Myth: You Need Velocity of 330 km/h for Indoor Skydiving

A common misconception in the industry is that wind tunnels must generate speeds of 330 km/h or more to replicate real skydiving. This idea comes from confusing the high freefall speeds in skydiving with the airflow needed in a vertical wind tunnel. The truth? It’s not about matching numbers—it’s about matching sensation.

Speed vs. Air Density

Seasoned flyer Andy Durnford—who’s logged thousands of tunnel hours—cleared things up. Yes, skydivers can exceed 400 km/h during freefall, especially in speed skydiving. But that happens at high altitudes where the air is thin. At sea level, where most tunnels operate, the denser air creates more lift at lower speeds. In fact, pushing past 300 km/h in a tunnel can actually make flying unstable and uncomfortable—small head movements can send even experienced flyers into a spin.

What the Pros Actually Use

Want real-world numbers? At the World Indoor Skydiving Championships, pro flyers aren’t maxing out the tunnel. Belly flyers typically use 150–170 km/h, while dynamic flyers perform at 230–250 km/h. Only one athlete during the entire event used top tunnel speed—and only for a niche discipline. Bottom line: realistic skydiving experiences happen between 150 and 250 km/h. Speed alone doesn’t define the quality—it’s all about control, technique, and body position.