Indoor Skydiving: What to Expect From Your First Tunnel Flight

A vertical wind tunnel gives you the feeling of freefall without an aircraft. What happens at a first session, how to hold your body in the airflow and what to ask before you book.

Oct 4, 2026 · 4 min

Indoor skydiving means floating on a column of fast-moving air inside a vertical wind tunnel. A first session usually starts with a short classroom briefing, then a change into a flight suit, helmet, goggles and earplugs, followed by brief flights in the tunnel with an instructor right beside you. There is no aircraft, no parachute and no height involved, which is why it appeals to people who are curious about freefall but not ready to jump out of a plane.

How a vertical wind tunnel works

Large fans move air upwards through a glass chamber. When the air is fast enough, a person lying belly-down on it is held up, much as a skydiver is held up by the air rushing past during freefall. Staff control the wind speed from a desk outside the chamber and adjust it to each flyer's size and skill. A net or mesh floor sits below the flying area, and padded walls surround it.

What happens at a first session

Check-in and paperwork. Expect a waiver and questions about health, height and weight. Arrive early; briefings tend to start on time.
The briefing. An instructor explains the body position, how to enter and leave the tunnel, and the hand signals used inside, where the noise of the air makes talking impossible.
Getting kitted out. You are given a flight suit, a helmet, goggles and earplugs. Remove jewellery and empty your pockets; anything loose can be picked up by the air.
The flights. First-timers usually fly in short rounds rather than one long block. The instructor stays in the chamber, holding and guiding you, and corrects your position with simple signals.
Debrief. Many centres show you a video or photos afterwards and explain what to work on next time.

Flight time often feels short on paper, but holding a steady position in strong airflow is surprisingly tiring. Most people are glad of the rest between rounds.

The body position in plain words

The basic shape is called the box or arch. Think of lying on your stomach with your hips pushed slightly forward, chin up, arms bent at shoulder height and legs a little apart with the knees slightly bent. The secret is relaxation: tense muscles make you rock and spin, while loose shoulders and a steady arch let the air do the work.

The hand signals you will see

Chin up: lift your head and look forward, towards the instructor or the window.
Legs: two fingers, held straight or bent, showing whether to stretch or tuck your legs.
Relax: a loose, shaking hand.
Arch: a curved hand asking you to push your hips forward into the air.

Centres use slightly different versions, so pay attention to the ones shown in your briefing.

Limits and health questions to check

Every facility sets its own rules, so look at their requirements before booking and ask if anything is unclear. Things they commonly ask about include:

Weight and height limits, which vary with tunnel size and wind speed.
A history of shoulder dislocations, back or neck problems, or recent surgery.
Heart conditions and pregnancy.
Minimum ages and whether a parent must sign for children.

If you have any medical condition or injury, ask your doctor whether flying is suitable for you, and tell the instructors before you go in.

Indoor skydiving vs a real jump

	Wind tunnel	Tandem skydive
Where	Indoors, at ground level	From an aircraft at altitude
Weather	Not a factor	Can delay or cancel the day
Freefall feeling	Belly-down flying in strong wind	Wind plus the full view and the exit from the plane
Parachute	None	Opened by the tandem instructor
Learning	Body position can be practised in short, repeatable rounds	One freefall per jump

Many skydivers train body flight in tunnels because the air is predictable and the sessions can be repeated. Licensed jumpers in a tunnel usually wear their own kit, and a well-fitting helmet matters there just as it does in the sky; our guide to choosing a skydiving helmet covers open-face and full-face styles and how a good fit should feel.

Tips for first-timers

Wear comfortable clothes and lace-up trainers that will not come off.
Tie long hair back and leave valuables in a locker.
Eat lightly beforehand; a heavy meal and strong airflow are not a good mix.
Breathe. People often hold their breath on their first entry without realising.
Watch others fly before your turn to see what a stable position looks like.

Quick questions

Is indoor skydiving scary?

Most people feel nervous at the door and then surprised by how controlled it is. You are never more than a short distance above the net, and an instructor is with you throughout.

Can you fly in glasses?

Many centres provide goggles that fit over glasses, but ask in advance. Some flyers prefer contact lenses.

What other sports give a similar buzz?

If you want something more regular and social, a racket sport such as padel or an easy-going round of disc golf brings plenty of fun without a wind tunnel.