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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 23/01/2007 14:36:08
Posts: 8, Visits: 62 |
| | Ever since I saw the movie Dropzone, where the skydivers are training on the ground, I have wanted to have a go at this, but I've only just come across it, as something I could actually do! I would love to buy the experience for myself and my brother but I have read a couple of times about only being able to do it if you have'nt had problems with a dislocating shoulder. My brother did used to have a re-occuring dislocating shoulder. He had an operation to stregthen it about 12 years ago. Is this really still a problem? he has done a tandem skydive with an instructor last year. Also I live i the uk. Can anyone recommend which of the 2 tunnels/companies are better for a complete beginner. Thanks very much, I look forward to hearing from you. |
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| | | Supreme Being
Group: Administrators
Last Login: 14/08/2007 17:26:13
Posts: 123, Visits: 502 |
| Hi there, Tom.. Welcome to TunnelFlyer.Com!
Depending on wether or not you're over 12feet tall, you're probably better starting out in Airkix at Milton Keynes, this is a much more beginner-friendly wind tunnel. (It is a little bit smaller, 12ft in diameter as opposed to 16ft at bodyflight.)
As for your brothers arm, it's probably best you give the guys a call at the tunnel before you turn up. I am not sure what the implications of that injury might be. He might be alright.
I would definately recommend this to you, I have only flown a few times so I am a total beginner but I love it!
Hope this helps,
Jonny
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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 19/04/2007 11:40:32
Posts: 196, Visits: 498 |
| The only way to find out for sure about the shoulder issue is to give the tunnels a call. I'm sure everyone is very friendly and would be happy to discuss it with you 
GO FLY & HAVE FUN!!!!
~*~Spread Your Love & Fly~*~
Paige Rudolph |
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| | | Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 01/05/2006 19:36:40
Posts: 15, Visits: 65 |
| Hi tom, i work at Bedford and reckon you can't go wrong with either tunnel! I know we look after our beginners as well as we possibly can and if you give us a call we can hopefully sort you out!
As for the shoulder, i think you need to ring up and talk direct about how vulnerable it is, how confident you are with it and just talk direct to the instructors. Apart from anything else, whoever is flying with you in the tunnel would need to know so as to maybe modify a technique or two depending on how bad it is.
Hope this helps and good luck!!! |
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 23/01/2007 14:36:08
Posts: 8, Visits: 62 |
| Thanks for the replies guys/girls. I'll speak to the tunnels about it, when I can get through!  I must say, all of your enthusiasm about the sport is making me want to get flying ASAP. I can't wait! One other question though. I was thinking, as i'm not that flush at the moment, that I would just do the standard introduction session but 2 minutes is going to seem like 2 seconds I expect. What would you suggest? Is 2 mins long enough to get into it? Cheers |
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| | | Supreme Being
Group: Administrators
Last Login: 14/08/2007 17:26:13
Posts: 123, Visits: 502 |
| It's true. I flew my first flight at Bedford. The staff are excellent and they made me feel very safe. It just looks more intimidating, what with that big propeller and all .. 
Tom, 2 minutes doesn't seem like a lot but it doesn't go like 2 seconds. Body flying for the non-adjusted person is HARD work .. And after my first flights I was nackered .. I did 15minutes a few weeks ago and I was aching for 48 hours after .. Two minutes will be enough to give you a taster. With any luck you'll want to take it up - everyone will be wanting to tunnel fly in a few years!
Get in there early, so you can show off to the majority when they all decide they want a go.
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The Boss
Group: Administrators
Last Login: 23/10/2007 12:58:29
Posts: 115, Visits: 547 |
| itstomhi
About the shoulder injury. I'll tell you something .. it doesn't feel like it .. because its so much fun .. but flying is actually pretty good exercise and your torso and limbs have to provide resistance to the air stream in which you are flying. It unlikely - but possible that someone with a reoccuring problem could see their shoulder pop-out because of that resistance and no one wants that!! Argggh! The tunnel operators don't want someone with any existing injury to hurt themselves further and with dislocations in particular, they want to minimise the chance of you flying and a dislocation occuring in mid air.
Talk to the tunnel operators about it, get on the phone and give them a call straight away. Numbers for Airkix and Bedford can be found in the relevant forums on the site. It might be that they want to find out a little more about the shoulder injury and want him to wear a shoulder support (these are available from sports shops) but all things considering I reckon he should be ok. Assuming they were OK with it's a sport/pastime/addiction that on an ongoing basis could really help strengthen the muscles in that area to help prevent dislocation in the future.
Regards
James |
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The Boss
Group: Administrators
Last Login: 23/10/2007 12:58:29
Posts: 115, Visits: 547 |
| | Let me know when you're planning on going to fly. It doesn't matter which tunnel you choose in the UK I have block time at both. If I am there on that day .. or we can time it in .. I will give you and your brother an extra flight each from my block time for free - on the condition .. you tell everyone you know even half interested in tunnel flying to come register at this site. Drop me a private message with your contact details, where do you live? :-) |
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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 19/04/2007 11:40:32
Posts: 196, Visits: 498 |
| [quote]cloudfall (08/12/2005)
itstomhi
Assuming they were OK with it's a sport/pastime/addiction that on an ongoing basis could really help strengthen the muscles in that area to help prevent dislocation in the future.
[/quote]
I used the tunnel to rehab my broke hip. All the resistance without impact was exactly what I needed. I gained a ton of strength but you won't really regain all your flexability without throwing in some yoga or other stretching routine. The tunnel got me flexible a little but yoga def. did more.
If you have the $ I highly suggest rehabing an injury in the tunnel when the time is right and the staff say it's okay.
~*~Spread Your Love & Fly~*~
Paige Rudolph |
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