Is Indoor Skydiving Like The Real Thing?

Key Takeaways

While indoor skydiving simulates the physical sensation of freefall, it doesn’t encapsulate the emotional aspects of skydiving or provide the joy of flying under parachute. Some other key differences include the weight and age limits, duration, training, and gear. Indoor skydiving is a lot of fun, but it will never replace the potential benefits, such as mental clarity, that come from doing a real skydive.

Indoor Skydiving vs. Outdoor Skydiving

How similar is indoor skydiving to actually falling from the sky? Does it help prepare for the real thing? When it comes to the physical feeling of freefall, indoor skydiving is actually really similar! That being said, indoor skydiving only captures freefall – not the rest of the skydiving experience. 

Plus, mimicking the physical experience doesn’t always convey the emotional feelings of outdoor skydiving. Keep reading to learn more about indoor skydiving vs. outdoor!

What Is Indoor Skydiving?

Indoor skydiving takes place in a vertical wind tunnel specially designed to allow people to mimic freefall, only a few feet above the ground! By placing powerful fans in a vertical tunnel, a person can “fly” without having to jump out of an airplane!

Is indoor skydiving realistic? In many ways, yes! The simulated freefall is so accurate that many experienced skydivers use the tunnel as a form of training – especially on bad weather days. 

Plus, for skydiving students, it can offer an efficient and lower-stress environment in which to practice essential skills. Some skydivers get so good at indoor flying skills that they get dubbed “tunnel ninjas.”

Key Similarities Between Indoor & Outdoor Skydiving

The biggest similarity between indoor and outdoor skydiving is the sensation of freefall. We get asked all the time, “Does indoor skydiving feel the same as skydiving?” Physically, it’s an accurate simulation. If you’re scared of what the sensation of freefall will be like before making a skydive, you can get a preview by trying out the tunnel first.

Another similarity is that there’s no upper age limit for flying in the tunnel or making a skydive. The only limit is your zest for adventure, which brings us to the next similarity – both indoor and outdoor skydiving are exciting things to try, and both are worthwhile!

Key Differences Between Indoor & Outdoor Skydiving

While freefall may be similar enough that skydivers use the tunnel for training, there are several key differences between indoor and outdoor skydiving:

Age Restrictions

Indoor skydiving tunnels, like iFly, let kids as young as 3 years old fly with permission from a parent or guardian. The minimum age for skydiving is 18 – big difference!

Weight Restrictions

The maximum weight to use the tunnel is typically 300 lbs, which is higher than skydiving. Indoor skydiving weight restrictions are more lenient because there are no limits set by gear manufacturers, as in skydiving.

Duration

When comparing a tandem skydive to a basic tunnel package, a real skydive definitely lasts a lot longer. You’ll get the training experience at the dropzone, the plane ride up to jump altitude, around a minute of freefall, and a few minutes of canopy flight before landing. A basic tunnel package for newcomers typically comes with two minutes in the wind tunnel.

Training

In the tunnel, your freefall training will be more similar to that of an AFF skydiving student – focusing on hand signals and a good body arch. When you jump for real, your training will be more in-depth, involving airplane safety, altitude awareness, and landing procedures.

Gear

During a skydive, students wear a harness that attaches to a parachute rig worn by the instructor. For indoor skydiving, students wear a jumpsuit and a helmet.

Mental & Emotional Impact

When comparing the two, skydiving is undoubtedly more impactful. Both are fun, but only skydiving really offers a sense of mental clarity and personal empowerment.

Indoor Skydiving vs. Outdoor FAQs

Here are some of the commonly asked questions we hear about indoor skydiving vs. outdoor skydiving. If you have others, get in touch! We’re here to support your skydiving journey.

Is indoor skydiving safe?

While simple enough that even three-year-olds can do it, indoor skydiving still comes with some risk. Indoor skydiving facilities provide training, supervision, and protective gear to mitigate the chances of injury.

Do people get hurt indoor skydiving? 

Yes, and that’s why helmets are required for all indoor skydivers. The main risks are minor bruises and scrapes, but more serious injuries can occur with riskier maneuvers, higher wind speeds, and more fliers in the tunnel.

Does indoor skydiving hurt your ears?

During both indoor and outdoor skydiving, ears are typically fine. During outdoor skydiving, they might hurt due to changes in air pressure (don’t skydive with a head cold!). During indoor skydiving, it’s common to wear earplugs to minimize any discomfort from the noise of the wind in the tunnel.

Is Indoor Skydiving Worth It?

While indoor skydiving is an awesome experience that’s worth trying, it isn’t a replacement for the real deal. Skydiving can change your life, with long-lasting positive emotional impacts that go beyond the fun. Pro tip: get video of your skydive. You’ll be inspired when you see yourself soar!!

If you’re looking for more than just a cool adventure, book a tandem skydive at Wisconsin Skydiving Center today. Blue skies!