Indoor skydiving has emerged as an exhilarating and accessible alternative to traditional outdoor skydiving. In recent years, it has gained remarkable popularity among adventure enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a first – timer looking to experience the thrill of free – fall or a seasoned skydiver honing your skills, one of the key questions that often arises is: what should I wear? The right clothing can significantly enhance your indoor skydiving experience, ensuring both safety and comfort. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dressing for indoor skydiving. Indoor skydiving facilities are designed to mimic the sensation of real skydiving, but the environment has its own unique requirements when it comes to attire. By understanding these, you can make the most of your time in the wind tunnel and have an unforgettable adventure.
Clothing Basics
Comfort is Key
When choosing an outfit for indoor skydiving, comfort should be your top priority. You’ll be spending time in a vertical wind tunnel, where strong air currents will be pushing against your body. Tight, restrictive clothing can impede your movement and make the experience less enjoyable. Instead, opt for loose – fitting, breathable fabrics that allow you to move freely. For example, jogging pants or sweatpants are an excellent choice for the lower body. They provide flexibility and won’t constrict your legs as you maneuver in the wind tunnel. Similarly, a loose – fitting t – shirt or a lightweight long – sleeve shirt is ideal for the upper body. Avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, or other hard parts that could potentially cause injury if they come into contact with the wind tunnel walls or other equipment.
No Loose Ends
While loose – fitting clothing is recommended, it’s important to ensure that there are no overly long or loose parts that could get caught in the wind or equipment. Long scarves, wide – flowing sleeves, or baggy pants with extra – long legs should be avoided. These can create drag in the wind tunnel and may even pose a safety hazard.
If you choose to wear a long – sleeve shirt, make sure the cuffs are snug enough to stay in place. For pants, consider ones with an elastic waistband and cuffs that fit tightly around the ankles. This will keep your clothing streamlined and prevent any parts from flapping around in the wind.
Footwear
Closed – Toe Shoes
Proper footwear is essential for indoor skydiving. You must wear closed – toe shoes to protect your feet from any potential impacts or debris in the wind tunnel. Sandals, flip – flops, or open – toed shoes are strictly prohibited. Athletic shoes, such as running shoes or cross – trainers, are the best option. They provide good support for your feet and ankles, which is important as you’ll be using your legs to control your body position in the wind. Make sure your shoes fit well. Loose – fitting shoes can come off during the flight, while shoes that are too tight can cause discomfort. Also, check that the soles of your shoes have a good grip. This will help you maintain your balance when entering and exiting the wind tunnel.
Avoid High – Heels and Platform Shoes: High – heels and platform shoes are completely inappropriate for indoor skydiving. Not only do they lack the necessary support and protection for your feet, but they can also throw off your balance and make it difficult to control your body in the wind. Stick to flat, comfortable athletic shoes to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Head and Hair
Headgear
Most indoor skydiving facilities will provide you with a helmet to wear during your flight. This is a crucial safety measure as it protects your head from any potential collisions in the wind tunnel. The helmets provided are usually lightweight and well – ventilated to keep you comfortable. Make sure the helmet fits properly. It should be snug enough to stay in place but not so tight that it causes discomfort or restricts your movement. Some facilities may also offer additional headgear options, such as goggles. Goggles can be useful if you have sensitive eyes or if you want to protect your eyes from the wind. However, they are not always necessary, especially if the wind tunnel has a well – designed air circulation system that doesn’t cause excessive wind in your face.
Hair Considerations: If you have long hair, it’s important to tie it back securely before entering the wind tunnel. Long, loose hair can be a distraction and may even get in your face, obscuring your vision. A ponytail or a braid is a good option. You can also use a hairnet if you prefer, especially if you have very thick or curly hair. Just make sure that whatever you use to tie your hair back is secure and won’t come undone during the flight.
Gloves (Optional but Recommended)
Protect Your Hands
Gloves are not always required for indoor skydiving, but they can be a great addition to your gear. When you’re in the wind tunnel, your hands are constantly exposed to the strong air currents. Gloves can help protect your hands from the windburn and also provide a better grip. This can be particularly useful if you’re trying to perform more advanced maneuvers or if you want to have more control over your body position. Look for gloves that are made of a lightweight, breathable material. Leather or synthetic leather gloves are a popular choice as they are durable and offer good protection. Make sure the gloves fit well. They should be tight enough to stay on your hands but not so tight that they restrict your finger movement.
