If you harbour a desire to feel the rush of skydiving without the height and fear factor, Vegas Indoor Skydiving can arrange that facial skin-flapping experience for you. How? A vertical wind tunnel producing a powerful stream of air simulates the experience of freefall for three minutes at airspeeds of up to 193km/h without the aid of a parachute or airplane.
Before you get to feel the wind beneath your, um, flight suit, you'll need to attend a brief 20-minute training class covering the basics of indoor skydiving or bodyflight including the correct body position and flight technique, hand signals used and safety info. You'll then get to suit up in the specialised flight suit with earplugs, goggles and a helmet. A simulated skydive takes place in the vertical wind tunnel, which consists of a mesh trampoline floor and padded foam walls. The first flight experience takes about an hour altogether with all these elements in place and an instructor on hand inside the wind tunnel.
While there are certain height and weight restrictions to adhere to before being able to skydive indoors, the minimum weight is 18kg with no age restrictions so kids can also participate. Before you dive, dress comfortably with socks and trainers, and don't leave without the obligatory photo of your indoor skydiving experience (US$15). A single flight is US$85 with a repeat, same-day flight for US$50. To book, you can walk in on the day or reserve your place online.
To get to Vegas Indoor Skydiving from downtown Las Vegas, from the Las Vegas@Paris (N) stop on Las Vegas Strip, take the northbound SDX (Strip & Downtown Express) bus to the Convention Center @ Channel 8 (E) stop – a 16-minute journey along Las Vegas Boulevard.
