iFly Denver Review: Is Indoor Skydiving Worth Trying?
Has the idea of soaring through the air like some kind of high-flying superhero grabbed your attention, but, like your average person, you’re maybe not too keen on leaping out of a perfectly decent airplane? iFly Denver just might be the solution. You get the thrill of skydiving minus, you know, gravity potentially being a factor. So, is it really all that it’s cracked up to be? I gave it a shot as a complete newbie and I’m here to give you all the info.
What iFly Denver Actually Is
To start, iFly Denver is an indoor skydiving facility, pretty much. That’s to say, a massive vertical wind tunnel where you float on a cushion of air. Gigantic fans generate wind speeds strong enough to lift you up, which kind of gives you the experience of freefall without needing a parachute, a plane, or, like, an insane amount of bravery. It’s an interesting experience which has you feeling somewhere in between weightless and supported by some serious gusts, pretty much, It is suitable for most folks aged three and up, pretty much, making it something fun for families, groups, or folks like me who want to check off something sort of adventurous off their bucket list.
Booking and Prep: What To Expect Beforehand
So, the move here is to book your iFly session ahead of time on their site, clearly. The pricing usually depends on the number of flights and the package you pick. Now, for first-timers, they have packages which include a briefing session, all the necessary gear (jumpsuit, helmet, goggles), and one-on-one instruction from certified flight instructors, generally speaking. Arrive a little early, say about an hour or so before your scheduled flight, mainly to get checked in and sit in on that pre-flight briefing. During the briefing, an instructor will explain hand signals that’s used inside the tunnel so you and them can actually, maybe, understand each other in the wind. You’ll also find out about proper body positioning and how to make the most of your flight time, pretty much.
Gearing Up and The Pre-Flight Jitters
Next, it’s time to get suited up. You will want to change into a jumpsuit that goes over your clothes and fits just so, yet, you don’t want to wear anything with a collar. It is smart to wear lace up tennis shoes. After the jumpsuit is on, it’s on to goggles, earplugs, and a helmet. Honestly, at this point, you are set to look like some kind of off-brand astronaut. As the flight time grows closer, the nerves might start to kick in a tiny bit, clearly, That’s totally natural, you see. Keep in mind that the instructors have years of experience working with beginners and want you to have fun in there. They will provide you with guidance, clearly, which goes a long way to settling you down before you fly, you know?
Inside the Wind Tunnel: My First Flight
Stepping into the wind tunnel, which is surrounded by a glass viewing area for friends and family, could be considered a crazy experience. As soon as the wind kicks up, that hits you right away. It is a really forceful sensation, which can be quite exhilarating, like seriously. With the instructor’s help, you lean into the wind and boom!, your feet leave the ground. Now, your objective, like a professional, is to maintain a relaxed body position, generally. This just could be trickier than you think at first. The instructor remains right there with you to offer tips, make adjustments, and keep you stable, generally speaking. That first flight tends to feel fairly short, too. You are adjusting to this unfamiliar environment, and you are listening for instruction from someone you might not see, too. However, after a couple of flights, I got more of a feel for controlling my body, and then I was able to enjoy the experience in its fullness, pretty much.
The ‘High Fly’ Add-On: Worth The Extra Cost?
So, iFly pitches this thing they call the “High Fly” as an add-on to your experience, pretty much. It’s when the instructor grabs onto you and then takes you spinning rapidly up to the highest point in the tunnel. Then they spin down just as rapidly, really. Honestly, it gets your adrenaline surging, seriously. But is it something that is worth the additional cost? That kind of boils down to the person involved and what you want out of your experience, really. Should you want a really sensational experience and a killer photo/video, then, yeah, probably it is something to consider, pretty much. On the other hand, If you are happy with just floating and getting a feel for body flight, then perhaps it is okay to pass, I guess.
Who is iFly Good For?
One of the awesome things related to iFly is it is actually so all-inclusive. Families appreciate that very small kids are able to fly, and, yet, it’s cool enough for teens/young adults. So, if you are athletic or older, people seem to enjoy it just as much. It can make for a totally memorable group activity no matter if you are on some type of family vacation, a bachelor party, or just a fun get together with your best people, you see. For the super adventurous, it is a pretty great introduction to body flight before actual skydiving. Alternately, if you aren’t sure if jumping out of an airplane is your thing, this may well act as a substitute.
Is iFly Denver Actually Worth It? My Honest Take.
At the end of it, would I say iFly Denver is worth the expenditure? Yes, most definitely. I want to express the importance of managing your expectations: this is not the same thing as actually jumping out of an airplane. It’s a more controlled, approachable, and less scream-inducing version of that experience. I think iFly succeeds in delivering a totally unique experience that blends the excitement of freefall with an approachable, family-friendly setup. Is the cost a bit steep? Yes, totally. But, if you look at it as paying for an experience that’s memorable and potentially life-affirming, and for expert instruction in an environment of safety, it earns back its keep, really.
Tips for Your First iFly Adventure
- Book in Advance: Just to make sure you get a spot, especially during busy times.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time for check-in and briefing.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Something easy to move in under the jumpsuit.
- Listen to Your Instructor: They’re there to help you and ensure you have a good experience.
- Relax: Just breathe and attempt to go with the flow…literally.
What About Photo And Video?
Usually iFly Denver has photographers there who capture the action during your session, see. After your flight, there’s generally a chance to purchase photos and videos of your experience. Should you want to brag to all your friends on social media or have something for posterity, getting those memories preserved might just be worth it, really. Still, make sure you ask the prices and think about whether or not that is a purchase you might feel great about, just so.
iFly Denver: Some FAQs
Is there a minimum age for flying?
So, usually, iFly lets anyone age three and older fly.
What do I wear?
Something comfy, as a start. You’ll get a jumpsuit, but wear comfortable clothes and lace-up shoes.
Can I wear glasses or contacts?
So, most likely, contacts won’t be any sort of an issue. You have to remove eyeglasses, you know?
Is it safe?
Totally. You are always with professional instructors, in addition, they will instruct you in proper flight form, really.
