Champions Defying Gravity in Sigulda

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Latvia lies Sigulda, a haven for those who seek excitement, fun, and heart-pounding adventures. From bungee jumping to soaring through the sky in a vertical wind tunnel at AERODIUM, Sigulda offers an array of adrenaline-pumping activities that cater to the most daring souls.

Read on to learn more about the unique town that hosts it all, and discover a truly unforgettable adventure of world-renowned skydivers Maja Kuczynska and Toms Īvāns at AERODIUM!

Sigulda: A Thrill-Seeker’s Paradise

Sigulda is renowned for its many adrenaline-fueled activities that promise to leave you breathless and exhilarated. One of the most iconic attractions is bungee jumping, where the brave leap from dizzying heights, experiencing an adrenaline rush like no other as they free-fall towards the earth below. The rush of wind against your skin, the breathtaking views, and the sheer exhilaration of defying gravity make bungee jumping in Sigulda an unforgettable experience.

But the excitement doesn’t end there. For those who crave even more thrills, AERODIUM offers the opportunity to soar through the sky in a vertical wind tunnel, experiencing the sensation of freefall without the need for an airplane. Whether you’re a seasoned skydiver or a first-time flyer, AERODIUM provides a safe and exhilarating environment to experience the joy of flight – we’ll tell you more about it in a bit.

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, why not try jumping out of a cable car? Suspended high above the ground, you’ll experience an unparalleled sense of freedom as you jump into the unknown, with nothing but the wind rushing past you as you descend toward the earth below.

And for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, Sigulda offers plenty of outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking with smart e-bikes, and a calmer flight through the skies by ziplining. The Zērglis Zipline provides an adrenaline-pumping journey through the treetops, offering adventurers a bird’s-eye view of the stunning natural landscape below.

AERODIUM: Pushing the Boundaries of Indoor Skydiving

Located in Sigulda, AERODIUM stands as a testament to innovation and adventure, offering the world’s most cutting-edge indoor and outdoor skydiving experiences. Founded with a vision to revolutionize the world of aviation, AERODIUM has become a global leader in vertical wind tunnel technology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of indoor skydiving.

The history of AERODIUM traces back to its humble beginnings, when a Canadian paratrooper inventor Jean St-Germain built the world’s first vertical wind tunnel for his parachute students in Saint-Simon-de-Bagot, near Montreal in 1979.

Ever since then, a team of passionate engineers and skydiving enthusiasts embarked on a mission to create a revolutionary new way to experience the thrill of flight. Through years of dedication, innovation, and tireless experimentation, AERODIUM has emerged as a pioneer in the field of vertical wind tunnel technology, with facilities located around the world.

But AERODIUM is more than just a technology provider – it’s a hub of adventure and excitement, where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to experience the joy of flight. Whether you’re a seasoned skydiver looking to hone your skills or a first-time flyer seeking a taste of adventure, AERODIUM offers an unparalleled experience that will leave you breathless and exhilarated.

World-Class Athletes Embrace AERODIUM Innovation

AERODIUM’s commitment to innovation has earned the admiration of world-class athletes, who recognize the unparalleled quality and performance of AERODIUM’s vertical wind tunnels. With state-of-the-art technology and meticulous attention to detail, AERODIUM provides athletes with the perfect training environment to hone their skills and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of indoor skydiving.

Some of the most ground-breaking technologies that AERODIUM has included in their modern open-air type vertical wind tunnel building are:

• The open-air type tunnels can create steady air flow for you to fly more than 15 meters high to create the most realistic experience of a skydive without the need to jump out of a plane;
• SCADA System – it allows you to see the full tunnel operation history and even control the tunnel remotely;
• Active Absorption Net on the bottom of the tunnel that turns the safety net at the bottom of the flight chamber into a trampoline as an impact absorption surface in case of high falls;
• Fly Wheel technology that is created via a heavy steel hub for fan blades which ensures increasing flyer safety with higher air inertia in case of a power outage;
• The usage of only highly durable carbon fiber blades offers no fatigue and excellent performance.

We believe this is just the beginning of what indoor skydiving can look like, as there are constantly more and more technologies being developed, tested, and discovered by AERODIUM engineers through an endless search for a more exhilarating, fun, and safe experience for both the flyers and the spectators.

Not only the technologies utilized in the wind tunnels are innovative, but their use cases are just as, if not even more creative – from the first flight show and a custom-built wind tunnel by AERODIUM at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy to military training and even filming for the big screen, AERODIUM truly can bring a new flare to any industry they enter. Read more about the innovations at AERODIUM through time here.

With all this in mind, no wonder athletes like Maja Kuczynska and Toms Īvāns are raving fans, and are always glad to experience flight in the tunnels developed and built by AERODIUM. So read on to learn more about them, discover how they came together at a camp in Sigulda to enjoy an open wind tunnel and even more!

