I finally took the plunge and tried indoor skydiving in Delaware! The anticipation was killer; I’d dreamt of this for ages. My friend, Amelia, convinced me to go with her to iFLY. The sheer power of the wind was incredible! It felt exhilarating, like flying, but safer than jumping from a plane. I was nervous at first, but the instructors were fantastic. I can’t wait to go back!
Choosing the Right Facility
Choosing the right indoor skydiving facility in Delaware was surprisingly more involved than I initially thought! I started by scouring the internet, looking at websites for various places. I read countless reviews on Yelp and Google, paying close attention to comments about safety, instructor quality, and the overall experience. I was particularly interested in facilities that boasted well-maintained equipment and a strong safety record; after all, I was about to throw myself into a vertical wind tunnel! I also checked for things like the size of the flight chamber – a larger chamber seemed to offer more room for maneuvering and a more realistic skydiving experience. Some places advertised packages that included video recording of the flight, and that definitely appealed to me. I wanted to be able to relive the experience and show my friends and family how much fun I had. I also considered location and accessibility; I wanted a place that wasn’t too far of a drive, and one that had convenient parking. Ultimately, I settled on iFLY Dover based on their consistently positive reviews, their modern equipment, and the fact that they offered a comprehensive package that included a video recording of my first flight. The decision-making process involved weighing various factors, but I felt confident that iFLY Dover was the best choice for my first indoor skydiving adventure. Their website was easy to navigate, and I was able to book my session online with no problem. It was a pretty straightforward process, and I felt well-informed before I even arrived at the facility. I’m glad I put in the time to research because it made my whole experience so much better.
The Training and Equipment
Before my first flight, I received a thorough safety briefing from a friendly and experienced instructor, whose name I believe was Mark. He explained the procedures clearly and answered all my questions patiently. I felt completely at ease with his calm and reassuring demeanor. The training involved a demonstration of proper body positioning and how to control my movements within the wind tunnel. Mark emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable, relaxed posture and responding to his instructions promptly. He showed me how to use my hands and feet to steer myself, and how to signal if I needed assistance. The equipment provided was top-notch; I was given a flight suit, helmet, and earplugs. The flight suit was comfortable and well-fitting, and the helmet provided adequate protection. The earplugs were essential, as the wind tunnel is incredibly loud! The whole process felt very safe and well-organized. Mark’s instructions were easy to follow, and I felt confident in my ability to execute the techniques he had shown me. He also explained the different hand signals that would be used during the flight to communicate any issues or changes in body position. This was reassuring, knowing that there was a clear way to communicate even while airborne. I appreciated the attention to detail in the training, as it helped me feel comfortable and prepared for my first flight. The equipment felt high-quality and well-maintained, adding to my overall sense of security. I felt completely ready to experience the thrill of indoor skydiving after this comprehensive training session. The preparation really made a difference in my comfort level and enjoyment of the experience.
My First Flight
The moment I stepped into the wind tunnel, the sheer force of the air was breathtaking! It was far more intense than I had anticipated, a powerful, almost overwhelming sensation. Initially, I struggled to maintain my balance; the wind seemed determined to push me around. I remember my instructor, Mark, shouting instructions through the wind, guiding me gently but firmly. His voice was surprisingly clear despite the noise. I focused on his commands, trying to remember everything he’d taught me during the training. Slowly, I began to get the hang of it. I learned to use my body position to control my movement. It was like learning a new language, a language of body and wind. The feeling of floating, of being suspended in the air, was incredible. It was exhilarating, liberating, and slightly terrifying all at once. There were moments of panic, moments where I felt completely out of control, but Mark’s presence and guidance were invaluable. He was always there, subtly adjusting my position, ensuring I remained safe and stable. The flight itself felt surprisingly short, a whirlwind of intense sensation and adrenaline. When it ended, I felt a mixture of relief, exhilaration, and an overwhelming urge to do it again. The smile on my face was enormous; it was the most incredible experience of my life. I felt a profound sense of accomplishment, having overcome my initial fear and mastered the basics of indoor skydiving. I exited the tunnel feeling lighter than air, both literally and figuratively.
Improving My Technique
After my initial flight, I was hooked! I immediately booked another session, eager to refine my skills. My second attempt was significantly better. I remembered Mark’s instructions about body positioning and how crucial it was to maintain a stable, aerodynamic posture. I focused on keeping my body relaxed, yet firm, allowing the wind to support me. I practiced the techniques he’d shown me, concentrating on subtle adjustments to my arms and legs to control my direction and altitude within the wind tunnel. It wasn’t easy. There were still moments of struggle, moments where I felt the wind pushing me off-balance, but I was learning to react more quickly, to anticipate the wind’s force and adjust my position accordingly. I found myself becoming more confident with each passing second. I started experimenting with different body positions, slowly gaining more control over my movements. It felt like a dance, a graceful yet powerful interaction between my body and the air. I also noticed a significant improvement in my ability to maintain a stable hover. Initially, I’d been tossed around like a leaf in a storm, but now I could hold a relatively steady position for longer periods. This improvement was incredibly satisfying, a testament to the effectiveness of practice and the guidance of my instructor. The feeling of progress fueled my determination to keep learning and improving. I realized that indoor skydiving was more than just a thrill; it was a skill I could develop and master. Each subsequent flight brought me closer to that goal, and the thought of continuing to improve was incredibly exciting.
Overall Experience
My indoor skydiving experience in Delaware was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I stepped into iFLY, the atmosphere was electric, buzzing with excitement and friendly energy. The staff were incredibly welcoming and professional, making me feel comfortable and safe even as a complete novice. The training session was thorough and well-explained, dispelling any anxieties I had about the experience. The instructors were patient, encouraging, and clearly passionate about what they do. They provided clear, concise instructions, ensuring I understood the safety procedures and basic techniques before entering the wind tunnel. The actual flight was an unparalleled sensation. The sheer force of the wind was exhilarating, a powerful yet controlled rush that left me breathless. It was a unique blend of adrenaline and calm, a feeling of weightlessness and freedom I’d never experienced before. Beyond the initial thrill, I found the process of learning to control my body within the wind tunnel incredibly rewarding. It was challenging, requiring focus, concentration, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. But with each successful maneuver, my confidence soared. The feeling of accomplishment was immense. I left iFLY feeling invigorated, not just physically but mentally as well. It was a fantastic way to push my boundaries, overcome my fears, and experience something truly remarkable. I would wholeheartedly recommend indoor skydiving to anyone looking for an adrenaline rush, a unique challenge, or simply a memorable adventure. I’m already planning my next visit, eager to further refine my skills and continue exploring the thrill of flight. The entire experience exceeded my expectations in every way, and I can’t wait to return!