Airkix Review
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Airkix
Reviewed by Louise van Weezel
I have always wanted to do skydiving but the money has never really been there. So when I heard about Airkix indoor skydiving I was over the moon with excitement, I was finally able to experience skydiving but for the much smaller price, starting from £29.99.
There are two Airkix in the country One in Manchester and one in Milton Keynes. So on one of my free afternoons I went on a train to Manchester to catch my flight. The site was easy to find as it is situated right across from the Trafford Centre.
As with a real flight I had to check in an hour before, this gave the event a ‘real flight’ experience. During the check in I got a little confused, but the girls behind the check in desk were very helpful and customer friendly, and they guided me through the process with a smile. I was then guided upstairs, where I was met with the sight of a massive tunnel. I was able to see the other visitor flying around, or rather blowing around. The tunnel blows up air with up to 180-mph/290-kph, so yes it is incredibly fast. The speed was also visible, people’s faces as the skin was stretched up to the max, a rather effective facelift some may say. When I first saw the other visitors flying around, I got the shivers as it looked good yet a little frightening. However, when I the flyers came out of the tunnel, each and every one of them had a massive grin on their face, which was a massive reassurance and I felt ready to get blown up in the air.
Before the flight me and three other visitors were introduced to our instructor, Simon, who then took us into the training room where we watched a video with all the safety instructions and information. All the way through Simon was there helping answering any questions that occurred. When we had the required knowledge we got into the right gear. For the dive you need to wear trainers, as any other shoe will just blow off. Airkix then provides you with a jumpsuit, a helmet and safety glasses and you soon look like a pro. While getting into the gear Simon told us a little about his background as a skydiver, this was a really good way to get us all at ease and feel comfortable with him.
When everyone was ready we were guided into the waiting room for the tunnel, and after a few minutes waiting time it was my turn. I walked to the doorway, Simon guided me through and then; I was flying!
The feeling of flying was incredible, while I was trying to remember all the instructions I found myself in an emotion of relaxation mixed with an adrenalin rush, a feeling that cannot be described it simply has to be experienced.
In the first round Simon the instructor only let you fly up a few meters and spin around, as safety comes first at Airkix. However, it did not take long till I got the hang of it and all of a sudden my time was up for the first flight. While waiting for the second flight, I was able to watch the first flight on a screen. This was a great way to see how I could improve my posture.
In the second flight the instructor will ask you if you want to go higher up, and to this I said yes. I can only recommend everyone to blow all the way up, as this gives you the full experience of a free fall.
After the last flight you get the option of getting a DVD of your experience, this comes at a very small surcharge and you are also able to purchase the pictures taken throughout the flight or they can be found online to your enjoyment.
Overall, after today’s indoor skydiving experience I am left wanting more, but unfortunately I will have to wait until I have a little spare money and a free afternoon, till then I will have to do with reliving the experience while watching my DVD.
For more information or to book your Airkix flight visit: www.airkix.com