#37: Indoor Skydiving

Jumping out of an airplane was never something on my 40x40 list, but I was willing and excited to try the indoor skydiving experience at iFly Dallas. According to their website, iFLY creates true free fall conditions, just like skydiving, without having to jump out of an airplane. iFLY’s 1400 hp vertical wind tunnel generates a wall-to-wall cushion of air on which you can safely float.

My kids and I recently experienced their ‘Earn Your Wings’ flight package for beginners. After watching a brief instructional video and learning a few key hand signals (it’s impossible to talk inside the wind tunnel) from our instructor, Preston, we suited up for flight. There were 10 flyers in our group and we all lined up on a bench waiting for our turn. Everyone received two 60-second flights with Preston nearby to coach and assist as needed.

Maya, Luca and I couldn’t talk much while we waited due to ear plugs and large helmets over our ears, but I knew they were as nervous as I was based on their big eyes and uncertain expressions as they watched others take flight. Nonetheless, eight-year-old Luca eagerly stepped up to go first among the three of us and excitedly entered the tunnel. She was awesome, following Preston’s directions and quickly leveling out to fly on her own.

I was a little more nervous about Maya simply because they made a point to say anyone who had experienced a dislocated shoulder should not fly.  While she’s had no shoulder injuries, she did dislocate her elbow last year. It should be healed after three surgeries, but we both still get a little uncomfortable when she tries something new. Preston reassured us she should be fine and came up with a special signal for her if she experienced any discomfort or pain. Luckily, she had no need to use that and enjoyed the flight.

I was up next and entered the wind tunnel with arms stretched out and knees slightly bent just as Preston had instructed. He helped position me for a few seconds and then let go and I was flying on my own, slowly spinning in circles.  It took a lot more concentration than I expected to stay level, but it was a fun feeling.  Knowing there was a camera capturing my flight, I tried my best to smile and look excited but that was nearly impossible with the force of the winds.

We all felt much more comfortable on our second flights. There was also excitement since we had upgraded to fly significantly higher into the wind tunnel with Preston. It was a very cool experience, but leads me to the only negative in our iFly adventure. It was very expensive. I paid over $200 to book the outing for the three of us. When they called to confirm the day prior, they tried to upsell me on several things, including the higher-flying experience. By the end of our outing, I spent almost $300 for a 1.5 hour adventure.

While experience #36 was fun and new, I’m not sure I would do it again. Flying, while great, only lasted a short time and I felt the price was steep. That said, it made for a great 40x40…a new experience that took me out of my comfort zone, yet kept my kids and me safe and excited.

Check out Maya and Luca's flight videos:

Luca

Maya