Standing in the edge of the doorway I shivered as the 150mph winds whipped past my face. I was about to experience the biggest addition to the UK skydiving community – the Bedford wind tunnel. Since its September opening, Bodyflight has become a first-class facility for ‘bodyflying’ – the sport of flying on a column of air. As a member of the Nottingham skydive club I had the opportunity to sample this massive vertical windstorm.
Since it was my first time in a wind tunnel, I received an extensive brief on what to expect and how to maintain body control. Although reluctant to admit it, I was getting quite nervous. When it was my turn to fly I stood in the doorway and held my arms straight out to the side. I held my breath as I fell forwards. The mesh netting of the floor rushed towards me until I was suddenly caught by the wind and my body was lifted. The instructor held onto my jumpsuit until I gained control of my body.
Three feet above ground
I found myself floating three feet above the mesh floor, as light as a feather. I wish I could say I held that position, but there is one major difference between bodyflying and skydiving – the lack of gravity. The slightest body movement can cause you to soar to the top of the 26ft high tunnel and then just as quickly, plummet back to the floor. It is a soft, painless fall, but a confidence crusher nonetheless. I was relieved to learn I was not the only one who felt out of control. Skydiver Richard Beazley (21) complained: “I was all over the place. I was as messy as a plate of spaghetti.”
With a diameter of over 16.2ft, Bodyflight is the largest structure of its kind attracting champion skydivers from around the world. The tunnel was converted from an existing structure used to test aircraft in the 1950s. The renovation took over eight years including the installation of a 4,000 hp motor producing up to 150mph winds. The large size allows for an eight-person formation – a procedure only practiced outdoors until now. Two hours of tunnel training is equivalent to approximately 120 skydives. For formation skydive teams, this resource is invaluable.
Increased skills
World renowned skydiver and wind tunnel instructor Ian (Milko) Hodgkinson has completed 10,000 jumps and over 250 hours of training in the wind tunnel. He says: “It is one of the best teaching aids for skydiving. It offers unlimited time to remove bad habits.” Milko was hooked after his first experience at SkyVenture in Orlando, Florida. He intended on completing only a half hour of training but one week later had completed over ten hours and noticed a drastic improvement in his skydiving technique. “Wind tunnel training is beneficial at all levels. It doesn’t matter how many jumps you have or how experienced you think you are,” Milko claims. After only 50 minutes in the wind tunnel, skydiver Ally Milne (22) says: “My skills have increased exponentially. Everything I can do is more accurate and more controlled.”
The first bodyflying structures were designed for military use and consisted of a large outdoor fan that created a bubble of air for the user to ‘fly’ on. This resulted in less air pressure on the outer edges. Bodyflight applies a more innovative design that is tailored to skydivers. There is a massive five-blade propeller at the top of the tunnel to create suction. This design results in equal pressure across the diameter of the tunnel. The air recycles itself through an outer ring that leads back down to the bottom.
SkyVenture introduced the design in the 1990s developing bodyflying as a sport for anyone to enjoy. Surrounding the flying chamber is an antechamber where flyers wait their turn. Unlike original wind tunnel designs, the entire structure is pressurised, therefore, people can enter and exit the antechamber without having to shut down the engines. Approximately 25-30 per cent of Bodyflight customers have never been skydiving, although many are anxious to try it after their first wind tunnel experience.
Freefall isn't scary
Ally explains: “It shows them that freefall isn’t scary. Many people think you just tumble out of control.” Bodyflight owner Paul Mayer was fascinated with this concept of a ‘never-ending freefall’ ever since his first bodyflying experience at SkyVenture in Orlando, Florida. He has completed 280 skydives but always preferred the freefall more than parachuting. He says: “If I could freefall all the way down and step onto the ground, it would be great.”
Paul, who has accumulated over 30 hours of tunnel flying, previously worked in computer consultancy. He said: “I wanted to change careers for something I enjoyed. “Without exception, everyone who walks out of here has a big grin.” For some people it does not compare to skydiving. Ally says: “Skydiving is a total experience – laughing in the plane, flying out and seeing the ground come rushing up towards you.” But when asked if he would recommend Bodyflight to non-skydivers, he replied: “Definitely! Just do it!”
Bedford based
Bodyflight is located in Bedford and offers various training packages ranging from one day to one-week courses as well as on-site accommodation. Any required training is included and there is always an instructor guiding you in the tunnel. The wind pressure is adjustable making it appropriate for all ages and body types. I spent only eight minutes training in the wind tunnel and by the end I was able to hover one foot above the ground and even complete a 360-degree turn. The wind tunnel is an exciting experience. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the thrill of skydiving without ever having to get in a plane – or for anyone who wants to fly. For more information on the web, go to www.bodyflight.co.uk , or call: 0845 200 2960