Indoor skydiving is a blast whether you have gone skydiving from an airplane before or not. Many prospective skydivers visit an indoor skydiving facility to get used to the sensation. So, how fast is the wind when indoor skydiving?
During indoor skydiving, the wind speed in a vertical wind tunnel ranges from 120-180 mph (193-290 km/h or 54-81 m/s). Operators carefully control the wind flow to simulate outdoor skydiving freefall sensation. This enables divers to achieve a neutral body position and move freely in the tunnel.”
It’s a great idea to visit an indoor skydiving facility before you commit to jumping from a plane. You won’t struggle to breathe, and indoor skydiving is considered quite safe. Follow along as we explore the standard indoor skydiving wind speeds and see what you should expect.
How Fast Is the Wind in Wind Tunnel When Indoor Skydiving?
The typical wind speed for a wind tunnel is typically 150 miles per hour when indoor skydiving. It varies based on the location, and some places have speeds up to 180 miles per hour. The speed starts slowly and quickly increases to accurately replicate the sensation of jumping out of a plane and skydiving.
Here is what a wind tunnel may look like:
Can the Wind Speeds Change When Indoor Skydiving?
The wind speeds can change when indoor skydiving in some cases. Many skydivers don’t like this sensation and refer to it as “bumpy air”. This occurs when the wind speed suddenly increases or decreases by 10 miles per hour.
Sometimes, it is unavoidable and has to do with the machinery. Speed fluctuations can also occur if the airflow gets interrupted.
Are the Wind Speeds Similar to Outdoor Skydiving?
Indoor skydiving wind speeds are similar to the speed at which you fall when jumping from a plane. When skydiving, you typically fall at 120 miles per hour. This applies to jumps from a height of 13,500 feet. While this is slightly slower than indoor skydiving wind speeds, skydiving from an airplane is a much more intense sensation.
| Type | Wind Speed |
| Indoor Skydiving | 150-180 mph |
| Outdoor Skydiving | Freefall at 120 mph + |
Read our related post on how long it takes to skydive from 14000 feet here.
How is the Wind Created?
Wind is created through the use of powerful fans or turbines that draw in air from the surrounding environment and accelerate it through the tunnel at high speeds. This creates a smooth, laminar flow of air that simulates the experience of freefalling through the sky.
In indoor skydiving wind tunnels, the air is typically heated or cooled to adjust its temperature and density, which can affect the dynamics of the airflow and the way that objects move within the tunnel.
These machines cost $500,000 or more in many cases and aren’t intended for individual consumers. You will typically only find these machines and wind tunnels at indoor skydiving facilities that can accommodate the size and cost.
Who Turns the Wind Tunnel On and Off?
Facilities delegate at least one operator to turn the wind tunnel on and off when indoor skydiving. They also have at least one person on the ground in the wind tunnel. Typically, they will hold onto something so they don’t fly into the air. Many facilities also send an employee into the tunnel with you to fly tandem or supervise your flight.
Is it Hard to Breathe When Indoor Skydiving?
It may be hard to believe, but it’s easy to breathe when indoor skydiving. Breathe at a steady rate so that you can stay calm and enjoy the experience. I recommend taking a few slow, deep breaths before they turn on the wind tunnel.
Final Thoughts
The wind can reach 150 miles per hour when indoor skydiving. You typically fall at 120 miles per hour when skydiving from an airplane. Indoor skydiving facilities utilize wind tunnels and machines that cost over $500,000 in most cases.
It’s easy to breathe when indoor skydiving, even more so than with traditional skydiving. If you are nervous, you can typically fly tandem at an indoor skydiving facility.
Looking to go indoor skydiving? Read our post on How Much iFLY Indoor Skydiving Costs Per Person here.
Nick Durante is a professional writer that primarily focuses on extreme sports. Parasailing, paragliding, skydiving, and skateboarding are his particular areas of expertise. When he isn’t writing about extreme sports, he is catching up on the world of skateboarding and spending time outside.