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iFLY SF Bay
Category: Active Life Skydiving Skydiving [Edit]
31310 Alvarado Niles Rd(between Marcia Dr & Santa Maria Dr)
Union City, CA 94587
(510) 489-4359
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
374 reviews for iFLY SF Bay
374 reviews in English
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Review from Jason R.
Los Gatos, CA
1/29/2012
I had another fantastic time at iFly last week!!!
Brandon was a great instructor, very patient, and helped me work on a few cool moves in the tunnel!
Cant wait to go back! -
Review from Vanessa P.
Fairfield, CA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday this weekend and all I can say is..... IT WAS AMAZING!!!
I was really scared at first and even more nervous because you are "flying" in front of other people. Vince was a good instructor, but he wasn't allowed to let us fly high up into the tunnel, like other instructors, but because we were first time flyers, it was okay. I would definitely do this again!! -
Review from Matt V.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/1/2012
Now this is a truly exhilarating experience, and a heck of a lot of fun.
Your experience starts with a training course, where you learn the basics of skydiving (even if indoors), and the form you should hold. You also learn various hand signals that your instructor will give you in order to improve your form.
Once the training course completes, it's time to enter the chamber!
Flying around in weightlessness, trying your best to keep your head up, is nothing short of exciting. Well, perhaps it will be exciting for you; for me, it was more like floundering in the air, trying my best not to flail around like a plastic bag caught in the wind! Thankfully, the instructors there are very friendly, and very capable of helping you to improve as you continue.
The one drawback, I felt, was that it was a bit difficult to breathe while in the chamber, with the air flying at your face. Also, the wind blew the goggles straight off my face at one point (prompting the instructor to rush me out very quickly), so make sure you have your goggles on tight before entering the chamber!
At the end of it, they give you a certificate, marking what you were able to do by the end of it. I didn't do too very well, although they did give me a sympathy mark for my "ability to follow directions."
Well, the good news is that you'll probably be better at this than I was! Also, speaking from experience, I can say that you're truly in for a really fun outing! -
Review from Natahley B.
Pittsburgh, PA
1/26/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
This place is rad. Used a Yelp Deal to go here, and my boyfriend and I had an awesome time.
BUT, if you have any teeth that are bothering you, see your dentist before you go, instead of ignoring it and going indoor skydiving like I did, because otherwise, you could wind up having a root canal like I did! For realz.
Anywho, you come in before your arranged time, and they have you watch a video, speak with an instructor, and then get geared up in goofy-looking one-piece jumpsuit thingies, goggles, and general ridiculous-making pieces. :) Then, you enter this giant tube-like vertical wind tunnel.
It's hard to hear in there, so you have to rely on hand signals, but the instructors are great, so it's easy to understand when it's your turn.
Once it is your turn, the instructor holds your hands to help keep you steady, as you go soaring up and down and up and down. It feels amazing.
Word to the wise: Keep your mouth shut. Literally. If you let your lips part, your cheeks will fill up with air, creating a very unflattering squirrel-effect, and the strangers observing you outside the air tunnels WILL laugh at you and attempt to take pictures. At least, that's what happened to my boyfriend. :) -
Review from Bill C.
Mountain View, CA
1/28/2012
I bought a groupon last year for iFly. I tried to call and set an appointment 3 times and couldnt get through. When I finally did, they said they were booked for the next 3 weeks groupons. I was pretty frustrated and will probably try to cancel my groupon.
I hope to try someday but too frustrated now to try... -
Review from Julian E.
Santa Clara, CA
1/20/2012
Bought 5x of the GroupOn (for $36 each) iFly Get Your Wings packages. My nephews (16 and 19) were in town and I had been wanting to take my 8 year old daughter to iFly for awhile. So we all went as a group, along with my brother-in-law, to make five of us.
We arrived an hour early, waited about 20 minutes or so, mostly watching the folks ahead of us do their flights, which I think was worth it, especially since my daughter got more and more excited.
