I’d always dreamt of skydiving, but the fear of heights held me back. Then I discovered iFly Colorado Springs! The thought of indoor skydiving felt less daunting. My friend, Sarah, convinced me to try it. Booking online was easy. The anticipation was thrilling as we drove towards the facility, a mix of excitement and nervousness building inside me. I was ready for an adventure!
Booking and Arrival
Booking my first indoor skydiving experience at iFly Colorado Springs was surprisingly straightforward. I navigated their website with ease, selecting a date and time that worked for me and my friend, Jessica. The online system clearly outlined the different flight packages available, ranging from shorter introductory flights to longer sessions for more experienced flyers. I opted for the beginner package, feeling it was the perfect starting point for my first foray into this exciting activity. The payment process was seamless, and I received a confirmation email almost instantly, containing all the necessary details and instructions for the day.
On the day of my flight, I arrived at the iFly Colorado Springs facility feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The building itself was modern and inviting, a far cry from the intimidating image I had previously associated with skydiving. The reception area was bright and welcoming, with friendly staff members ready to assist with any queries. I checked in, presenting my confirmation email, and was promptly directed to a waiting area. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy; a mix of first-timers like myself and more experienced flyers eagerly awaiting their turn. There was a palpable sense of camaraderie and shared anticipation, which helped to ease my nerves considerably. I spent the next few minutes observing the other participants, watching as they prepared for their flights, their faces a mixture of focused determination and exhilaration. This only heightened my excitement for my own upcoming experience.
Before long, it was my turn; I was called forward, and my heart quickened as I realized the moment had finally arrived. I felt a surge of adrenaline, a mixture of fear and excitement that was both exhilarating and terrifying. The staff member guiding me was incredibly friendly and reassuring, patiently answering any remaining questions I had and putting my mind at ease. I was ready.
The Pre-Flight Briefing
Before I even stepped foot into the wind tunnel, I participated in a comprehensive safety briefing. It wasn’t just a quick run-through; it was a thorough explanation of everything I needed to know. The instructor, whose name I believe was Mark, was incredibly patient and clear in his instructions. He didn’t just tell us what to do; he showed us. He demonstrated the proper body positions and techniques using visual aids and even a short video. This was reassuring; it helped me visualize what I was supposed to do in the tunnel. He emphasized the importance of listening to the instructors inside the tunnel, because their directions would be paramount to my safety and a positive experience. The focus was on safety, constantly reinforcing the importance of following instructions precisely.
Mark explained the feeling of the wind and how to control my body within the powerful air stream. He described the sensations I could expect and how to react to them. He covered the hand signals the instructors would use to communicate with me while I was in the flight chamber. I found this incredibly helpful; it took away some of the mystery and helped me feel more prepared. He also discussed emergency procedures, should anything unexpected occur, making sure I understood the signals and responses needed. The entire briefing felt thorough and professional, calming my pre-flight jitters considerably. It wasn’t just about the flight itself; it was about understanding the environment and how to interact with it safely and effectively. I felt confident, yet still excited, after the briefing, ready to take on the challenge.
I also learned about the specialized equipment I would be wearing – the jumpsuit, helmet, and earplugs. Mark showed me how to put on the jumpsuit correctly and the importance of a snug but comfortable fit. He explained how the earplugs would protect my hearing from the intense wind noise. The attention to detail in the briefing, from the safety procedures to the equipment instructions, instilled in me a sense of confidence and preparedness. I felt ready to take the plunge, literally.
My First Flight
The moment arrived. I stepped into the wind tunnel, and the sheer power of the air instantly hit me. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. The initial force pushed me back, a feeling both exhilarating and slightly terrifying. My instructor, a woman named Jessica, was right there, guiding me with steady hands and calm instructions. She repeated the hand signals from the briefing, ensuring I understood what she wanted me to do. Her voice, though slightly muffled by the wind, was clear and reassuring. I focused on maintaining the body position Jessica had demonstrated⁚ knees bent, relaxed posture, and arms spread out.
It was harder than it looked! Controlling my body in that powerful updraft was a challenge. I struggled at first, feeling myself being tossed around a bit. But Jessica was amazing; she gently corrected my position, her hands guiding me to maintain the proper form. She constantly provided verbal cues, helping me adjust my body to better manage the air flow. Slowly, I began to feel more in control. It wasn’t about fighting the wind, but about working with it, learning to use the air pressure to my advantage. The feeling of weightlessness was incredible; it felt like floating, a surreal sensation that defied gravity.
