Indoor skydiving, the stag do version
Indoor skydiving is the closest you’ll get to freefall without a plane or a parachute. You fly inside a vertical wind tunnel, a tall column with powerful fans pushing air up from below, and you float on it. On a stag do, it’s brilliant fun to try and even better fun to watch.
It’s also the best answer I know for the group with one or two lads who hate heights. Beginners stay low in the tunnel with an instructor holding on, so even the mate who won’t go up a stepladder can have a go.
How indoor skydiving works
You start with a briefing on body position and hand signals, because it’s far too loud in the tunnel to hear anything. You get a flight suit, helmet and goggles, then you take turns flying with an instructor right beside you. Each flight is short, a minute or so, and packages often include two.
A minute doesn’t sound like much. It feels a lot longer when you’re in there, and it’s surprisingly tiring. Your face will flap about in a way that deserves to be screenshotted and shown at the wedding.
Instructors often finish with a quick demo, spinning up and down the tunnel like it’s nothing. It’s very impressive, and slightly humbling after you’ve just spent a minute flailing like a starfish in a washing machine.
The good and the not so good
The good. No experience needed, it runs whatever the weather, and it’s genuinely exciting. Many centres sell videos or photos of your flight, so you can come home with proof of the stag looking ridiculous.
The not so good. You fly one at a time, so a lot of the session is standing behind the glass watching. With a good group that’s half the fun, as the heckling through the window is merciless. With a big group, check how long the whole session takes and book it alongside something more social.
Things I'd check first
- Weight limits. There’s a maximum weight, and sometimes a height and weight rule too. Check the provider’s limits before you book.
- Health and injuries. Shoulder dislocations, back problems and some heart conditions can rule people out. Ask for the list and share it with the group.
- Sober flying only. Turn up drunk and you won’t fly. Book it for the morning or early afternoon.
- What to wear. Comfy clothes and trainers with laces. Expect to empty your pockets and take off jewellery.
- Arrive early. Briefings start on time, and latecomers can lose their slot.
Fill the rest of the day
A tunnel session takes a couple of hours, which leaves plenty of day left. Go for a proper scare with bungee jumping, stay indoors with go karting or an escape room, then finish with a big dinner. Wind tunnels tend to be near big cities, so find your nearest and build the weekend around it. Manchester is an easy one to plan around.
Frequently asked questions
What happens on an indoor skydiving stag do?
After a briefing on body position and hand signals, you suit up and take turns flying in a vertical wind tunnel with an instructor beside you. Each flight lasts a minute or so, and packages often include two.
Is indoor skydiving OK for a stag who’s scared of heights?
It’s the best option I know. Beginners stay low in the tunnel with an instructor holding on, so even the mate who won’t go up a stepladder can have a go. No experience is needed either.
Are there weight limits for an indoor skydiving stag do?
Yes, there’s a maximum weight and sometimes a height and weight rule too, so check before you book. Shoulder dislocations, back problems and some heart conditions can rule people out, and anyone who turns up drunk won’t fly.
How do you fit indoor skydiving into a stag weekend?
A session takes a couple of hours, so book it for the morning or early afternoon. Then add bungee jumping, go karting or an escape room and finish with a big dinner. Wind tunnels tend to be near big cities, and Manchester is an easy one.
