Julie Peasgood reports back after a thrilling birthday spent indoor skydiving with iFLY UK at its Basingstoke centre.
I’ve watched the video. I’ve signed the waiver. My crash helmet is firmly in place. I’m suited, booted and ready for take-off.
I can think of no better way to celebrate my milestone 70th birthday than by channelling my inner Peter Pan and flying without wings…
I may not be jumping from a plane, but nonetheless my indoor skydive with iFLY UK is still giving me butterflies. And it’s not just me. The faces of my daughter Kate and granddaughters Saha and Jellie, framed by their safety helmets, are a mixture of excitement and apprehension at our group flight.
I have always dreamed of flying. Throughout my acting career I longed to play Peter Pan (or at the very least Tinker Bell) but the offer never came my way. Now I’m about to defy gravity, age and missed career opportunities in one wonderful swoop, fulfilling a lifelong ambition inside a giant wind tunnel, along with my family.
We don’t fly together. Instead, we each receive individual coaching from our skilled instructor Luke Chillingworth, whose calm reassurance quickly settles any nerves. As an end-of-session bonus he treats us to a breathtaking display of aerobatics that leaves us open-mouthed in admiration.
But first, it’s our turn. Leaning forwards into the airflow, we are gently lifted into the vertical tunnel by winds reaching 175 mph. Conversation is impossible, so Luke communicates entirely through hand signals learnt in our safety briefing. Gradually, we each master the ideal flying position.
Then comes the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The optional (and in my opinion must-do) high flight, soaring alongside Luke to the very top of the tunnel. I’m in heaven.
We each enjoy two flights and by my second magical ascent I’ve relaxed completely and really do feel like I’m flying. It’s exhilarating, fun, liberating - and utterly addictive.
We are unsurprisingly all converts and leave with plans already being hatched for future celebrations and parties, for adults and children alike. It’s rare to find a group activity that genuinely thrills everyone from seven to 70, but indoor skydiving manages it effortlessly. As celebrations go, this one certainly took off!
iFLY UK, the nation’s leading indoor skydiving operator, offers the unique sensation of freefall in a safe and fully controlled environment, enabling people of all ages and abilities to experience what it feels like to fly, without needing to jump from an aircraft or use a parachute.
- Available at multiple UK locations: Basingstoke, Birmingham, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes
- Suitable for first-time flyers, corporate groups, families, team-building and adventure enthusiasts
- Various discounted packages available for groups from around £34.60 per person
Visitors can also enjoy viewing platforms where friends and family can watch the action unfold, while professional photography and video packages help capture every moment.
Find out more about group bookings with iFLY UK here.
