May 17, 2010

• I'm Flying!

  

  One of my students told me about iFly Dubai a couple of weeks ago and it sounded like good fun, so last weekend I decided to try it out. It's this windtunnel where you do simulated freefall. Here's a video of my first ever attempt at flying.

  I went with a colleague and friend of mine, Andrew, and we joined this beginners' class (ten of us in the group) where we first watched a video lesson and then we got two individual 1-minute flights each with an instructor. It was great being part of a group because people were cheering and clapping as each of us tried to fly for the first time. Because the flying equipment included ear plugs and helmets, we had to learn some basic hand signs to help us understand what the instructor wanted us to do when were were in the windtunnel. This hand sign here is quite easy to understand, I guess.

  

  We were told to relax, and I figured it would be a bit like swimming - just to let go and trust that the wind would carry you. And I was right. Already at my second flight, I started floating upwards. Look at the video - I'm almost hovering above the door at one point!

  I want to try it again! iFly Dubai is at the Mirdif CityCentre Mall - at the junction between Emirates Road (311) and Road 83. The beginners' class costs AED195 (USD53), and it's worth every cent!

  • 1:56 pm
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