Dan Schryer
Contributing Writer
If you’re an inexperienced adrenaline junkie who yearns for the thrill of skydiving without the inherent risk, then look no further than Naperville’s newest attraction: iFly indoor skydiving.
Touting locations in Naperville and Rosemont, iFly establishments offer adventurers of all ages the opportunity to experience the sensation of freefalling without the added hassle of jumping out of an airplane. This convenience has made iFly an attractive thrill ride for experienced skydivers and the general public alike.
As simulating a freefall is no small feat, special equipment and technology is needed to ensure as safe and enjoyable dive. Dubbed the “vertical wind tunnel”, the collection of four powerful fans (each being 350 horsepower) located at the top of the building channels air “down the side tunnels into the basement, and then up through the floor through a 14-foot-wide circular flight chamber, creating a strong upward draft”, according to a press release from Carol Fox and Associates.
This upward draft channels itself into a current of air going anywhere between 80 and 175 miles per hour, lofting occupants gently into the air. The tunnel, taking over most of the two-story building at almost 50 feet tall, is floored with a net made of closely interwoven stainless steel wiring, allowing air to reach the tunnel and ensuring that instructors have solid footing while assisting divers.
For $69.95, new divers can buy themselves the introduction-level freefall experience. After being lead into a small classroom and watching a short instructional video outlining relevant hand gestures and their meanings, divers are given a Velcro-lined flight suit, a helmet, a pair of plastic goggles, and a pair of earplugs. From there, the diver procession is lead to the anteroom of the glass-cased flight chamber before finally being guided through the open doorway and onto the main event.
While in the chamber, it’s important to keep one’s arms spread and knees slightly bent. Though it may be hard to decipher the hand motions of the instructor as wind whips past your face and levitates your body up to 16 feet off the ground (for beginners), instinct will no doubt take over and balance will be attained.
iFly caters to all customer demographics, from office workers attempting a new teambuilding activity to professional skydivers looking to improve their form. Customers have ranged in age from three years to 103 years, and iFly makes an effort to not disqualify those with physical or mental disabilities from experiencing their unique brand of flight.
The Naperville iFly location can be located at 1752 Freedom Drive and is always seeking to expand its base of adventurous customers.