In preperation, we watched a short video, had the instructor coach us about hand signals and relaxing, and then got our flight suit, eye protection, ear plugs, and helmet. Waited about 10 more minutes, again watching folks ahead of us, then lined up and entered the vertical wind tunnel. We each took turns going in, for 60 seconds each, then rotated, and then did it one more time.
After it was done, we changed out of the equipment loaned to us, got our stuff back (cell phone, wallet, etc.) and then waited about 15 minutes to each get a burned custom DVD with video of our flights on it.
I enjoyed it, as did everyone else in the group, except maybe my brother-in-law, I thought he might lose his lunch. My daughter and nephews LOVED it and I plan to go back again (I don't think brother-in-law is that interested).
If you get chance, do it. It's similar to sky diving, although not the same thing, sky diving rush is 100x more intense, at least for me. But, for the cost, safety, and the fact I can do this with my 8 year old daughter, it's more then worth it and very enjoyable. -
Review from Kevin A.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/5/2012
After a not-so-pleasant experience at iFly a couple months back, iFly's General Manager contacted me asking if I would be willing to return for a second flight. I decided to take him up on his offer and was very happy with my decision to do so. As opposed to the instructor from my first flight (who is no longer affiliated with the company), my second instructor, Madison, was awesome! Although he was very laid-back, he still made it a point to enforce safety regulations (i.e. keeping equipment on at all times, maintaining proper posture while in the wind tunnel, etc.) throughout our session.
In regards to the time spent flying, individual flights lasted about a minute, and with our package deal, each person had two opportunities to fly. The first session is more of a tutorial for people to get acclimated with the tunnel, and the second flight is where you get to experiment a little more. In our case, our instructor linked up to the student and flew up with them (very cool). It was also very entertaining to watch the iFly instructors put on somewhat of a show for their group at the end of their flights, where they demonstrate their advanced skills in the wind tunnel.
All things considered, I am very happy I chose to return and felt that this visit was a much more accurate representation of the iFly experience. Whether you are a first-time flyer, a trained aerial acrobat, or just looking for something exciting to do in the coming weeks, I highly recommend checking out the wind tunnels of iFly!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/13/2011
2 stars overall.
The concept of indoor skydiving seems fun enough, but there were a number of… Read more »
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Review from Elaine M.
Richmond, CA
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
My friend and I went and was our 1st time, so we were a bit nervous. But our instructor, Victor, was so helpful and had a positive attitude. He walked us thru it and it was a BLAST! I loved the feeling of flying on air and had a grin the entire time. It was a real adrenaline rush...I recommend it completely.
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Review from Theresia D.
Vallejo, CA
12/29/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
First off it was well worth it to get the deal. For the total price I got 2 people to fly, we got pictures as well as a DVD for each of us. Now normally that would cost an arm, leg and some.
Now back to the program.
Easy to find location, easy parking and you walk in the door with amazement. I know I was stunned by the place alone, the decor was so fitting. They have a ton of fun things to buy as reminders of your fun experience if the pictures and DVD aren't enough for you. Now when you first get there, which I suggest you come about 30 mins early, you will have to register and if you have any coupons or deals let them know ahead of time. Finally head upstairs and wait your turn to get suited up and some instructions and a short video.
Let the fun begin.....or for some the scaring, LoL. I was totally freaked out at first but when the toddlers where jumping in the wind tunnel I figured I better take the monkey off my back and jump in as well. And I must say it was well worth it and a great first experience considering that months from then I would be jumping out of a plane....no walls to protect me there, LoL.
All in all a great experience. Great place for groups and birthday parties. -
Review from Julien R.
San Ramon, CA
2/7/2012
Ben was a great instructor really patient and great explanations on how to do everything! Definitely will recommend to others
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Review from Stephanie W.
Los Altos, CA
1/3/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Super fun experience! They are very professional and this is one of those experiences you just have to try.
I did a Yelp deal ($40) and was thrilled to have not paid full price :). -
Review from Kim D.
