Bahrain’s journalists experienced the ultimate rush yesterday during an exclusive preview of the country’s first indoor skydiving simulator. Gravity Indoor Skydiving at Al Wasmiya, near Bahrain International Circuit, will officially open on Wednesday as the nation celebrates National Day.
Media and public relations representatives were invited to try out the facility, which features the world’s tallest vertical wind tunnel measuring 12 metres high and 4.3 metres wide – with wind speeds of up to 290kmph. It recreates the experience of hurling yourself out of an aircraft, without actually boarding a plane.
Prices range from BD19.500 for a two-minute “bodyflight” for one up to BD300 for the “Boogie Time” package, which offers two one-minute flights for up to 15 people. The centre also offers training for dedicated indoor skydiving enthusiasts.
“It would be fantastic to work with schools and universities and have young talents come here to showcase their capabilities inside the tunnel, with the possibility of having permanent leagues and international participation,” said Gravity commercial and marketing manager Zoe Edwards.
“Five months ago I didn’t know anything about indoor diving, but now after living the experience I know how amazing it is and with students getting into it, we are looking for strong platforms into a successful integration and continuation of the sport-entertainment activity.
“Gravity is a family attraction and our aim is to bring all members together not just to participate, but also enjoy watching or even engage in other activities or do work on their laptops.” Bahrain-based Samhaan Holding Company is behind the initiative and its general manager, Mitchell Lawson, said indoor skydiving had been acknowledged internationally – with an annual world cup for enthusiasts.
He said the kingdom’s tourism and economic sectors will get a boost by the launch of the project. “The demand by all age groups for indoor skydiving tunnels has increased worldwide, as there are currently around 80 tunnels and 38 are under construction,” he said. “Gravity will host local and international flying leagues and competitions and will enter teams in international competitions under the name ‘Gravity’.
“We will have special women’s days or hours in the future in which the facility will be cleared of all men in entirety – we already have special female instructors amongst others in support, but we need to first operate to take that decision.” Mr Lawson thanked His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for supporting the project, implemented on the initiative of Samhaan Holding Company chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa. He said franchisers Aerodium, who was supplying technologies and equipment, would ensure the facility remained state-of-the-art.
“The gear and technology that Bahrain has is of highly-developed standards and we are not going anywhere for at least 30 years, so things will be updated throughout and there are buildings that we are still working on,” said Mr Mitchell. “We are planning to approach the BDF and law enforcers with the experience here of importance to them as it teaches teamwork, discipline, order and harmony within teamwork.
“Our instructors are trained on outdoor too, so in the next step if we opt to expand it would be easy to do so, but it will be much more expensive.” Aerodium owner and board chairman Ivars Beitans said Bahrain would open new markets for the sport. “It is in Dubai, now in bigger scale in Bahrain and we are looking for new markets through Bahrain in the region as we strengthen interest in the sport,” he said.
The first human to fly in a vertical wind tunnel was Jack Tiffany in 1964 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, US – but it was not until 1982 that a tunnel built solely for commercial use opened in Las Vegas, Nevada. Indoor skydiving appeals to a wider audience than its traditional counterpart, as it only involves the “flyer” floating a few feet above trampoline-type netting. Those taking part are able to practise a skill known as “bodyflight”, which includes rolls, turns, lateral movement, fall rate control and other acrobatics.
By Mohammed Al A'ali
