Learning To Fly The Art Of Bodyflight

The term bodyflight is slightly contentious, so let’s get that out of the way before we proceed. Generally speaking, the word is used generically to refer to any form of indoor skydiving which is normally associated with the use of an upright wind tunnel. However, indoor skydiving enthusiasts will also refer to the sport of body flying, implying a distinction that does not necessarily exist. So here, for the sake of argument, is the definition to end all definitions: bodyflight is the art of flying using your body alone, in a vertical wind tunnel.

The vertical wind tunnel supports the falling body, allowing the person in the tunnel to use his or her arms and legs as four wings. There is no apparatus attached to the flying person and the only motor power involved is the turbine that generates the wind. The body flyer controls all directionality by using his or her limbs and the angle of his or her body just like a bird!

Bodyflight is completely safe and can be enjoyed by almost anyone. There are a few restrictions that apply but your body flying centre should make you aware of these before you commit to a session. It might be risky for people over a certain weight to engage in the art of bodyflight.

Bodyflight is completely safe and can be enjoyed by almost anyone. There are a few restrictions that apply but your body flying centre should make you aware of these before you commit to a session. It might be risky for people over a certain weight to engage in the art of bodyflight.


Body flying takes time to learn, like any exhilarating sport (sorry, non-sport!). The best way to get into it is by starting with a taster session and then making a booking for a block of follow up sessions. Block booking can give regular bodyflight enthusiasts preferential prices and time slots. You will also be able to book lessons with award winning body flyers (the ones who have taken up the art as a sport!) and refine your technique.

If you choose to do body flying lessons, you will be able to mark your progress from simple to difficult accomplishments a great way to keep the enthusiasm up and really explore what bodyflight can do for you. Who knows if you get really good you may even end up becoming an instructor yourself!

There is an accrediting body for instructors the IBA or International Bodyflight Association. The IBA ensures that all instructors are experts in body flying and are capable of imparting their expertise to people who want to learn.

Body flying makes an outstanding corporate reward or part of a corporate day out. At multiple-day conferences, it’s even used as a diversion after a hard morning’s conferring! Body flight centres in the UK (in Manchester and Milton Keynes) are able to arrange bodyflight packages, which include conference facilities, refreshments and even places to stay. The let your hair down nature of indoor skydiving makes it perfect for team building exercises too, giving everyone a chance to see their colleagues in a new light.