Belmont, CA
12/19/2011
If you didn't have to wait the hour, this would be a 5-star experience.
I took three boys (age 8, 7, & 5) - they were a little skeptical before we got there but once they were able to see what was going on, they got excited and loved their iFly experience.
If you're taking young kids, try and schedule your experience with Victor. He is what every Mom dreams of (good with the kids, nice, great smile, can I say handsome too?). He really was awesome - kept them focused, played with them in the tube, and really gave them an experience they'll never forget. Kids can't wait to return. Thanks Victor! -
Review from Shannon W.
Los Altos, CA
12/25/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
WOOHOOOO! Yay for awesome yelp deals that made this experience much more affordable!
I took my sister, her boyfriend, and his cousin along with myself to iFly and we had fun, it was definitely a new experience. My sister wasn't extremely fond of it because falling isn't her thing, but she still had fun.
I like that the instructor was super sweet and attended to everyone making sure they had their gear on tightly, hair tied up, knew everything that was going on and made sure everything&everyone was good. He made the experience not as frightening and definitely more "safe" (considering that iFly is already super safe as it is ) =] Plus, reception downstairs and the check-in process was easy and not as complicated as you would think, given the potential for stuff to be dangerous...so that was also cool.
The place smells a wee bit inside, but ehh, when youre in the tunnel, you dont smell anything anyway haha.
But all in all, I had lots of fun there and I cant wait to go back.
Im sure the guys had super fun =]
We got dvds of our flights which were a nice bonus with our yelp deals and I would watch but I dont think I can...it's probably really embarrassing haha.
But all in all, if youre up for a fun experience and something new, go here. It's fun and refreshingly different. I dont think you can not have fun =]
p.s. the dvds can be named...we called our dvd, "Asians Can't Fly" haha
I think it suits us well XD
Try it and have an awesome flight =] -
Review from F T.
Bay Area
12/24/2011
I came here to observe my friend did his first fly. But after seeing him did his two 1-min flights, I really wanted to try too. And when the staffs told me Costco sells a certificate for two 2-mins flights for $59.99, I immediately said, "let's do it!" We all went to Costco, got the certificates, then headed back to iFLY again.
In my first 2-mins flights, I believed I did pretty well. It wasn't that scary at all. I didn't really have any feeling of dropping. The real excitement happened in my second 2-mins flights when my instructor "took" me to the top of the tunnel and we flied up and down several times. It was super fun.
My main instructor, Aaron, was very nice and helpful. He was there the whole time guiding me and making sure I was safe. My experience with iFLY was awesome. I will definitely do it again. And pretty soon I will be ready for the real skydiving! -
Review from Spenser G.
San Mateo, CA
1/11/2012
Had a pretty fun time here altough we got STUCK with an inexperienced instructor. seemed like the group in front of us had more fun. you definitely DONT need to arrive an hour early wait time is usually 30-40 mins.
for the full price i paid ($129 couple's flight) and only 2 minutes of flight time each it seems like a steep price. but if you get it on a groupon or yelp deal it would be better.
I honestly think they could give us all some additional time in the tunnel for the price we're paying!
But i didnt hate it. -
Review from Aggy A.
12/31/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
This place is awesome. What a great idea for a fun group outing (or date!!!).
I bought a Yelp Deal for myself and 3 friends. The deal included instructional training, 2 rounds in the wind tunnel, use of their flight coveralls, goggles, and helmets, and a DVD of your experience set to a type of music of your choice. Well worth the money.
We looked absolutely awesome and ridiculous in our flight gear and now we have a DVD to share on Facebook, in e-mails, and to show anyone who wants to see. You can look up videos of people indoor skydiving on YouTube. It's super fun and safe.
I definitely recommend buying the package for at least 2 rounds in the wind tunnel. During the first round you just begin to get the hang of it before it's over. The second time around you actually get a little more confident and feel like you're getting the hang of it and you can control your movements much more (turning, rising and falling, rolling, etc.). Next time, I am buying 3 rounds. I want to do a flip in there.
