Aerodynamic flight tunnels were created from the need for simpler and less demanding training of future paratroopers and commandos. Currently, wind tunnels are one of the most crowded places when it comes to innovative and unique sports. Adrenaline enthusiasts decide to go indoor skydiving more and more often, and among fans of this high-performance physical activity are both experienced athletes and amateurs. Find out what makes aerodynamic flying such an addictive sport, learn about its history and learn how to prepare for it.

Have you always dreamed of a parachute jump, but were you afraid that you would not handle it? Fortunately, there is such a thing as indoor skydiving! You don't need any experience to fly in a wind tunnel. Both children and adults can take part in the flights, and each flight is adapted to the participant of this supernatural fun.

Indoor skydiving is an extremely exciting and adrenaline-filled sport, but don't be afraid! Every beginner begins with an instructor who explains in detail the essence of aerodynamic flights, and also helps with the technical aspects of the art of flying. Get to know this extreme sport better and make your dream of flying come true!

Aerodynamic flights - what are they?

Aerodynamic flights consist in hovering above the ground by means of air blown from below. This is done in specially adapted wind tunnels that imitate a parachute fall, and this activity is known as indoor skydiving. Aerodynamic flight tunnels were created for the needs of the army in order to train future paratroopers and commandos in a simpler and less demanding way. It turned out that not only commandos can afford to fly, but also ordinary bread eaters.

Today indoor skydiving is an official sport and is divided into different types including Dynamic, Vertical Formation, Formation and freestyle:

  • Dynamic - is a dynamic form of indoor skydiving and relies on synchronous movements in certain parts of the tunnel.
  • Vertical Formation - this is changing the speed and direction of flight by controlling the head or legs.
  • Formation - consists in creating complex figures while flying at a stop.
  • Freestyle - thisa discipline that combines all the above-mentioned types of indoor skydiving, additionally, it is practiced independently without pairing or grouping, as in the case of other types of aerodynamic flights.

Aerodynamic Flights - Wind Tunnel

The wind tunnel is about 9 meters wide, it is tightly surrounded by glass panes, and at the bottom there is a grille from which the air is blown. Aerodynamic flights involve flying in a wind tunnel that generates constant air movement, and its speed reaches up to 310 km / h! This makes it very noisy inside, but the tunnel is well damped so the noise does not disturb people watching inside.

A visit to the tunnel begins with a short preparatory training, selection of equipment (overalls, helmet, glasses and earplugs) and completing the formalities related to determining the he alth condition and weight of the jumper, to which the air speed is adjusted.

It's very noisy in the tunnel, so communication takes place with gestures and signs. The first flight always takes place with an instructor who teaches the appropriate flight technique - rising, falling, taking figures, but initially, most of all, maintaining the basic positions. During the first flights, even flying belly down seems to be extremely difficult!

Usually, after a few minutes of flight, which lasts about 1.5 minutes, we have the opportunity to receive a video recording of your flight. This is done via a link sent to our e-mail address. At the end, each participant also receives a certificate of completion of the first flight in the wind tunnel.

Aerodynamic flights - how to prepare?

How to prepare for a flight in a wind tunnel? You have to remember to put on a comfortable, sporty outfit. It is true that we get the appropriate suit on the spot, but we put it on over our own clothes. It should be comfortable and thin so that it does not restrict our movements and does not pinch us while flying.

What's more, people with long hair should tie it comfortably so that it does not interfere with the flight and does not fall out from under the helmet. You should also remember to put on special glasses and earplugs, which of course are handed out just before entering.

Finally, remember not to overeat or eat anything heavy before starting the flight.

Indoor skydiving may seem like an easy sport, but it's a misguided feeling! A few minutes of flying in the air can make itself feltnot only the muscles, but also the stomach.

If our dream is to train in aerodynamic flights, then apart from training in the tunnel, it is also worth working on the general condition and physical endurance. A simple functional training or yoga class is enough to do much better in flight. Indoor skydiving for those uninitiated in skydiving may seem like a simple activity, but you just need to try your hand to see how much work it takes to stay on top.

What are the contraindications for aerodynamic flights?

Flights in wind tunnels are safe and possible for anyone who is in an average state of physical condition and he alth. However, there are some contraindications for aerodynamic flights. These include:

  • severe obesity (weight over 130 kilograms)
  • pregnancy
  • nervous system diseases
  • mental illness
  • condition after stroke or heart attack
  • spine diseases
  • problems with shoulder joints

Aerodynamic flights - prices

Aerodynamic flights are not cheap entertainment, but they are definitely worth the money spent. Prices for a single flight are based on age. People under the age of 18 usually pay around PLN 200, and adults around PLN 250, but it depends on the facility we use.

The flight usually lasts 1.5 minutes, and there are two such flights in one ticket, so the adventure in the tunnel lasts 3 minutes in total. The price for a single flight looks much better in group packages, which can be purchased for several participants or opt for a family package. Then the prices range from PLN 900 to PLN 1400.

Where did indoor skydiving come from?

Indoor skydiving was established in 1982 in the United States, and more specifically in Las Vegas. This is where the first commercial wind tunnel was constructed. However, after 2007, this sport has developed on such a large scale that not only experienced skaters, but also beginners can take part in the flights.

However, the history of wind tunnels began much earlier, namely after the Second World War. The American army then came up with an innovative idea - to build a training facility on the ground for future commandos. This is how the wind tunnel was created, and the first official flight was made in 1964 by Jack Tiffany at the Wright-Patterson Air Forse Base.

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Summer sports