A Beginner’s Guide to Indoor Skydiving
Looking for a new hobby? Fancy a change of scene this weekend? Seeking a fresh way of celebrating with friends and family?
Then why not go all out and try something completely different with indoor skydiving, one of the most exhilarating indoor activities in Abu Dhabi? Here, we tell you everything you need to know before you begin.
Why Go Indoor Skydiving?
There are heaps of reasons to go indoor skydiving. Here are five of the most important.
1. To try out the sport
Lots of people treat indoor skydiving as a trial go for the real thing. Indoor skydiving is the perfect way to get a feel for whether you enjoy the experience and sensation before you commit to jumping from a plane.
2. To work on skydiving skills
More experienced skydivers head to the indoor skydiving chamber to practice tricks and hone their skills. An outdoor skydive usually gives you less than a minute in freefall, so there’s little time to work on skills. A more time-friendly and affordable solution is to practice over and over in the indoor skydiving chamber.
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3. To get a workout in
Skydiving is a workout with a difference. You need to engage your core, back, legs and arms to maintain the posture you need to stay stable. You’ll burn calories, too. Some experts believe around 250 calories per hour are burned during skydiving.
4. For the mental health benefits
Skydiving is a feel-good sport. The buzz of accomplishment you get after is hard to beat. This is from the extra feel-good hormones released during the jump. See if skydiving can boost your mood.
5. Just for the thrill
Lots of people try indoor skydiving because why not? It’s different, it’s a guaranteed thrill, and it’s fun to go with friends or the whole family.
What Does Indoor Skydiving Feel Like?
Everyone wants to know what indoor skydiving feels like and whether it’s anything like an outdoor skydive. The answer is yes and no.
The sensations you’ll feel are very similar to what you’ll feel with outdoor skydiving. Indoor skydive chambers have been designed to simulate the outdoor sport very closely so you will feel like you are in freefall. There’ll be a rush of air and the most incredible sensations. You’ll get the rush of adrenalin you’d expect.
Skills-wise, they are very similar sports. For indoor skydiving, you’ll need to adopt the same body position as you would outdoors. On the other hand, you don’t need to throw yourself out of a plane. This is ideal for those who feel anxious at the thought of having to jump or hurtle earthwards.
How Does Indoor Skydiving Work?
Indoor skydiving takes place in cylindrical chambers or tunnels. Gusts of air are pushed upwards through the chamber by giant fans. These gusts of wind keep participants floating on a cushion of air and replicate the experience of flying.
The environment is fully controlled with safety at the forefront. The fans are adjusted to suit the weight of each skydiver to ensure safety and to guarantee the same incredible experience for all. A safety net or cushion should be in place to provide a soft landing in case of a rare incident.
Indoor skydiving chambers vary in size. Most are around 14 ft high with four fans. The world’s largest skydiving chamber in Abu Dhabi is 104 ft high, and 32 ft wide, and operates 16 enormous fans.
How Long Does an Indoor Skydive Take?
The indoor skydiving flight is designed to replicate the outdoor experience, so flight times are similar. Most centers give participants around 60-70 seconds up in the air per flight.
Beginners are recommended to start with two flights per visit to gain basic skills and confidence. Your experience at the indoor skydiving chamber will also include a safety briefing and some instructions so that you can get the most out of your visit.
Can Everyone Take Part in Indoor Skydiving?
Almost everyone! Some indoor skydiving centers allow little ones from the age of three upwards to take part, and upper age limits are unlikely.
There may be an upper weight limit. This is for safety reasons. It is also suggested that you only try indoor skydiving if you are currently in good health and are reasonably fit.
If you are pregnant, severely epileptic, or are recovering from a broken bone or surgery, you must not skydive. If you have a history of back, neck, or heart issues, you must seek a doctor’s advice before indoor skydiving.
Is Indoor Skydiving Safe?
Yes! Indoor skydiving tunnels are vigorously tested and injuries are very rare.
Reported incidents come in at less than one per thousand flights. All safety gear including helmets, goggles, and ear defenders are provided. Beginner flyers go one at a time to avoid the risk of minor bumps and collisions between people.
You will also need to sign a waiver form. This agreement ensures that you have considered whether indoor skydiving is suitable for you.
Indoor Skydiving in Abu Dhabi
Now you know the basics, it’s time to give indoor skydiving a go. In Abu Dhabi, you can avail of the world’s biggest flight chamber within Clymb, an adrenalin sports center also offering indoor climbing tickets for the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Clymb offers the ideal day out for the adventurous at heart.
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