The staff was amazing, friendly, and made us all feel very safe and comfortable. They really know their stuff. Plus, they prove it by going into the wind tunnel and showing you their skills with crazy awesome stunts in between your rounds.
I would recommend this place for anyone, young or old. But if you are heavier please call ahead as there is a weight limit for your own safety.
Such a great experience. So happy we did this. We still talk about it all the time. And there is no better gift than sharing an experience with people you love.
Just awesome! -
Review from Kelly O.
N HOLLYWOOD, CA
1/29/2012
We had a blast at iFLY thanks to Viper Vic, Chuck, Marquis and Adam. Everyone was very friendly and helped calm our nerves.
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Review from Angelina M.
Tracy, CA
1/29/2012
Great place, staff are friendly and helpful. Just the waiting area is small and it gets too busy.
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Review from Crystal C.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/8/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal 2 Check-ins Here
It's a bird, no it's a plane, oh wait...it's me!
I always wanted to try this, but it was a little pricey. When I saw that Yelp had a deal $40 for two one minute flights and a DVD (normally $85) I thought it was a great opportunity to try.
When you "check in" on your phone you get a free digital photo which is normally $4. you have to arrive early so that you can watch an instructional video then you suit up. Your first flight is more to get you using the correct form. As long as you follow the instructor you will be fine. Just remember chin up and relax. On my second flight our instructor Chuck increased the wind flow and he took me all the way to the top. It was so much fun! After everyone has gone the instructor will take his turn and do some crazy stunts. Its amazing on the things they can do.
If you want to come back they have a deal for $20 on return flights. If you always wanted to sky dive but was too scared, give iFLY a try. You get the feeling of free falling with out the risk of crashing to the ground. -
Review from Stephanie Y.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
There is a lot of waiting and watching, but once you're in the tube it's pretty awesome. We got there way early and watched 2 groups of people go in. We had a good idea of what to expect. You get to go in twice for 1-1.5 minutes and the instructor is in there with you. The first time to help you get adjusted, help you stabilize. The second time, you can do some pretty neat things with the instructor. Make sure you say yes to him. After he goes through the entire party, he then shows off.
I think the only problem is this place is small, so there is a lot of waiting around. While waiting around, there isn't much else to do. -
Review from Jeremy T.
Santa Cruz, CA
I love this place! It's amazing. I wish you had a little more time. The people that help you are great and it's just SO much fun. I would recommend this to any and everyone. You GOTTA try it!
I've been tandem sky-diving more than once so I thought this would be boring in comparison. I was very wrong though. The balance required to suspend yourself mid-air in this windtunnel is thrilling--and very different from a free fall from an airplane with someone strapped to your back. It's more difficult than you would think to stay balanced. However, there is always a guide in the tunnel with you to help. :) -
Review from Patricia V.
Mountain View, CA
1/15/2012
iFly
iDon't think so, not today,
iNot have enough money for flight today,
iBe back on another day. -
Review from Nathan H.
Pleasant Hill, CA
2/3/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I took the family to iFly a couple weeks back and had a great time. The staff is friendly, yet very processional. The facilities are clean and well kept, which inspired confidence considering the somewhat risky activity. It was very easy to find and parking was plentiful. I deducted a star for two reasons: 1) Although I'm sure it comes with the territory, the place was a mad house with seemingly out of control children running and yelling all over the place. 2) The prices are a bit steep in my opinion, considering you're only in the tunnel for a total of 2 minutes with the intro package. I really question how much value we got for our entertainment dollar. But we all want to go back, so I guess it was worth it.
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Review from Matt B.
