Indoor skydiving takes place in a vertical wind tunnel where powerful fans create an upward air current, simulating the freefall sensation of outdoor skydiving. Unlike jumping from a plane, you stay close to the ground, focusing solely on body control without parachute concerns. Wind speeds mimic real freefall (120–180 mph), but the environment is fully controlled, offering a consistent experience regardless of weather conditions and allowing participants to practice and refine their skills in a controlled, low – risk setting.
Common Fears Associated with Indoor Skydiving
Fear of Height
One of the primary reasons people might be scared of indoor skydiving is a fear of heights, also known as acrophobia. In traditional skydiving, the fear of falling from a great height is a significant factor for many individuals. However, it’s important to note that indoor skydiving does not involve actual heights. You never leave the ground in the traditional sense; instead, you stand on a platform at the bottom of the wind tunnel, and the air current lifts you up into a stable position. This means that even if you have a fear of heights, the indoor environment eliminates the psychological stress of looking down from thousands of feet in the air.
Fear of the Unknown
Another common fear is the fear of the unknown. If you’ve never experienced anything like indoor skydiving before, it’s natural to feel anxious about what to expect. Will the wind be too strong? Will it be difficult to control your body? Will it be uncomfortable or painful? These are all valid questions, but the good news is that indoor skydiving is designed to be accessible and safe for people of all ages and experience levels. Before you even enter the wind tunnel, you’ll receive a thorough briefing from your instructor, who will explain exactly what to do, how to position your body, and what to expect during the experience. This briefing helps to demystify the process and reduce anxiety by giving you a clear understanding of what’s going to happen.
Fear of Losing Control
A third fear that some people have is the fear of losing control. In outdoor skydiving, there’s a certain level of unpredictability, such as wind gusts or changes in weather conditions, that can affect your freefall. In an indoor wind tunnel, however, the environment is completely controlled. The airspeed is consistent and stable, and the instructor can adjust it based on your skill level and comfort. Additionally, the instructor is there to help you maintain control of your body by providing verbal cues and physical guidance if needed. This controlled environment means that you’re much less likely to feel like you’re out of control compared to outdoor skydiving or other adventure sports.
Why Indoor Skydiving is Not as Scary as You Think
The Controlled Environment
One of the biggest advantages of indoor skydiving is the controlled environment. Unlike outdoor activities where nature can introduce variables, the wind tunnel provides a consistent and predictable setting. The airspeed is carefully monitored and adjusted by trained professionals, ensuring that it’s appropriate for your level of experience. This consistency helps to build confidence because you know what to expect each time you enter the tunnel. Whether you’re a first-time participant or a seasoned skydiver looking to practice new skills, the controlled environment allows you to focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about unexpected changes.
The Role of the Instructor
Having a skilled and supportive instructor by your side can make a huge difference in how scary indoor skydiving feels. Instructors are there to guide you through every step of the process, starting with the initial briefing and continuing throughout your time in the wind tunnel. They’ll show you how to assume the correct body position, which is crucial for maintaining stability and control in the air.
If you’re struggling with a particular aspect of the experience, the instructor can provide feedback and make adjustments to help you improve. They can also sense when you’re feeling nervous and offer words of encouragement to help you relax. Many instructors have a friendly and approachable demeanor, which helps to create a positive and supportive atmosphere. Knowing that you have an expert there to help you can significantly reduce feelings of fear and uncertainty.
Indoor Skydiving vs. Outdoor Skydiving: A Fear Comparison
Fear of Height: Indoor vs. Outdoor
As mentioned earlier, outdoor skydiving involves jumping from an airplane at a high altitude, which can be terrifying for people with a fear of heights. The sensation of falling from thousands of feet in the air is a significant psychological hurdle for many individuals. In contrast, indoor skydiving eliminates the element of height altogether. You’re never more than a few feet off the ground, and the clear walls of the wind tunnel allow you to see that you’re in a safe, enclosed space. This makes indoor skydiving a much more accessible option for people who want to experience the thrill of flying without the fear of heights.
Fear of the Unknown: Indoor vs. Outdoor
Outdoor skydiving involves a number of unknowns, such as the exact conditions of the jump, the performance of the parachute, and the landing process. While outdoor skydiving is generally very safe when done with a reputable company, the sheer number of variables can increase feelings of anxiety. Indoor skydiving, on the other hand, is a much more predictable experience. The process is straightforward: you enter the wind tunnel, follow the instructor’s guidance, and enjoy the sensation of flying. There are no parachutes to worry about, no landing to prepare for, and no weather conditions to contend with. This predictability can make indoor skydiving feel much less intimidating, especially for first-time participants.