Types of Gloves: There are different types of gloves available for indoor skydiving. Some gloves are designed specifically for skydiving and have features such as reinforced palms and fingers for better grip. These gloves are often more expensive but offer the best performance. However, if you’re on a budget, you can also consider using regular athletic gloves. Just make sure they meet the requirements of being lightweight, breathable, and providing a good grip.
Layers
Temperature Control
Indoor skydiving facilities can vary in temperature. Some may be quite warm due to the energy generated by the wind tunnel fans, while others may be cooler. Wearing layers can help you adjust to the temperature and stay comfortable throughout your experience.Start with a base layer that is made of a moisture – wicking material. This will help keep your skin dry by drawing sweat away from your body. A lightweight long – sleeve shirt or a thermal top can be a good base layer. On top of this, you can add a loose – fitting t – shirt or a light jacket. If it’s warm in the facility, you can easily remove the outer layer. If it’s cooler, you can keep it on or even add an extra layer if needed.
Flexibility in Movement: Layers also offer the advantage of not restricting your movement. Since each layer is relatively loose – fitting, you can still move freely in the wind tunnel. Just make sure that the layers are not so bulky that they create too much drag or make it difficult for you to control your body position.
Jewelry and Accessories
Remove Jewelry
It’s highly recommended that you remove all jewelry before indoor skydiving. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings can all pose a safety risk. They can get caught in the wind tunnel equipment or cause injury to you or other flyers if they come loose during the flight. Even small stud earrings can be a problem as they can be pushed into your earlobe by the force of the wind. If you have any piercings that you can’t remove, make sure they are covered or taped down securely. However, it’s still best to avoid wearing any jewelry if possible.
Other Accessories: Avoid wearing hats, except for the helmet provided by the facility. Hats can be blown off in the wind tunnel and may cause a distraction. Sunglasses should also be left behind as they can fall off and break, and they may not provide the best vision in the wind tunnel environment. If you need to carry any personal items, such as a phone or keys, make sure to store them in a locker provided by the facility before your flight.
Special Considerations for Women
Sports Bras: For female indoor skydivers, wearing a proper sports bra is essential. The strong air currents in the wind tunnel can cause a lot of movement, and a supportive sports bra will help reduce discomfort and provide the necessary support. Look for a sports bra that is designed for high – impact activities. It should fit snugly but not be too tight. There are different styles of sports bras available, such as compression bras and encapsulation bras. Choose the one that feels most comfortable for you.
Clothing Options
In addition to the general clothing guidelines, women may have some specific clothing options to consider. For example, a one – piece jumpsuit – style outfit can be a great choice as it provides a streamlined look and ensures that no clothing parts come loose. However, if you prefer separates, make sure that your top and bottom pieces fit well together and don’t ride up or down during the flight. Also, consider the color and pattern of your clothing. Bright, bold colors can make it easier for the instructors to see you in the wind tunnel, which can be helpful for safety and instruction purposes.
Special Considerations for Men
Compression Gear: Some men may find that wearing compression gear, such as compression shorts or a compression shirt, can enhance their indoor skydiving experience. Compression gear can help reduce muscle fatigue and provide support to the muscles. It also has a snug fit, which can prevent any clothing from moving around too much in the wind tunnel. However, make sure that the compression gear is not too tight as it can restrict blood flow.
Shirt and Pants Fit: Similar to women, men should pay attention to the fit of their shirts and pants. A well – fitting t – shirt that is not too loose or too tight will provide the right balance of comfort and freedom of movement. For pants, make sure they are not too baggy around the crotch area as this can create unnecessary drag. Jogging pants or athletic pants with a tapered leg are a good choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right clothing for indoor skydiving is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Comfort, safety, and freedom of movement should be your main considerations when selecting an outfit. Remember to wear loose – fitting, breathable clothing with no loose ends, closed – toe shoes, and appropriate headgear. Consider wearing gloves for added protection and control, and dress in layers to adjust to the temperature of the facility. Remove all jewelry and avoid other accessories that could pose a risk. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well – prepared to take on the exciting challenge of indoor skydiving and make the most of your flight in the wind tunnel. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced indoor skydiver, the right clothing can make a significant difference in your overall experience. So, take the time to plan your outfit, and get ready to soar through the air in style and comfort.
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