Freeflyers in a transition.

Why the Best Indoor Skydiving Experience is at Paraclete XP

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Though they may offer the “same” service, all skydiving wind tunnels are not created equal. Ultimately, the best indoor skydiving experience is a combination of wind tunnel size and power, location, options, and price. 

While you might be tempted to believe that you’ll receive a carbon copy indoor skydiving experience no matter where you roam, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Here are seven reasons why the best indoor skydiving experience is at Paraclete XP. 

1. Paraclete XP is the largest indoor skydiving tunnel around.

When it comes to the best wind tunnels, size matters. Smaller wind tunnels can make you feel downright claustrophobic. Our giant tunnel measures in at a whopping 16’ 5″ in diameter and 53’ tall. This makes Paraclete XP the largest vertical wind tunnel in the United States!

So how does being the largest wind tunnel in the US make Paraclete XP the best indoor skydiving wind tunnel around? We’re glad you asked! 

Aside from comfort, the large dimensions of the Paraclete XP tunnel give first-time flyers ample room to fly and practice movement. Experienced flyers also value the extra space – we’re actually one of the best team indoor skydiving venues, period. The size of our tunnel allows teams of up to eight people to practice most competition formations. And because Paraclete XP is the best team wind tunnel and the largest wind tunnel this side of the pond, we’re also the chosen Indoor Skydiving Nationals venue. 

Admittedly, having the largest vertical wind tunnel would mean nothing if we were only able to produce a piddly little column of air. The best indoor skydiving experience takes both space and power. This is where our jumbo fans come in! 

Within the wind tunnel at Paraclete XP, there are four fans each boasting 451 horsepower. The result is enough power to comfortably accommodate freeflyers and military operations. Don’t worry! The speed of the wind tunnel is easily controlled by the tunnel “driver” and can be turned up or down as needed. 

Group of freeflyers in the wind tunnel.

2. The Paraclete XP wind tunnel is more than just a fancy fan. 

The design of the Paraclete XP indoor wind tunnel is another reason it is considered the best indoor skydiving wind tunnel in the US. Truly, our tunnel is an engineering marvel!

As opposed to an open air design, the Paraclete XP indoor skydiving tunnel is a recirculating model. Our mega fans push air out to the sides of the tunnel structure and past Temperature Regulation Doors (also known as Louvres) on each side. The air is directed by turning vanes which guide the flow of air up into the flight chamber. This recirculating model allows us to provide in-chamber temperature control, keeping the tunnel a comfortable cool in the summer and a cozy warm in the winter.

The recirculating design of our tunnel also provides a smooth column of turbulence-free air to fly on within the flight chamber. Yes!

3. Paraclete XP is in a prime location. 

Another reason many consider Paraclete XP to be the best wind tunnel is our location.

First and foremost, let’s consider our proximity to the skydiving dropzone just down the street. If this body flight thing really strikes your fancy, you can take your indoor skydiving experience to the next level … like, say … on a real skydive!? 

Well, at Paraclete XP, that is a real possibility! Our sister skydiving dropzone is just 10 minutes away from our indoor wind tunnel. Skydive Paraclete XP offers tandem skydives as well as a comprehensive learn to skydive program that includes tunnel time to help you progress efficiently and effectively. 

For those who may not wish to pursue outdoor skydiving, the location of Paraclete XP is also within a reasonable drive to plenty of fun, family activities!

4. Paraclete XP is a champion favorite.

Professional indoor skydiving teams won’t train just anywhere. The best wind tunnels have the space, power, and staff to facilitate training for competition teams. It says a great deal about the caliber of our facilities, amenities, and vibe that we are the preferred indoor skydiving tunnel for several world champion skydiving teams. 

As the largest vertical wind tunnel, Paraclete XP is the preferred choice of competitors for training in both outdoor and indoor events. With ample space to prep and plane, debrief rooms, and a video system for instant replays of each flight session in the wind tunnel antechamber, teams find all every one of their training needs met. 

Throughout the year, Paraclete XP draws indoor skydivers from around the globe with various events and, as we mentioned above, for the last several years, we have been the primary location for indoor skydiving team training as well as the Indoor Skydiving Nationals venue. 

Champions adorned in medals at the 2023 Indoor Skydiving Nationals.

 

5. Paraclete XP is great for group gatherings.

Paraclete XP isn’t just the best wind tunnel for competitors. From fun jumpers and first-time flyers to birthday shindigs and corporate gatherings, our tunnel is the top pick. Paraclete XP offers amenities like clean classrooms, party rooms, and corporate breakout rooms.

There is no better time than the present to round up friends, families, and co-workers for some truly epic get-togethers. If you ask us, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a little air time! 

6. Paraclete XP is budget friendly.

The best indoor skydiving experience should be fun and affordable. While we absolutely love outdoor skydiving, a tandem skydive costs a minimum of $200 and – although there are other elements to the experience (like the plane ride, exit, and parachute ride) – if you boil it down to just freefall, you get one minute of freefall for your 200 bucks. In contrast, the cost for flying in the indoor wind tunnel is about $35 per minute. 

If you’re looking to experience the sensations of the freefall portion of skydiving, indoor skydiving is the way to go! You’ll feel what freefall feels like without the price tag of a full skydive. 

Smiling young flyer in the Paraclete XP tunnel.

7. Paraclete XP is a fun first time introduction.

Firsts can be a little nerve wracking. Just think about it. First kiss? Potentially terrifying. First day of school? Overwhelming. First day at a new job? Downright anxiety inducing. 

The same “first time” nervous stirrings might accompany your first time flying in the wind tunnel. But, at Paraclete XP, there’s no need to worry. We’ll help ensure your first indoor skydiving experience is the best you can have!

Between our professional instructors and comprehensive pre-flight briefing, you’ll have exactly what you need to succeed. With a little of our expertise and support, you’ll have fun from the moment you arrive.

The best indoor skydiving experience is waiting. What do you say? Are you ready to fly? Let’s go

 

Men and women clapping and smiling while watching coworkers skydive indoors at Paraclete XP.

I surprised my kids today with a flight. At first they were worried but after they went through the instruction and their 1st flight they had a great time. They smiled for hours after we left. Instructors were very knowledgeable and friendly. This was well worth the drive and cost involved. We will be back. Thank you for being a great place to take kids. Keep up the good work.

James Griffin