Get Your Adrenaline Fix: Indoor Skydiving in San Diego

If you’ve ever wanted to feel the thrill of skydiving, but the idea of jumping out of an airplane didn’t sound too appealing to you, then you might want to check out indoor skydiving. Indoor skydiving is the newest thrill seeking trend around, with none of the danger that comes with actual skydiving. Indoor skydiving is the act of flying your body on a column of wind produced in a vertical wind tunnel. If you’ve ever seen an indoor skydiving facility, it is usually very oddly shaped, due to the vertical wind tunnel that is used to produce the flying effect. The best part about indoor skydiving is that you have complete control over your body while inside the wind tunnel.

Currently, iFLY is the operator of two indoor skydiving facilities in San Diego, with locations in Oceanside and Mission Valley. At iFLY facilities, they operate some of the best indoor skydiving technology, giving you a fun and seamless experience. At the top of their wind tunnel, there are fans that draw air through the flight chamber and then push it back down the ides through their return air towers. The air is turned from the return air towers into the bottom of the tunnel, called the plenum. The air is then pushed back upwards toward the flight chamber through a contractor. This contractor reduces the space the air can travel in, slowing down the speed of the air before it reenters the chamber, allowing for a smooth column of air that enables you to experience flight!

The invention of indoor wind tunnels have led to the creation of a brand new sport – bodyflight. Bodyflight is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with new facilities being built around the globe. At iFLY, the instructors there are dedicated to properly teaching you how to make the most of this experience in the safest manner.

Upon arriving at the facility, you will go through a brief check-in process, then the instructors will guide you through flight training. During this, you will learn the ins-and-outs of indoor skydiving, including proper body position and safety hand signals. Once completed, you will gear up in your flight gear, which includes a flight suit, helmet, and goggles. Upon gearing up, your instructor will lead you into the wind tunnel, and spot you during your entire flight. After your flight, you will receive a personalized flight certificate.

First time flyers at iFLY facilities can purchase the two flight package for $79.95. If you want to  experience more flights, there are several other packages, ranging from three to five flights. I spoke to Sean who went to iFLY with his brother, and he said, “Indoor skydiving is one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had. I have always wanted to skydive, but with this I was able to learn so much more, and still had as much of an adrenaline rush.” For those interested in checking out iFLY, they welcome flyers ages 3 to 103, so take the plunge and try something new!