IFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING EXPERIENCE DAYS PARTNER INTERVIEW WITH NICK WAKES

Welcome to the world of iFLY indoor skydiving! With locations in Manchester, Milton Keynes, Basingstoke and O2 Arena London, iFLY brings the excitement of skydiving to the heart of the UK. If you've ever dreamed of flying without the need for a plane or jumping from thousands of feet in the air, then indoor skydiving is the perfect adventure for you.

At iFLY , cutting-edge technology and expert instructors combine to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned skydiver or a first-time flyer, iFLY offers a safe and thrilling environment for all ages and skill levels.

But what exactly is indoor skydiving? It's a simulation of the freefall portion of a skydive, where participants float on a cushion of air generated by powerful fans. This controlled environment allows you to experience the sensation of flying, without the need for parachutes or airplanes. 

Get ready to discover why indoor skydiving at iFLY is a must-try adventure for thrill-seekers across the UK; and to help us understand a little bit more, we spoke to Marketing Director Nick Wake who has kindly taken the time to answer some of our all-important questions. With famous faces, world records and a brief history – this is definitely one to read!

A. Simon Ward founded the UK business in the 2005. A couple of years prior to that he was walking off the drop zone, after his 19th jump of the weekend, when another jumper landed into him at high speed. The impact left him with a broken neck and nerve damage. He got a bit of time to think – 22 months in fact, while he recovered and during that time he thought about indoor skydiving. The first tunnel opened in Milton Keynes, branded as Airkix. There are now four tunnels in the UK, including Manchester, Basingstoke and now London's O2 Arena which since October 2016 have been operating under the iFLY brand.

A. The experience of flying indoor is totally unique! There is nothing else quite like it. What’s more it not just a thrill ride. It’s a sport, which the more you do it, the better you get.

A. It’s very safe.

A. Over the last eleven years all three tunnels have played host to several events ranging from exciting to unusual including: The Rugby World Cup trophy, a dog flight and numerous wedding proposals. iFLY has also attempted (and conquered) its fair share of world records in its time including solving a Rubix Cube in the wind tunnel (3 minutes, 16 seconds), longest kiss in freefall (31 minutes, 4 seconds) and the first ever ‘longest indoor freefall’ by legendary adventurer, Bear Grylls, together with UK champion Skydiver, Al Hodgson and iFLY instructor Freddy Macdonald. Celebrities love to fly. Shortly before signing for LA Galaxy, David Beckham hired iFLY Milton Keynes exclusively for his family and friends as a New Year treat. Other celebrity visitors also include: England football captain Wayne Rooney, radio DJ Joe Wiley, Take That singer Mark Owen, rapper Dizzee Rascal, glamour model Katie Price, model Elle Macpherson and Motorcycle racer and TV personality Guy Martin who filmed at iFLY Manchester during his TV documentary series, ‘Speed’!

A. Pretty much anyone can do it. One of our proudest achievements is our capacity for flying people with physical or mental disabilities. We get involved in lots of charity initiatives and are a great supporter of the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA).

A. Yes. Our mission is to deliver the dream of flight to everyone so iFLY tunnels are popping up all over the world. As for the UK….watch this space!

A. Our instructors like to think of themselves as the rock stars of the business and as far as our customers are concerned…they are! What many people don’t realise is that it takes many hours of training and great physical fitness to make it as an instructor. Those that do, get to live their dream of flight every day.

iFLY indoor skydiving offers a unique and thrilling experience that combines cutting-edge technology with expert instruction, ensuring a safe and unforgettable adventure for all. From its origins inspired by a skydiving accident to hosting world records and celebrity visitors, iFLY continues to expand globally while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and supporting charitable initiatives. Whether you're a seasoned flyer or trying it for the first time, iFLY invites everyone to discover the joy of flight. We would like to thank Nick for taking the time to answer our questions and look forward to welcoming more Experience Days customers to iFLY in the future!