Flying – without wings or a ‘chute
The company I work for treated all it’s staff to a special present at Christmas. We got the choice to pick one of several options for free as a present. From the traditional Christmas hamper to a variety of activity days, theatre tickets and spa sessions there was plenty to chose from. As I read through all the options one stood out as looking like a lot of fun and son on Tuesday I jumped on the internet and booked my session at Airkix in Milton Keynes.
The Airkix Building in Milton Keynes
So this morning after a restless nights sleep, I made my way down the road and onto the train across town before jumping on another train to Milton Keynes. Airkix is situated on the mind boggling squared block about a mile or so from the train station at the back of the Xscape. To reach it you either enter the Xscape complex which is full of fast food outlets and shops, you then head to the snozone (where you can ski and snowboard), through the snozone you will find the Airkix entrance.
The Airkix Entrance at Xscape in Milton Keynes
After arriving slightly early I signed in and made my way to the viewing gallery to see some ohers, it was clear it was going to be fun but it also looked difficult. I made my way back downstairs and got ready for the briefing which was clear and concise and went through the basic hand signals and what would be expected of us. Once briefed we dropped our belongings into the lockers and got kitted up with suit, goggles and helmet. We made our way into the tower and after watching the last couple of flights from the group before us we sat down in the holding area. It was time to fly. How well did I do you ask, well you’ll have to judge for yourself. And you can. Here, now.
Rory – Airkix at Milton Keynes from Rory O’Sullivan on Vimeo.
Alternative youtube version – http://www.youtube.com/v/9VTVasaEFZM
Well? what did you think, I sort of flew for a bit, I needed some help a couple of times but on the second run I managed to twig what the instructor was telling me about how to go up and down and understood the very basics. Would I do it again? Hell yeah, it was great, thoroughly recommended, it can be a little pricey but it’s cheaper and safer than skydiving (according to their information). I spent the train journey home thinking about how I could have controlled my movements better, how my arm and legs made me turn, or go forward, or how even the heavy belly I have could make me go upwards!
I even got a few ticks on the certificate to show what I did, so all that flailing around you saw apparently means: I have attended the introductory class and flew in he tunnel; Can follow instructions and and fly in a basic flying position with little assistance; can hold a still and controlled body position, can move forwards and backwards with reasonable control and I can move up and down the air column. What do you mean I didn’t do all of them? It says so here!
My Airkix certificate and DVD
