Gravity Indoor Skydiving Bahrain
As you stand in the door of the tunnel and hear the fans get louder, you can’t help feel nervous. What is this sensation going to be like? Are you going to be able to stay stable? Will you be able to control your body? What is the sensation of skydiving like? These are the questions you will ask yourself as you take your first step into the world of Indoor Skydiving at Gravity Indoor Skydiving Bahrain.
We have booked ten minutes of tunnel time each to develop our skills. This is not a new venture for me. I have completed 30 minutes before and also my AFF course in skydiving. But it is the first time for Misha. So her experience is going to be interesting. Ten minutes is a long time for the first go. You can feel the wind take a toll on your back and body. Even after doing it numerous times I still feel the stiffness after a ten minute session.
We walk in the door and register at the reception. Gravity Bahrain is never too busy so you are almost always guaranteed to fly shortly after you book in. We fill out the necessary forms, and go upstairs to the changing area where we are given the jumpsuit and the helmet. Once togged out, we are taken to the briefing room and we watch the instructional video. I am asked about what I want to work on, and as I am still basically trying to get my stability right and my basic movements I inform our instructor this is my target for today.
Time to Fly!
So it’s time to fly! Off we go to the tunnel. I set up my GoPro on the outside of the tunnel, and take my space inside. I’m up first. The fans kick in, I take my place by the door, and wait for the signal to enter. As I have done it before I can enter by myself. I spread my arms, arch my back, and fall into the tunnel. The wind takes me and I rise. As I reach head height on the instructor I stop. Its time to begin my routine. I do some turns, some back and forwards movements, and some up and down movements. Time goes too fast and I get the signal to finish this two minute segment. Reluctantly I turn towards the door, and move towards it. This is the part I’ve been dreading as its always my weakness! But this time there is no problem. I grab the frame and bend my knees until I’m standing at the door, and coolly walk out. On the surface I look casual and relaxed, but inside I’m buzzing. I feel like I nailed it and can’t wait to get in there again!
Misha’s First Experience
Now it’s Misha’s turn. As its her first time she is guided in by the instructor. As is expected, I can see the sensation has taken her by surprise. The pressure, the feeling, the fact that you have no control. It is not an easy thing to do on your first attempt. But as the seconds pass I can see her improving. Her arching technique is better than mine. But like all beginners she is tense, this creates turns and up and down movements. I recall my first time and watching the guy I was with and wishing I could be like him. That I could have that stability and that control. Feeling like I would never reach that point. It is a common feeling and all beginners will go through it. Again it’s my turn, I take my place again, wait for the signal, and let the wind take me up.
We go through our routines until our time is up. For the last hurrah our instructor gives us an example of just how good some people can be. The control she shows is breath taking, and again I feel myself thinking, “I wish I could do that”. But this time its mixed with another feeling, a feeling that someday I can. I have perfected the ‘belly-fly’ technique, and now am going to attempt the ‘back-fly’ technique next time. I know that I will not get it perfect immediately, but this time I do know that I will perfect it at some stage.
The Feeling of Flying
It does feel hard when you enter the tunnel for the first time. You can’t get off the mat. When you do you can’t get away from the walls. You are going up and down and left and right without meaning to. You just cannot stay still. And its frustrating! But when you do get a moment of magic, a moment of perfect control, where your body does exactly what you tell it to, then you feel on top of the world. You close your eyes and you feel like a falcon hovering watching the ground for its next meal. You feel the wind blowing around you and you can make it do your bidding. This is what experiencing flight is about. This is what makes people jump from planes. True the wind tunnel can’t give you the adrenaline rush that exiting a plane from 12,000ft does, but it does a great job of getting you ready for that and gives you a feeling of what is to come.
Conclusion
Gravity Bahrain is a relatively new indoor skydiving centre, and is located close to the Bahrain International F1 Circuit. The instructors make you feel comfortable and relaxed, and are there to help you and to keep you safe. They tell you exactly what you are doing wrong, and they guide you to show you how to correct your mistakes so you get to experience the best of the wind tunnel. At the end you are given the option of purchasing your photos and videos, and the price is extremely reasonable. There is a shop where you can buy t-shirts, hats, or if you are more advanced, helmets, and altimeters. Overall, Gravity Bahrain is an excellent experience and is a great way to pass some time in Bahrain. If you want to experience skydiving but can’t bring yourself to jump from a plane? Try this!
– Information if you are planning this activity
Website for Gravity Bahrain: http://gravitybah.com/
Cost: Approximately $47 for two minutes flight per person
When to do: Gravity is open all year, see their website above for daily timings.
Duration of activity: Approximately 1 hour in total including briefing and suiting up.
What to bring with you: You will be given a flight suit and there are changing rooms available. Wear shoes you can tie tightly as if loose they may come off due to the wind in the tunnel. Also make sure to remove any jewellery or loose items.
Location: For the location in Google Maps please click here.
Our Bahrain Travel Guide
- For our Bahrain Travel Guide with information for people looking to travel to Bahrain please click here.
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- If you plan on Learning to Skydive please click here.