Meet the Indoor Skydiving Great: Maja Kuczynska

Maja Kuczynska stands as a beacon of inspiration in both indoor skydiving and a more classic outdoor skydiving, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing aerial performances and unparalleled skill. Born with a passion for flight, Maja discovered her love for skydiving at a young age while jumping out of a plane in a tandem with her father for the first time when she was just 10 years old. She loved the experience, and quickly rose to prominence as one of the sport’s most talented athletes.

Because she started her indoor skydiving journey at just 11, there was no way such a young kid would be allowed to do a solo skydive. So until she turned 17, Maja had never jumped out of an airplane alone to feel the true sensation of human flight with a parachute. But once she did, Maja uncovered a new love for skydiving outdoors, and has been breaking boundaries of what jumping out of an airplane looks like ever since. And, to nobody’s surprise, with her indoor skydiving experience, her first-ever solo jump looked like she had already done at least 4’000 or even 5’000 jumps, according to her skydiving instructor and World Skydiving Champion Raphaël Coudray.

In regards to indoor performances, Maja admits that creating choreography is the hard part. Taking inspiration anywhere she can, the performer creates her routines based on observations and practices with other professionals, such as ballet dancers, breakdancers, trampoline jumpers, musicians, and even nature and animals. She doesn’t work with a choreographer, so it is important to look for new moves constantly she could introduce into her flight to captivate the hearts of her audience.

If there is one event Maja is grateful for, it is The Wind Games. Ever since her first participation at the age of 16, she credits this spectacle to her incredible growth and inspiration to get better all the time, as an audience member took a video of her performing and it went viral on social media at the time.

She has won multiple awards and challenges, from 1st place in Freestyle at the official FAI competition in Prague at the young age of 15, to becoming the Indoor Skydiving World Cup Vice Champion in 2022 and continuously reaching new goals through her countless fun adventures.

Beyond her achievements in competition, Maja serves as a global ambassador for indoor skydiving as a Red Bull athlete, sharing her passion for flight with audiences around the world. Through her captivating performances and engaging personality, she has helped to elevate the sport to new heights, sparking interest and excitement in communities everywhere.

Throughout her career, Maja has shattered gender stereotypes and defied expectations, proving that skydiving, both outdoors and indoors in a tunnel, knows no bounds. With grace, strength, and precision, she has pushed the limits of what human flight looks like, inspiring a new generation of athletes to reach for the stars and chase their dreams.

As Maja continues to push the boundaries of both outdoor and indoor skydiving, her impact on the sports is undeniable. With each graceful maneuver and gravity-defying trick rooted in her early gymnastics and horse-riding background, she inspires others to dream big, chase their passions, and embrace the thrill of flight. In Maja Kuczynska, the future of skydiving shines bright, promising endless possibilities and boundless adventure.

The Soaring Spirit of Toms Īvāns

Toms Īvāns epitomizes the spirit of adventure, fearlessly defying gravity and pushing the limits of human potential in the world of indoor skydiving. With his unmatched skill, daring maneuvers, and unwavering determination, Toms has captivated audiences around the globe, earning acclaim as one of the sport’s most elite athletes.

Since 2012, Toms demonstrated a natural talent for skydiving, harnessing his innate abilities to soar to new heights in the wind tunnel. With a keen eye for detail and a fearless attitude, he mastered the art of indoor skydiving, honing his skills to perfection with each passing day.

Toms’ aerial performances are nothing short of breathtaking, as he effortlessly navigates the wind tunnel with precision and grace. From jaw-dropping flips and spins to gravity-defying stunts, he constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring awe and admiration in all who witness his feats.

Behind Toms’ extraordinary talent lies a champion’s mentality, forged through years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Whether training for a competition or perfecting a new trick, he approaches every challenge with unwavering focus and determination, refusing to let obstacles stand in his way. That’s why Toms Īvāns became the Indoor Skydiving World Champion at the FAI World Championships, surprising the audience with an extraordinary performance that had spectators dropping their jaws.

As Toms continues to dazzle audiences with his awe-inspiring performances, his legacy in the world of indoor skydiving grows ever stronger. With each twist, turn, and somersault, he leaves an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars and chase their dreams with unwavering passion and determination.

In conclusion, Maja Kuczynska and Toms Īvāns stand as shining examples of the boundless potential of the human spirit, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to defy gravity, anything is possible. As they continue to soar to new heights and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of indoor skydiving, they inspire us all to dream big, chase our passions, and embrace the thrill of flight.