As the flight progressed, I started to get a better sense of how to maneuver; I could feel the air currents pushing and pulling me, and I learned to react to them instinctively. It wasn’t just about staying upright; it was about controlling my movements, making small adjustments to ascend or descend within the tunnel. The adrenaline rush was intense, a mix of fear, excitement, and pure exhilaration. By the end of my first flight, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I hadn’t mastered it, but I had experienced something truly unique and unforgettable. The feeling was liberating, like overcoming a personal challenge and pushing my boundaries. I was hooked.
Mastering the Basics
We spent a considerable amount of time practicing hovering. It sounds simple, but maintaining a steady position in the air requires precise control of your body. I found myself constantly over-correcting, making small adjustments that sent me swaying back and forth. Jessica patiently guided me, providing feedback and encouragement. She taught me to feel the air pressure, to anticipate the wind’s movements, and to make smaller, more controlled adjustments. Gradually, I started to improve. The feeling of effortlessly hovering, suspended in mid-air, was incredibly satisfying. It was a testament to the progress I’d made, a tangible reward for my efforts.
Next, we worked on basic directional movements. Learning to move left and right, to subtly shift my weight to control my horizontal position, was another significant challenge. Again, it involved a lot of trial and error, with Jessica providing constant feedback and adjustments. I learned to trust her guidance, to let go of my initial apprehension, and to embrace the process of learning and improving. By the end of the second session, I felt a marked improvement in my control and stability. I could hover more consistently, move more smoothly, and confidently execute basic directional changes. The feeling of accomplishment was immense. I was starting to truly understand the art of indoor skydiving.
Advanced Techniques (and a Little Struggle!)
Feeling confident after mastering the basics, I decided to tackle some more advanced techniques. My instructor, let’s call him Mark, suggested we work on dynamic movements – spins and flips. The thought was exhilarating, but also a little terrifying. Spins, in particular, proved to be far more challenging than I anticipated. My initial attempts were clumsy and uncontrolled, a chaotic flailing of limbs rather than a graceful rotation. I found myself fighting the wind, struggling to maintain a stable position while initiating the spin. Mark patiently guided me, explaining the subtle shifts in body weight and posture required to execute a clean, controlled spin.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a relaxed body, allowing the wind to guide my movements rather than resisting it. This was easier said than done. My initial instinct was to tense up, to fight the powerful forces at play; This only made things worse, leading to erratic movements and a few near-collisions with the tunnel walls (thankfully, Mark was always there to guide me back to the center!). We spent a significant portion of the session working on just the spins, focusing on gradual improvement rather than immediate perfection. Slowly, I began to understand the nuances of controlling my rotation speed and direction; I started to feel a sense of rhythm, a connection between my body movements and the wind’s response.
Flips were even more challenging. The initial launch required a burst of energy and precise timing, followed by maintaining a stable tucked position throughout the rotation. I managed a few wobbly flips, but they were far from elegant. There were moments of frustration, of wanting to give up, but Mark’s encouragement kept me going. He praised my progress, highlighting the small improvements I made with each attempt. By the end of the session, while I wasn’t performing perfect spins and flips, I had made significant progress. The experience taught me patience, persistence, and the importance of listening to my instructor’s guidance. I left iFly that day feeling tired but exhilarated, ready to return for more advanced training.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
My first indoor skydiving experience at iFly Colorado Springs exceeded all my expectations. It was exhilarating, challenging, and incredibly fun. The initial nervousness quickly dissipated as I felt the thrill of freefall, a sensation I never thought I’d experience. While the advanced techniques proved more difficult than I anticipated, the feeling of accomplishment after mastering even the basics was immense. I highly recommend iFly Colorado Springs to anyone, regardless of their experience level. The instructors are incredibly professional, patient, and supportive, making the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone.
For first-timers, I suggest starting with a single flight session to get a feel for the experience before committing to a longer package; This allows you to gauge your comfort level and decide if you want to pursue more advanced techniques. Remember to listen carefully to your instructor’s instructions – their guidance is crucial for a safe and successful flight. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid loose jewelry or anything that could get caught in the wind tunnel. I personally found that wearing athletic clothing and comfortable shoes was ideal. The facility itself is clean, well-maintained, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Beyond the thrill of the flight itself, iFly Colorado Springs offers a unique and memorable experience. It’s a fantastic way to overcome fears, challenge yourself physically, and create lasting memories. I left feeling empowered, confident, and with a newfound appreciation for the power and beauty of controlled freefall. I’m already planning my next visit, eager to further hone my skills and tackle those elusive flips with more finesse. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for a unique and exciting adventure, iFly Colorado Springs is definitely worth experiencing. Don’t hesitate; book your flight today!