I finally did it! Last Saturday, I visited iFLY Yonkers. The anticipation was immense. Walking in, I felt a buzz of excitement, a mix of nerves and pure adrenaline. I saw other people, some clearly experienced, some equally nervous as me. The whole atmosphere was electric. It was everything I’d hoped for and more. I couldn’t wait to get started! My instructor, Amelia, was fantastic, instantly putting me at ease.
Choosing the Right Facility
Choosing iFLY Yonkers wasn’t a random decision; I did my research! Initially, I considered several indoor skydiving locations across the tri-state area. I scoured online reviews, comparing prices, safety records, and overall customer experiences. Websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor became my best friends. I read countless testimonials, paying close attention to details about instructor quality, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the overall vibe of each place. Some reviews mentioned long wait times, others highlighted issues with equipment maintenance. I even watched YouTube videos of various facilities to get a visual feel for the experience. One facility had overwhelmingly negative reviews regarding their customer service, which immediately ruled them out. Another seemed too commercialized, lacking the personal touch I was looking for.
iFLY Yonkers stood out for several reasons. Their website was informative and easy to navigate, providing clear details about their safety protocols and training procedures. The online booking system was straightforward, and I appreciated the detailed FAQs section that answered many of my questions upfront. The overwhelmingly positive reviews consistently praised the professionalism of their instructors, the cleanliness of the facility, and the overall enjoyable experience. Several reviewers mentioned the friendly and helpful staff, which was a major factor in my decision. Reading about their commitment to safety, coupled with the numerous positive testimonials, convinced me that iFLY Yonkers was the right choice for my first indoor skydiving experience. The photos and videos on their social media pages also showcased a vibrant and welcoming environment, which solidified my choice. Ultimately, my decision came down to a combination of positive reviews, a focus on safety, and a feeling that iFLY Yonkers would provide a well-run and enjoyable experience.
The Pre-Flight Briefing and Gear
Before my first flight, I received a comprehensive safety briefing from my instructor, Amelia. She was incredibly patient and thorough, explaining everything clearly and concisely. First, she went over the basic physics of the wind tunnel, detailing how the air currents work and how they would affect my body. She emphasized the importance of listening to her instructions and responding immediately to her cues. She showed me how to properly assume the stable body position, explaining the correct hand and leg positioning, and how to maintain balance within the airflow. This involved keeping my body relaxed, my chin up, and my arms and legs slightly bent. She stressed the importance of maintaining a stable, streamlined body position to prevent spinning or uncontrolled movement. Amelia also discussed hand signals, which we’d use to communicate within the loud wind tunnel. I found the hand signals to be intuitive and easy to understand.
Next came the gear. I was fitted with a flight suit, which felt surprisingly comfortable. It was lightweight and allowed for a full range of motion. Amelia explained that the suit was designed to protect me from the wind and help maintain my body position. I also received a helmet, which was securely fastened. Then, Amelia showed me the proper way to enter and exit the wind tunnel, emphasizing the importance of following her instructions precisely. She reviewed the emergency procedures, explaining what to do if I felt uncomfortable or if anything unexpected happened. Throughout the entire briefing, Amelia maintained a calm and reassuring demeanor, which helped alleviate any remaining anxieties. Her clear and concise explanations built my confidence, and by the end of the briefing, I felt well-prepared and excited to experience my first flight. The entire process felt safe and professional, leaving me feeling confident and ready to take on the challenge.
My First Flight⁚ Exhilaration and Control
The moment I stepped into the wind tunnel, the sheer power of the air was breathtaking. It felt like a giant, invisible hand was gently lifting me upwards. Initially, it was a struggle to maintain the correct body position. My body wanted to flail, but I focused on Amelia’s instructions, remembering her emphasis on maintaining a relaxed yet firm posture. The wind was incredibly strong, but I found I could control my movements, albeit clumsily at first. Slowly, I began to feel more comfortable, my body responding to the subtle adjustments I made. It was an exhilarating sensation – a feeling of weightlessness combined with a surprising sense of control. The wind felt like a constant, powerful embrace, yet I could subtly adjust my position and direction.
Amelia’s instructions were crucial. Through hand signals, she guided me, correcting my posture and helping me maintain balance. I could see her through the glass, and her encouragement was invaluable. I remember focusing on her signals and trying to mirror her movements. As I became more comfortable, the initial fear transformed into pure exhilaration. The feeling of floating, of effortlessly moving through the air, was simply incredible. It wasn’t just about defying gravity; it was about mastering a new skill, a new way of interacting with the world. The smiles of the other flyers, visible through the glass, mirrored my own joy. By the end of my first flight, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. I had not only survived but thrived. The experience was far beyond my expectations; it was pure, unadulterated fun.
Overcoming Initial Fear and Mastering the Techniques
I’ll be honest; before my first flight, I was terrified. The thought of being tossed around in a powerful wind tunnel filled me with apprehension. My initial attempts were clumsy and awkward. I struggled to maintain a stable position, my body reacting instinctively to the force of the air. I remember feeling a bit panicked at first, my arms flailing, my legs kicking uncontrollably. It felt like being caught in a powerful storm. But Amelia, my instructor, was incredibly patient and supportive. Her calm demeanor and clear instructions helped to ease my anxieties.
She patiently guided me through the basic techniques, emphasizing the importance of proper body posture and controlled movements. She explained how to use my body to steer and maintain balance within the wind stream. With each subsequent flight, I felt my confidence grow. The initial fear gradually gave way to a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment. I started to understand the nuances of controlling my body within the powerful airflow. I learned to subtly adjust my position to move up, down, and sideways. The feeling of mastering the techniques was incredible – a true sense of accomplishment. I found myself focusing less on the fear and more on the thrill of the experience. The more I practiced, the more natural it felt. By the end of the session, I was able to perform basic maneuvers with relative ease, a far cry from my initial clumsy attempts. The transformation from fear to confidence was truly remarkable.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
My indoor skydiving experience at iFLY Yonkers exceeded all my expectations. It was an exhilarating and empowering experience that I’ll never forget. The feeling of freefall, without the terrifying heights of a real skydive, was incredible. It’s a unique and thrilling activity that I highly recommend to anyone looking for an adrenaline rush. The staff at iFLY were professional, friendly, and incredibly helpful, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re considering trying indoor skydiving, I strongly advise booking your session in advance, especially during peak season. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of motion – leggings and a t-shirt worked perfectly for me. Listen carefully to your instructor’s instructions; they’re crucial for a safe and successful flight. Don’t be discouraged if you feel clumsy at first – it takes time and practice to master the techniques. Most importantly, embrace the experience and have fun! I found that letting go of my initial fears and focusing on the instructions helped me to progress much faster. Remember to take deep breaths and trust your instructor. The sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming your initial apprehension and mastering the basic techniques is truly rewarding. I left iFLY feeling invigorated, confident, and ready to book my next session!