A Tale of Adventure: Flying High in Sigulda

Now that you’ve learned more about the fun and exciting opportunities in Sigulda, it’s time to follow the exhilarating journey of Maja Kuczynska and Toms Īvāns, two elite indoor skydivers, as they embark on an adventure in the open-air wind tunnel of AERODIUM. From their first tentative flights to their daring maneuvers high above the ground, Maja and Toms push the boundaries of their skills, embracing the thrill of flight with courage and determination.

As they soar through the sky in an open-air tunnel, Maja and Toms experience the joy of flight in its purest form, reveling in the sense of freedom and exhilaration that comes with defying gravity. From navigating the challenges of the wind tunnel to mastering the art of aerial acrobatics, their journey is a testament to the spirit of adventure and the power of perseverance.

But their adventure doesn’t end there. Venturing beyond the confines of AERODIUM, Maja, and Toms explore the rugged landscapes of Sigulda, taking on new challenges and experiencing the beauty of the natural world in a whole new light. From ziplining through the treetops to jumping out of cable cars, they embrace every opportunity for excitement and adventure, forging memories that will last a lifetime.

Embracing the Challenge: The Game of FLY

In the heart of Sigulda, amidst the whirling winds of AERODIUM’s open-air tunnel, Maja and Toms engage in a thrilling battle of skill and daring known as the Game of FLY, inspired by the Game of SKATE which is a popular skating game. 

The rules are simple – Toms does one move and then Maja tries to repeat it. If she doesn’t do it correctly, she gets one letter from the word “FLY”. The same goes for Toms when Maja does a move. And, the first person who gets the whole word “FLY” loses.

With hearts pounding and adrenaline coursing through their veins, they take to the sky, each determined to outmaneuver the other in a series of daring aerial feats. As Maja and Toms soar through the air, they unleash a flurry of aerial acrobatics and gravity-defying stunts, each move pushing the limits of what’s possible in the world of indoor skydiving.

From dizzying spins to graceful dives, Maja and Toms dance through the air with precision and grace, executing complex maneuvers with effortless ease. With each twist and turn, they test their skills and courage, striving to outshine their opponent and emerge victorious in this epic aerial showdown.

But the Game of FLY is not without its challenges. As Maja and Toms exchange moves and counter-moves, they face obstacles and setbacks that test their resolve and determination. From sudden gusts of wind to unexpected turbulence, they must stay focused and adaptable, adjusting their strategy on the FLY to stay ahead of the competition. Not to mention the creative ways each of them tried to come up with new moves that the other one couldn’t do.

Despite the challenges, Maja and Toms press on, their passion and determination drive them forward. With each new move and each daring stunt, they push themselves to new heights of excellence, inspiring awe and admiration in each other with their similar, but at the same time different moves.

As the competition heats up, Maja and Toms find themselves locked in a fierce battle of wills, each refusing to back down until the final word “FLY” is called. With hearts pounding and muscles aching, they push themselves to the brink, determined to claim victory in this ultimate test of skill and daring.

And when the dust settles and the final move is made, it’s clear that the true winner is the spirit of adventure itself (watch the full video to find out who won this skydiving game in the open-air wind tunnel). For in the end, it’s not about who emerges victorious, but about the journey itself – the thrill of the chase, the joy of pushing oneself to the limit, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing a passion with like-minded individuals.

In the end, Maja and Toms may have competed against each other, but they also inspired each other to reach new heights and push the boundaries of what’s possible. And as they land back on solid ground, exhausted but exhilarated, they know that they’ve experienced something truly special – a moment of pure adrenaline-fueled excitement that they’ll never forget.

A Journey of Discovery: Exploring Sigulda’s Natural Beauty

Beyond the thrills of AERODIUM and the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the Game of FLY, Sigulda offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor adventures waiting to be discovered. From lush forests to meandering rivers, the landscape is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

One of the highlights of Sigulda’s natural beauty is the Zērglis Zipline, a thrilling adventure that takes you soaring through the treetops, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. As you glide effortlessly through the air, you’ll experience the rush of adrenaline and the exhilaration of flight, all while surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Latvian countryside.

But the beauty of Sigulda isn’t just found in its adrenaline-fueled adventures – it’s also present in the tranquility of its natural landscapes. From hiking trails to scenic overlooks, Sigulda offers countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.

As you explore Sigulda’s natural beauty, you’ll discover a world of wonders waiting to be explored – from hidden waterfalls to ancient forests, every corner of the landscape holds a new adventure waiting to be discovered.

Conclusion: Embrace the Spirit of Adventure in Sigulda

In Conclusion, Sigulda and AERODIUM offer a unique blend of adventure, innovation, and excitement that will thrill even the most daring souls. Whether you’re soaring through the sky in the most innovative vertical wind tunnel or exploring the rugged landscapes of Sigulda, the possibilities for adventure are endless. So pack your bags, unleash your inner thrill-seeker, and get ready to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush in Sigulda, Latvia’s playground for adventure.