Indoor Skydiving

Indoor skydiving wind tunnels are beginning to spring up all around the country as individuals find it to be a thrilling and safer choice in a skydiving experience.

There are a couple of different types of wind tunnels that individuals can use, such as an open air wind tunnel and an enclosed wind tunnel. Usually, beginners will start with the enclosed tunnels since they do not require quite as much skill at the beginning, whereas the open air wind tunnels require more skills on the part of the individuals who fly in them. There are some cities that are known for their entertainment qualities and thrill seeking activities, so indoor skydiving in Las Vegas and other large cities is growing in popularity.

How It Works

There are two basic types of vertical wind tunnels that are used to create skydiving in an indoor environment. One uses a blower or air pushing device to create the current of air on which the skydivers float in the air. There are other devices that use a vacuum pressure suction device to create the air flow necessary for the individuals to float in the air. Some vertical wind tunnels are set up so that the individual, while surrounded by the walls of the wind tunnel, are able to float up into the air outside, giving him a freer feel to skydiving. Other wind tunnels are completely enclosed, which are usually better choices for those who are just beginning to learn to skydive in this type of environment.

The enclosed wind tunnels require the individuals to have less flying control and skill than the open wind tunnels. Often the individuals will 'graduate' to the open wind tunnels when they have the sufficient basic skills to move on to the more advanced skills that are needed in these tunnels. Even though the open tunnels do allow individuals to fly into the open air above the tunnel, which seems to be more dangerous than a tunnel that is completely enclosed, there are airbags, nets and other safety features around the open tunnels to prevent serious injury.

Although skydiving in an indoor environment can still be dangerous, any injuries that occur are usually not any more severe that the simple injuries that individuals can get from any active sport, such as twisted ankles. In addition, as opposed to the equipment failures and other problems that can occur in traditional skydiving which can lead to death and serious injury, skydiving in a wind tunnel has only very rarely led to death. This makes participation a much more viable choice for individuals who have been interested in the sport of skydiving, but have been unwilling to take the risk.