iFly, located in the southeast part of the San Francisco bay area, is an indoor sky diving activity which everyone is able to do in the safety of indoor wind tunnels with personal sky diving instructors. One will experience the sense of free fall adventure in a 12 foot, recirculating, 1000HP SkyVenture wind tunnel without the jump out of airplane.
There is more information of the specifics and how these wind tunnels are built on the iSky website. Skydivers will experience imitating free falls up to 120 - 150 miles per hour and not be concerned of heights nor falling.
This wind tunnel engineered by SkyVenture is located at 31310 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City, CA. 94587. Flight times are arranged in advance by calling (510) 489-IFLY, (510) 489-4359.
It is easy to learn and a fun to thing to do in the San Francisco bay area whether it is the participant's first flight or if they are an experienced skydiver. All ages of participants from 3 up (children under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by parent or guardian) are invited to join in the fun. There is an observation deck available to watch the skydivers.
Indoor Skydive History
SkyVenture was started by Bill Kitchen in 1998 in Orlando, Florida, when he wanted to create a better design for a safe indoor skydive experience after he was injured in another facility. The first wind tunnels were actually developed by the military for free fall training in 1964.
Alan Metni, World Champion on the National Skydiving Team, Arizona Airspeed, joined Bill as a partner, and eventually bought SkyVenture and moved it to Austin, Texas where he developed the product and sales with patents in 24 different countries.
iFly, formerly, SkyVenture Silicon Valley, was purchased by a group of investors to begin this “Adventure Sport” in the San Francisco bay area in a safe, cost effective, and profitable manner. Information about SkyVenture Silicon Valley and other global locations is found at the SkyVenture website.
How to Skydive with iFly?
Everyone is able to experience iFly immediately with 3 steps.
- There is a short training Class which includes a video, and a question and answer session from a skydive flight instructor about body position, hand signals, and with guidelines to follow.
- The skydive flight instructor will ensure one is dressed in the proper flight equipment for their flight. This includes a flight skydive suit, elbow and knee pads, helmet, and goggles.
- Fly! Everyone enjoys this skydive flight experience with their personal trainer as they lean into the chamber and fly. The instructor will provide different techniques for one to follow through with as they experience their flight.
What is the Cost?
There are several packages to choose from depending on the experience of the participants.
- First time flyer - Earn your wings $54.95
- Spread your wings $89.95
- Take flight $184.95
- Family package $239.95
Be sure to ask for discounts, and all levels receive a personalized flight certificate. DVD’s are available to purchase after your flight. People may participate in groups and for experienced flyers, there are leagues and multi-programs which they may participate in.
Hours of Operation at iFly?
Monday through Thursday: 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday : 2 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
What to Wear?
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing like jeans and tennis shoes under your flight suit.
Technical Aspects of Wind Tunnels
The key technical features of all SkyVenture wind tunnels are the wall-to-wall airflow and the multiple overhead fans which allow SkyVenture to operate with very little electricity and almost no maintenance.
iFly is an indoor skydiving facility in the San Francisco bay area available to all levels of skydivers to participate using these innovated wind tunnels as a fun and unique recreation outlet.
*Facts and information cited from iFly website and SkyVenture website
Ideas for convenient accommodations close to iFly are in San Jose Downtown Hotels.
Donna West - Donna West is a Writer with an uncanny ability and passion of finding unusual ideas, off the beaten path, even in everyday occurrences.
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