September 26, 2017

September 26, 2017

Today we drove an hour north to Eloy, AZ. Mike bought a Groupon for an indoor skydiving experience. He did this five years ago with friends and two of their sons. This time I'm going to join him and I'm excited because I've always had a secret desire to fly. When we arrive at the giant wind tunnel we are the only customers. I guess Summer is slow.

Our trainer, Paco has us watch a short introductory video. We take turns laying face down on a padded bench to practice the beginner flying position.  Paco drills us on the hand signals he'll be using, since we won't be able to hear anything once we are in the wind tunnel. We stash our valuables and suit up for our flight. First kneepads then a jump suit, earplugs, goggles and a helmet.

We enter the wind tunnel's outer circle where there is a bench for us to wait our turn and watch. Once the controller turns on the fans it is really loud. Mike goes first. He assumes the position of folded arms to chest and falls face first into the tunnel. The wind holds him up, but he starts to sink a little to the floor, so Paco signals him to adjust his arms and legs and he floats back up. Sixty seconds later, it's my turn. I lean in and voila I am flying. What a blast! I want to laugh and shout, but drool spills out. It is over in a flash. Fortunately we both get a second flight. This time, Paco signals us to move back and forth and side to side.  Before I know it he takes hold of me and we are spinning in tandem up to the top of the tunnel. We do this a couple times. It takes my breath away and I find myself screaming. I'd love to do this again, but when I get home I find the wind tunnel has blown a new wrinkle in my cheek!