iFly Hollywood050

Indoor skydiving at iFly Hollywood gives visitors the experience of free-fall, without the hassle of actually jumping out of a plane.

Visitors step into a vertical wind tunnel which suspends them in a roaring column of air. Because the tunnel is constructed of clear acrylic at ground level, flyers get a 360 degree view of the surrounding CityWalk, while everyone on the promenade gets an amusing view of the flyer. Waving to Grandma is much easier here than in real skydiving.

A first flight at iFly includes a training video, instruction on hand signals (eg "bend your knees more"), a flight suit, helmet, goggles, and earplugs. Sneakers are recommended, but iFly does provide them for spontaneous types who show up in flip-flops.

Instructors accompany flyers into the tunnel for a series of flights, nudging and perfecting form to achieve stability in the air. A watchful operator adjusts the airflow depending on size and ability, allowing anyone from a three year-old child to a 250-pound adult to enjoy the thrill. And speaking of thrills, those who seek bigger ones can fly to the top of the tunnel for some extreme tandem tricks with the instructor!

Not surprisingly, iFly offers DVDs of flights, and all participants are given a Certificate of Completion. Each flight session is the equivalent of an actual sky-diving jump.

Birthday parties are also a big business here; a party room is available with catering, a coordinator, and a big screen TV for reliving each other's plunges.

Reservations are strongly recommended - especially for weekends and holidays - and can be made on the website.