arts&entertainment

Flying Without Breaking Your Pockets

By Anne Bartlet, Caprice Oliver
Copy Editor, Contributor  

Photographer: Arnold de Leon

iFly simulates sky diving in an indoor environment.

Have you ever wished you could fly? Now that wish can become a reality, with the Bay Area’s  iFLY indoor skydiving adventure.

Located in Union City, iFLY is a vertical wind tunnel created by SkyVenture, one of the most experienced companies when it comes to indoor skydiving.

The location in Union City, which is about five years old, receives typically around 250 to 300 guests a day, according to CSUEB student and iFLY employee Amerae Bergado.

“It’s simply a wonderful place to work at and gain experience. Many people from different walks of life work together here to create a family atmosphere,” expressed Bergado.

With the combination of superior technology and unique multiple fans located at the top of the flight chamber, iFLY gives customers wall-to-wall airflow that is smooth and fun to soar in.

“Just like other business, iFly has experienced the downturn of the economy. We do our best to find ways to help our guests experience flight even during these hard times,” related Bergado.

Even individuals who tend to be afraid of heights enjoy iFLY once they see the flying adventure involves absolutely no jumping or falling.

iFLY is open to anyone over the age of three, six days a week, and is perfect for any occasion, according to its website.

Customers particularly enjoy the reasonable price, as well as the DVD videos and photos that are complimentary with each session.

“We looked absolutely awesome and ridiculous in our flight gear and now we have a DVD to share on Facebook, in e-mails, and to show anyone who wants to see,” said customer Morgan Spencer. “It’s super fun and safe.”

Spencer really enjoyed the idea of being able to share her experiences on social networking sites.
iFLY has a free observation room, where people can observe the experience before trying it as well.

“You can actually see the people soaring in the air. [It] just makes you want to experience it yourself more,” said Joseph Ramos, while observing other fliers in the observation room.

iFLY is a great fun and safe community-building activity that is low-cost when compared to actual skydiving, which can make for a perfect weekend outing with family or friends.

“It’s a great spot to visit during school breaks for all college students in the area. You’ll see students come in groups or as a fun date night with someone special,” said Bergado.

iFLY is an excellent indoor experience that is a perfect pastime on rainy winter days, so be sure to give iFLY a try and see the magic firsthand.

This entry was published in The Pioneer Online on Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 at 2:26 pm.