Skydiving is the ultimate thrill for many adrenaline junkies out there. But what if you don’t want to commit to the actual jump but want to see if freefalling is for you? Enter indoor skydiving.
Typically a fraction of the cost of an actual skydive, indoor skydiving using wind tunnels are all the rage, and the most prominent provider is iFly, operator of almost 100 tunnels worldwide. So what exactly is iFly, is it a safe activity, and how can you enjoy it without getting hurt?
Is Indoor Skydiving a Safe Activity?
Indoor skydiving is a relatively safe activity, but you’ll need to follow the strict safety protocols. It takes place in a wind tunnel where you are kept airborne by powerful fans that push air upwards. This is a more controlled environment, unlike an actual skydive that can be affected by unexpected weather or other factors out of anyone’s control.
In addition, iFly and other facilities have trained, experienced instructors that are there to guide and supervise your flight. You’ll need proper equipment like flight suits, goggles, and helmets that will protect you from minor injuries like knocks and bumps.
You’ll also have to go through the mandatory safety briefing and training so that you can have a safe, enjoyable flight. This introductory briefing will help you understand the risks, safety procedures, and what to do in the event of an emergency.
Learn more in our related post “What Is Indoor Skydiving? (The Ultimate Guide)” here.
Can You Injure Yourself at iFly Indoor Skydiving?
Indoor skydiving is an activity that requires full engagement of your physical body, which also means there’s always a potential of getting injured. You can hit the walls and get bruises or hurt yourself more. However, iFly has millions of flights a year, and their accident rate is less than 0.03%.
What Does iFly Do to Prevent Injuries from Happening?
iFly has a mandatory safety briefing for first-time flyers. Repeat flyers that have flown with them within three months do not need to attend the briefing again. Here are some videos on what to expect during your iFly experience and an online training video.
They also have strict guidelines on weight limits and medical conditions. For example, they cannot accommodate anyone over 300 lbs or pregnant women.
Read all about it in our related post “Does iFLY Indoor Skydiving Have a Weight Limit?” here.
In addition, if you have prior injuries like shoulder dislocations or head, neck, or back injuries, you are also not able to fly. Indoor skydiving is an active sport and you can hurt yourself more if you’ve got a pre-existing medical condition.
What Can YOU Do to Prevent Injuries When Indoor Skydiving?
iFly and many other outdoor activities usually need you to sign a mandatory waiver, meaning that you are responsible for your own safety. And you ARE.
Listen carefully during their safety briefing! Always start with the easier stuff and gradually progress onto the harder things instead of jumping head-first into what you think you can do.
Fly within your ability and leave the cool-looking tricks for when you gain more experience and learn how to control your body better. You can always speak with their instructors on developing your indoor skydiving skills.
iFly’s weight limits are strictly enforced for your own safety so heed them to a tee. Make sure you don’t have pre-existing injuries or medical conditions that could jeopardize the safety of your flight. Also, indoor skydiving is a fully engaged activity, and while you don’t have to be a primo athlete, being in decent shape will help you enjoy it more.
Is iFly Safe for Kids?
iFly is open for all kids above the age of three. Like any activity, indoor skydiving comes with its share of risks, like bumping into the wind tunnel walls and getting bruised up.
Parents should make sure their kids have thoroughly understood the safety briefing and will heed the guidance of the instructors. Like most other activities, children will need a parental consent form signed. Wearing protective items such as helmets and goggles are also mandatory and children must know to keep them on at all times.
Is it Normal to Be Sore After Indoor Skydiving?
Indoor skydiving is a physical activity that requires some athleticism. It can be hard work moving your body and getting your positioning right during your flight, especially if you aren’t particularly athletic or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
You might feel some physical soreness that comes from working some muscles that you normally don’t work. However, this kinda soreness is good, and would mean that you actually got a pretty good workout!
Of course, check with a doctor if you have severe soreness that doesn’t seem to be going away. Any activity can cause muscle tears or something a little more serious.
Has Anyone Died from Indoor Skydiving?
iFly has millions of flights a year and the injury rate is under 0.03%, making it one of the safest sports. However, it is an extremely physical activity and accidents do happen. For example, earlier in 2023, a 52-year-old police sergeant, Michelle Mullen, tragically died in Brisbane when she collided with the wind tunnel wall, sustaining serious head and spinal injuries.
In addition, a 63-year-old man, David Schilling, collided with the wall at the iFly in Rosemont, Illinois, and sustained serious spinal injuries that left him quadriplegic. At that time, Mr. Schilling was an experienced and licensed skydiver with over 80 jumps.
Is Indoor Skydiving Safer than Outdoor Skydiving?
Indoor skydiving is inherently safer than outdoor skydiving as it takes place in a controlled environment – a wind tunnel. You’ll also be floating in the air, not zooming through it at 120 mph. The minor injuries commonly happen are mostly bruises sustained while bumping into other flyers or the tunnel walls.
Outdoor skydiving is in an open environment in which you cannot control all things. For example, a bad storm could unexpectedly throw a monkey wrench into your plans. In addition, you’ll be hurtling down in freefall at speeds of up to 120 mph. A lot of things could go wrong at that speed!
If things do go wrong with skydiving from a plane, the results are more likely life-threatening than indoor skydiving.
Final Thoughts
iFly has been in operation for more than 20 years and has an impeccable record. However, every physical activity comes with its share of risks. While you can mitigate the risks by following instructions, flying to your ability, and being cautious, it still can come with bumps and bruises, which is part of the fun anyway!
If you are heading to iFly, have fun, and play safe out there! Wondering iFly prices then check here!
Please let me know how your indoor skydiving experience plays out in the comments below, I am sure other readers will love to read.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!