Indoor skydiving takes the part of a skydive people actually remember, the sensation of floating on rushing air, and moves it into a safe glass-walled tunnel. At iFLY Portland, a vertical wind tunnel at 10645 SW Greenburg Road in the southwest suburbs, a powerful fan pushes a column of air upward fast enough to hold a person aloft, and a certified instructor guides you through the basics of body position. The standard experience on offer is about an hour and a quarter in total and includes training, the use of all flight gear, two flights for one person with one-on-one guidance from the instructor, and a certificate of flight achievement. Nobody needs to have flown before; the briefing teaches you the arch-and-relax stance that keeps you stable, and the instructor stays close, holding you through the first moments. The minimum age is three, and children under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver, which is why the tunnel works well as a family activity that is thrilling for teenagers yet gentle enough for small children. Because it all happens indoors, it is unaffected by Portland's winter rain, and it makes a reliable fallback when a gorge hike or garden visit is washed out. Each flight is short, but the effort of staying relaxed against the wind makes it feel longer, and most people leave wanting a third turn.
Safety rules matter here and are enforced. Flyers weighing between about 260 and 300 pounds may be accommodated only after an evaluation by staff at check-in, and anyone over 300 pounds cannot fly. People with neck, back or heart injuries, shoulder dislocations or a hard cast cannot take part, and pregnancy is also a restriction.
Wear comfortable athletic clothing without loose pockets, bring closed-toe athletic shoes, and leave jewelry and loose items in a locker; the staff provide a flight suit, helmet, goggles and ear protection. Staff will explain what to do with glasses at check-in.
How the flights work
You take turns in the tunnel with others in your group, watching your companions from a bench just outside the glass, which is half the fun for families, and then step in one at a time with the instructor. Their hand signals tell you to straighten your legs, lift your chin or relax your arms, and you will find that small changes make a big difference.
The second flight is where people tend to improve, so listen to the feedback after the first. Higher-level flying, such as sit-flying or high-speed passes, is a later step usually offered as extra flights, and anyone curious should ask the staff about options when they check in.
Planning tips
Book ahead for weekends and school holidays, since time slots are limited, and arrive at the start of your check-in window to complete the waiver and the briefing without rushing. The tunnel is in the suburbs rather than downtown, so plan on a car or ride share, and combine it with another westside stop such as the Oregon Zoo or the World Forestry Center in Washington Park.
Confirm what is included when you reserve. It is a worthwhile splurge for families, groups of friends and thrill-seekers, and less so for a solo traveler on a tight budget.
What to expect
The experience
A briefing, then two short flights with a certified instructor in a vertical wind tunnel, plus a certificate of achievement.
Best time
Any day, any weather; weekends and school holidays fill early.
How long
About 1 hour 15 minutes including training.
Tips
Minimum age is three and under-18s need a guardian signature. Weight limits and health restrictions apply. Wear athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with kids three and up, teenagers, and thrill-seekers who do not want a real skydive.
- Families
- Excellent: ages three and up can fly, and everyone watches each other from outside the glass.
- Couples
- A fun shared challenge, though not a quiet activity.
- Pair with
- Oregon Zoo or the World Forestry Center in Washington Park.
- Time needed
- Allow two hours including travel from downtown.
Good questions
What is the minimum age for iFLY Portland?+
Three years old. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign the waiver.
What does the experience include?+
Training, use of all flight gear, two flights for one person with a certified instructor, and a certificate of flight achievement.
Are there weight or health limits?+
Flyers between roughly 260 and 300 pounds may be accommodated only after an evaluation at check-in, and anyone over 300 pounds cannot fly. Neck, back or heart injuries, shoulder dislocations, pregnancy and a hard cast prevent flying.
Do I need experience?+
No. A short briefing teaches body position, and the instructor stays with you throughout each flight.
Where is it?+
At 10645 SW Greenburg Road in the southwest suburbs of Portland, so plan on a car or ride share from downtown.