Concord, CA
2/3/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Went with my daughter for her friends birthday party and got hooked. I was able to fly pretty good and the kids had a blast. Went back a couple more times and it gets more fun each time. First time we had Chuck and the second time it was Matt and the last time it wasTommy and they were all awesome. All of the instructors are cool and treat the kids great. My kids got to run and jump in (I hope I get to do that next time). Anyone of almost any age can do this just relax and have fun like they tell you and you will be hooked like me. Can't wait til my next flight, I will book a block so we hve more time to fly. Check it out you will not be disappointed and Fly with iFly.
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Review from Julia G.
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sky diving sounds good in theory...until of course, I imagine myself 10,000 feet above the ground, quivering like a baby with separation anxiety, paralyzed with fear. Free-falling, twirling, twisting, and flailing through mid air, all sound amazing when you know the cold, hard earth isn't waiting for you to take a crash course on landing.
iFly is the perfect solution. What a blast. Our instructor, Jason, was awesome (and hot - eye candy, Ladies!), I felt safe and well prepared, and the experience itself was like nothing I've done before. I'd love to come back and learn some advanced twirly tricks. -
Review from Sandy C.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
The experience was indescribable. Super fun! Highly recommend it. We bought the DVD of our flight experience and was able to relive our experience. It was a thrill and worth it!
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Review from Rachelle R.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Not that great. Kindof a ripoff for just floating around in a stinky suit with some dude holding onto your body 90% of the time. Do the real thing, you'll appreciate it more.
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Review from Ryan M.
Belmont, CA
1/12/2012
Ive been skydiving before and this doesn't really give you that feeling of jumping out of a plane. Its pretty cool all in all but if you are looking for the skydiving feeling, this will not suffice. Prices are a little high in my opinion and you don't really get that much "flying" time. If you have the guts, I suggest going to Skydive Lodi and do it for real for only a $100. If you can't stomach the thought of jumping out of a plane...this might do the trick for you.
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Review from Mike C.
Gilroy, CA
12/5/2011
I love flying and airplanes...I'm just not willing to jump out of a perfectly functioning aircraft! This is probably as closest I'll ever get or ever want to get to doing just that.
After watching a video and some basic instructions, you're suited up and off flying. it's a pretty awesome experience! You really don't get the sensation of falling as so much a sensation of floating. By the second flight you start to get the hang of it and you learn it doesn't take big movements of your head, arms, and legs to move around the chamber.
My son was cracking me up when on his first flight, he started kicking around like he was swimming! after some hand signals from the instructor to straighten his legs, he was fine. My daughter was a natural as she was rock steady inflight and even went high enough in the chamber that I lost sight of her for a split second. I don't remember the name of our our instructor but he was great, putting on a show for us after our flights.
My kids and I would totally do this again and next time we're bringing mom to fly too! -
Review from Colleen B.
Livermore, CA
1/14/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I took my daughter and her friends here for her 16th birthday. What a blast they had! Even at 40 I loved it! It is easy to see how a person could get "hooked" to doing it. Its as close to actual sky diving as you can get, but easier in the sense that you never want to look down becuase that is where your body will go. The price was fair for a chance to do it and a free DVD to keep. I feel the only way to do this is a
$40 yelp or maybe groupon deal although you pay less if you return again. The folks who worked with us were very helpful in calming the nerves of one of the girls. I have two passes left and intend to use them with my daughter again. -
Review from Lauren B.
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is awesome! A great mixture of adventure and entertainment. I just went here with a group of about 20 people and it was lots of fun and a very easy process. It's like flying in a fishbowl type environment because people waiting are all looking in on you as you try to "find your wings". I wasn't sure how fun sky diving would be when done within a cylinder that's about 12 feet in diameter but I could go here over and over again. It's especially fun when they take you up in the shoot about 20 ft or so. The instructors put on a pretty good show in between groups.
If you go here, be sure to look on the Yelp app for a "check in offer". -
Review from Julie T.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2011
Groupon was having a deal and decided to go for it. I always wanted to go skydiving so the idea of indoor skydiving seemd much more safer than being thousands of feet in the air.. and figure why not give it a try.
