Do not leap into an unknown abyss. Wise words – ones you’ll do well to heed. However, if you can suspend your dread for a minute, you may find that sometimes leaping into the void can be exhilarating.
This is why some people skydive: the adrenaline rush, the wind in your face, the momentary free fall, and the relatively unfettered flying — it’s all quite enthralling.
If you wish to experience the thrill of skydiving but in a more controlled environment, try indoor skydiving. You can skydive in Abu Dhabi, where you will find the world’s tallest and widest indoor skydiving flight chamber.
Indoor skydiving is more reassuringly attainable than parachuting to the ground from an airplane. It is so accessible children as young as three may be allowed to try the activity.
If you’re ready to try indoor skydiving, read on. Below are five tips first-time or novice indoor skydivers should know.
1. Choose an excellent facility.
Choose where to skydive, especially if you’re trying indoor skydiving for the first time. You want an indoor skydiving facility certified to follow best practices and industry standards.
At least if you are an expert indoor flier, you will have an intuitive feel for flight conditions, your physical state, and how well (or poorly) you're flying. Your hours of indoor skydiving experience will allow you to adjust and act instinctively if an issue arises.
If you’re new to the sport, you will not have the same depth and breadth of experience to fall back on. Therefore, you need a facility with systems and processes in place to keep you safe.
2. Fly with a professional.
For safety reasons, even if you’re brave, it’s best to fly with a professional when you try indoor skydiving for the first time. Since you have yet to develop an instinctual feel for the sport, you need to rely on someone who has honed this ability through hours of flying experience.
Professionals provide basic instruction. They will tell you what you’ll see, hear, feel, and experience inside the flight chamber. They will give you a step-by-step rundown of what will happen, what you need to do, and how you should act before, during, and after skydiving.
Most importantly, when you fly with a professional, you can focus on immersing yourself in the moment, letting the sensations of flight flow over you instead of worrying incessantly about the things you must remember and do. You can remain calm and confident because you know the professional with you will know what to do and take care of you.
3. Dress appropriately.
Your indoor skydiving facility will have a preferred or strictly enforced dress code. It's best to call or visit its website beforehand for specific information on what you need to wear.
That said, remember the following guidelines when choosing what to wear on the day you’re booked for indoor skydiving, and you should be fine.
- Wear something comfortable. Choose an outfit you can put on and forget about. Whatever you do, don't dress in clothes you will need to adjust, fix, rebutton, or retie constantly.
- Sportswear or activewear is the best choice for indoor skydiving. Outfits you feel comfortable running and training in should be good options, although it may be better to avoid tight-fitting or bodycon styles.
- Shirt: Choose a collarless shirt, maybe one with raglan sleeves. It’s best to wear one that’s true to size – i.e., not tight but not so loose it flaps.
- Pants: You will be most comfortable with modern-fit or regular-silhouette pants. Stretch material is suitable for added comfort.
- Shoes: Wear sneakers or trainers. Do not wear sandals or slippers that can fall off, and avoid heels.
Your indoor skydiving facility will give you a flight suit to wear over your clothes; that’s why you don’t want overly loose or relaxed garments. It should also provide you with protective gear – i.e., helmet, goggles, and ear plugs.
4. Prepare for flight.
Listen to your flight instructor’s step-by-step guidelines and reminders. There’s a particular position your instructor will ask you to remember: the wind tunnel arch.
Imagine you’re face down and arched like a banana. You will thrust your hips and pelvis down so your chest and legs are higher. Remember: arch your hips, not your chest and most certainly not your back.
This arched position will keep you stable amid the vigorous recirculating air of the wind tunnel. However, it's something you can maintain only through the sheer strength of your core.
Therefore, it will help to do some regular core strength exercises weeks before your skydiving trip. On flight day, several minutes before flying, do some warmup exercises. Once your body is warm, start stretching to enhance flexibility.
5. Relax.
Indoor skydiving for the first time can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.
You will need to remember and follow instructions, and you must master the arch for wind tunnel stability. Even so, breathe in, breathe out, and relax. Everything will be alright, and you’ll have so much fun.
Have Fun Flying
Indoor skydiving is an excellent way to simulate the thrill of parachuting from an airplane. It will make your heart pound, and the wind on your face will make you feel alive. Yes, it’s electrifying, so if you see any skydiving offers, go for it.
Enjoy!