How Different People Experience Indoor Skydiving
First-Time Participants
For first-time participants, it’s natural to feel a bit nervous before entering the wind tunnel. Many people worry about whether they’ll be able to handle the wind or if they’ll look silly while trying to fly. However, most first-timers report that their fears subside quickly once they start the experience. The instructor’s guidance helps them feel more confident, and the sensation of flying is often so exhilarating that it distracts from any initial anxiety.
Many first-time flyers are surprised by how easy it is to pick up the basics with the help of the instructor. They also appreciate the short duration of each flight session, which usually lasts only a few minutes. This makes the experience feel more manageable, as it’s not a long commitment. By the end of their first session, most people are eager to try again and feel a sense of accomplishment for overcoming their fears.
Children and Teenagers
Indoor skydiving is a popular activity for children and teenagers, and many young people find it less scary than other adventure sports. Kids are often more open to new experiences and less inhibited by fear than adults. The controlled environment of the wind tunnel makes it a safe place for them to explore the thrill of flying without the risks associated with outdoor activities.
Instructors who work with children are skilled at making the experience fun and engaging. They use games and simple challenges to help kids learn how to control their body movements, which makes the learning process enjoyable. Many children find indoor skydiving to be a thrilling and empowering experience, and it can even help build their confidence in other areas of life.
People with Fear of Flying or Heights
For people who have a significant fear of flying or heights, indoor skydiving can be a great way to gradually confront and overcome those fears. As mentioned earlier, the lack of actual height in indoor skydiving makes it a less intimidating way to experience the sensation of flight. The controlled environment allows individuals to build confidence at their own pace.
Some people start by observing others in the wind tunnel before even participating themselves. This helps them understand what to expect and reduces the fear of the unknown. When they do decide to give it a try, they often find that the experience is much more manageable than they anticipated. Over time, some individuals even use indoor skydiving as a stepping stone to eventually try outdoor skydiving or other activities that involve heights.
Experienced Skydivers
Even experienced skydivers who are comfortable with outdoor skydiving can find indoor skydiving to be a valuable and enjoyable activity. For them, the wind tunnel is a place to practice and refine their skills in a controlled environment. They can work on advanced maneuvers, such as spins or flips, without the pressure of having to deploy a parachute or land safely.
Experienced skydivers often appreciate the consistency of the wind tunnel, as it allows them to focus purely on their body positioning and movement. While they may not feel the same level of fear as first-time participants, they still find the experience thrilling and a great way to stay sharp between outdoor jumps.
Tips for Overcoming Fear Before Trying Indoor Skydiving
Do Your Research: One of the best ways to reduce fear is to educate yourself about what indoor skydiving entails. Read about the process, watch videos of other people doing it, and learn about the safety measures in place. The more you know, the less intimidating it will seem. Look for reviews from other first-time participants to see what their experiences were like and how they felt before and after trying it.
Talk to an Instructor: Most wind tunnel facilities have friendly and knowledgeable staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Reach out to them before your visit to discuss your concerns. They can provide reassurance and give you a better idea of what to expect. Talking to someone who has extensive experience with indoor skydiving can help put your mind at ease and make you feel more prepared.
Start with a Tandem Experience: If you’re really nervous, consider starting with a tandem indoor skydiving experience, where you’ll be attached to an instructor who will guide you through the entire process. This can help you feel more secure, as you’ll have the instructor’s expertise to rely on. Tandem experiences are a great way to ease into indoor skydiving and build confidence before trying it on your own.
Focus on the Positives: Instead of dwelling on your fears, focus on the positive aspects of indoor skydiving. Think about how exhilarating it will feel to fly, how proud you’ll be of yourself for trying something new, and how much fun it will be to share the experience with friends or family. Visualizing a positive outcome can help reduce anxiety and make you more excited about the experience.
Take it Slow: Don’t feel like you have to jump into the wind tunnel and do advanced maneuvers right away. Start with a basic flight session and take things one step at a time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed during the experience, communicate with your instructor, who can adjust the airspeed or take a break to help you calm down. Remember, it’s okay to go at your own pace and prioritize your comfort.
Conclusion
Whether indoor skydiving is scary ultimately depends on personal fears and expectations, but for most people, it’s far less intimidating than anticipated—the controlled environment, strict safety measures, and supportive instructors create a safe, enjoyable experience that helps overcome fears while delivering the thrill of flying. Suitable for first-time participants, children, those with a fear of heights, and experienced skydivers alike, it offers a unique adventure to try new things, build confidence, and enjoy flight without the risks of outdoor skydiving. If fear has kept you hesitant, take the plunge: with the right mindset and openness, you may find it not only far from scary but also one of the most exhilarating experiences ever. Book a session and discover the joy of flying in a safe, controlled environment!