So I showed up there with my boyfriend in tow. The receptionist were super nice and watched a video of the different signals and body shapes that we should be keeping to have a safer skydiving experience. Our instructor was super friendly and super cute. By the end of the session, we got our dvd but had spelled my first name wrong. But over all, a very different experience I wouldnt mind trying again -
Review from Alvin L.
1/31/2012
got a yelp deal from this place for 50% off and decided to try this for the family.
it was definately fun, and a safe way to do skydiving.
my only issues preventing a 5 star review is the pexiglass or whatever the material is that used to enclose the structure is all scuffed up and hazy making it hard to see through.
the other issue was the $10 dvd option. it is basically a stationary camera that doesn't move and just continually records the entire group of people. and due to the scuffing and hazing reference above, the dvd video comes out pretty bad as well. my family of 4 was grouped in with other strangers so in our video we have to fast forward out their parts.
if you want to avoid that, my suggestion is to have your entire family or friends go all in one group. -
Review from shannone e.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/6/2012
This is just a super place to go have some fun. I would go everyday if I could.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/10/2009
Loved it! I could get completely hooked on this if it was a bit less expensive and a lot closer to… Read more »
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Review from Ez E.
San Ramon, CA
1/7/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Was there earlier this week. Victor was our flight assistant and was very fun and cautious for our first time. We had our niece's there and he was very helpful. They were 6 and 8 years old and was very attentive to their like and dislikes. We would definitely go back. I cant wait to get some tickets and have more flights. You will have to watch a short safety video and review with your group but it's easy. Have fun with your group and enjoy your flights. Can't wait to be back.
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Review from Do What Is Right K.
San Jose, CA
1/2/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
This place is really fun. a bit expensive and the yelp deal didn't really save us that much but, with that said, given the technology it is probably worth the price. We had a good instructor, although watching some of the others there are a few that are very into it and like to show off, making the experience really fun for the participants as well as the spectators.
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Review from Lv G.
Union City, CA
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had a blast!! Everyone here is so sweet. They make you feel so comfortable, and if you have no coordination don't worry they'll help you =]... I will be back!!
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Review from Peter S.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
What fun! Indoor skydiving! Forget about the plane and come here!
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Review from Gina S.
When I was 19 I jumped out of an airplane...so wind tunnel flying should be a cake walk right?
My brother-in-law is a recreational skydiver and has been to iFly a few times, my sister has done it just once more than me. A lot of skydivers use the facility to practice controlled movements for skydiving formations or whatnot. And a lot of newbies come to experience what skydiving might be like.
I wasn't sure what to expect. It's fairly busy so we had booked a block of time, 15 minutes of tunnel time total. It didn't seem like a lot to me initially, but the three of us went in splits of 90 second rotations so we could get a break and watch each other. It turned out to be just the right amount of time.
I went through a quick orientation with the instructor that would be in the tunnel with me. We covered the proper arm and leg position to catch air and stay balanced, learned a few hand signals and then suited up. Flight suit, ear plugs, protective eye goggles and a helmet. Closed toed shoes REQUIRED.
It was a little intimidating at first. When you're in the air tunnel you have an audience of people watching you. But I was so focused on the instructor with me and trying to catch air and fly in the a controlled position that I hardly noticed. The instructor that we had was SO good. He helped me learn how to turn in a circle and move forwards and backwards. Not to mention he was very passionate, funny and went above and beyond what we paid for.
It was amazingly fun and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I can honestly say after doing the real deal skydiving that flying in a wind tunnel was so much more fun...with a significantly lower mortality rate. -
Review from Jenn B.
San Mateo, CA
12/30/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Fabulous! Fun! Exciting! And the instructors are easy on the eyes - it's a plus!
Been here twice now, and had a blast both times. The process to sign in and get going is simple, straight to the point, and easy. They move people in and out very efficiently. Everyone has fun flying and watching people fly. I'd recommend everyone (no matter the age or size) to try iFly out at least once - it's worth it.
