Certified Instructors: All reputable facilities employ USPA (United States Parachute Association)-certified instructors or equivalent international certifications. Instructors will stay with beginners in the tunnel, providing physical guidance to help them maintain balance.
Weight and Health Restrictions: Most wind tunnels have weight limits (typically up to 220–250 lbs / 100–113 kg) to ensure the airflow can support the flyer. Pregnant individuals or those with recent surgeries may need medical clearance.
Safety Briefings: Before entering the tunnel, all flyers receive a briefing on emergency procedures, such as how to land safely on the grated floor and what to do if they lose control. Instructors use hand signals to communicate during the flight, as verbal communication is impossible due to the wind noise.
Group Sizing
Indoor Skydiving vs. Outdoor Skydiving: Key Differences
While both activities simulate free fall, they differ significantly. Indoor skydiving takes place in a controlled indoor wind tunnel, while outdoor skydiving occurs in the open sky and is weather-dependent. Indoor flyers start directly in the tunnel, while outdoor skydivers jump from aircraft at altitudes of 10,000–15,000 feet (3,000–4,500 m). Indoor free fall duration lasts 1–3 minutes per session, longer than the 30–60 seconds of outdoor free fall before parachute deployment.
Indoor skydiving requires a jumpsuit, helmet, and goggles, with no parachute needed, while outdoor skydiving involves additional equipment like parachutes and altimeters. The focus of indoor skydiving is on body control and maneuvering, whereas outdoor skydiving emphasizes parachute deployment, landing, and navigation. Costs vary, with indoor sessions ranging from $50–$150 per flight and outdoor tandem jumps starting at $200–$300+. Indoor skydiving is generally considered lower risk, with minimal external hazards compared to outdoor skydiving’s moderate risks, including parachute issues and weather challenges.
How to Get Started with Indoor Skydiving: Step-by-Step Guide
Find a Reputable Facility
Look for wind tunnels with positive reviews and proper certifications. Check if they offer beginner packages, which often include equipment rental, instruction, and multiple flight sessions.
Book a Session: Most facilities require reservations, especially during peak times. For first-timers, a “discovery flight” or “introductory package” (2–3 flights of 1–2 minutes each) is recommended.
Arrive Early and Prepare: Arrive 30 minutes before your session to complete waivers, receive a briefing, and gear up. Wear comfortable, athletic clothing (avoid loose items that could get caught in the wind) and closed-toe shoes.
Training and Flight
Briefing: An instructor will teach you the basic body position (the “arch”), hand signals, and how to enter and exit the tunnel safely.
First Flight: You’ll enter the tunnel with the instructor, who will hold onto you to stabilize your position. They’ll guide you through gentle movements to get a feel for the airflow.
Subsequent Flights: As you gain confidence, the instructor may allow more independent movement or teach simple turns and altitude changes.
Conclusion
Indoor skydiving, also known as body flight or vertical wind tunnel skydiving, offers a thrilling and accessible way to experience the sensation of free fall without the risks and logistical challenges of outdoor skydiving. With its roots in scientific research and evolution into a popular recreational sport, indoor skydiving continues to attract people of all ages and backgrounds. So why not give it a try? Step into the wind tunnel, let the airflow lift you, and discover the joy of flying—all without leaving the ground. Ready to take the plunge? Find a wind tunnel near you and experience the excitement of indoor skydiving for yourself!