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Indoor and/or Outdoor Skydiving at TAM9 (and possibly other stunts)

Wowbagger

The Infinitely Prolonged
Wowbagger
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Last year a few of us TAM folks when tandem skydiving, for some reason. It was certainly a fun, safe, and very interesting experience: http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177183

This year, I would like to sample Indoor "Skydiving", which takes place in a vertical wind tunnel. It is clearly not going to be the same experience as real skydiving, but it does offer a few advantages:

Why Indoor Skydiving Might Be Fun (Even if you already tried Outdoor Skydiving)
  • The opportunity to do light stunts: There is no guarantee you will be able to pull them off. But, the opportunity to do a few flips, in mid-air, is there, in the wind tunnel! When you go tandem skydiving there is no opportunity for that, at all.
  • Longer "Free Fall" Sensation: In real skydiving, the free-fall sensation lasts only about 45 seconds. Sure, it feels a lot longer when you're actually doing it. But, it's still not much time to really take it all in. During your Indoor Skydiving session, you will be able to experience the sensation a lot longer than that! How long depends on various factors, but we are talking whole minutes, here, at the very least. Maybe longer.
  • It costs less. About half as much, depending on various factors. That might be important for some of you.

So, is anyone else up for this?

How About The Real Deal?!

No experience is necessary. If you wish to jump out of a real airplane, here are some things to know:

* This will be a tandem jump: You will be strapped to a professional skydiver the whole way down, and he or she takes care of all the important stuff.
* You need to be at least 18 yrs of age, with valid picture ID
* weigh less than 240 lbs., be height and weight proportionate,
* and be in generally good health.
* Try not to drink a lot of alcohol for several hours before heading out. They won't let you go, if they feel you are "too drunk" or "hung-over" for the activity.

The company I would recommend is the one we used last year: http://www.vegasextremeskydiving.com
They were very nutty... I mean professional... and they are about 15 to 20 minutes away from the hotel.

I have not negotiated a price, yet. But, last year we got a $185 per-person group rate. (Regular price was $200 a person) Plus it cost an extra $89 if you wanted to take home the DVD of your experience. If we get a few people we should at least be able to match that, I think.

Anyone up for this sort of thing?

Other Stunts?
Feel free to use this thread to discuss other possible daredevil stunts anyone might consider doing, in Vegas, during or before TAM. I heard that the Stratosphere SkyJump is fairly insane:
http://www.stratospherehotel.com/Tower/Rides/SkyJump
 
Wowbagger said:
Last year a few of us TAM folks when tandem skydiving, for some reason. It was certainly a fun, safe, and very interesting experience: http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177183

This year, I would like to sample Indoor "Skydiving", which takes place in a vertical wind tunnel. It is clearly not going to be the same experience as real skydiving, but it does offer a few advantages:

Why Indoor Skydiving Might Be Fun (Even if you already tried Outdoor Skydiving)
  • The opportunity to do light stunts: There is no guarantee you will be able to pull them off. But, the opportunity to do a few flips, in mid-air, is there, in the wind tunnel! When you go tandem skydiving there is no opportunity for that, at all.
  • Longer "Free Fall" Sensation: In real skydiving, the free-fall sensation lasts only about 45 seconds. Sure, it feels a lot longer when you're actually doing it. But, it's still not much time to really take it all in. During your Indoor Skydiving session, you will be able to experience the sensation a lot longer than that! How long depends on various factors, but we are talking whole minutes, here, at the very least. Maybe longer.
  • It costs less. About half as much, depending on various factors. That might be important for some of you.

So, is anyone else up for this?

How About The Real Deal?!

No experience is necessary. If you wish to jump out of a real airplane, here are some things to know:

* This will be a tandem jump: You will be strapped to a professional skydiver the whole way down, and he or she takes care of all the important stuff.
* You need to be at least 18 yrs of age, with valid picture ID
* weigh less than 240 lbs., be height and weight proportionate,
* and be in generally good health.
* Try not to drink a lot of alcohol for several hours before heading out. They won't let you go, if they feel you are "too drunk" or "hung-over" for the activity.

The company I would recommend is the one we used last year: http://www.vegasextremeskydiving.com
They were very nutty... I mean professional... and they are about 15 to 20 minutes away from the hotel.

I have not negotiated a price, yet. But, last year we got a $185 per-person group rate. (Regular price was $200 a person) Plus it cost an extra $89 if you wanted to take home the DVD of your experience. If we get a few people we should at least be able to match that, I think.

Anyone up for this sort of thing?

Other Stunts?
Feel free to use this thread to discuss other possible daredevil stunts anyone might consider doing, in Vegas, during or before TAM. I heard that the Stratosphere SkyJump is fairly insane:
http://www.stratospherehotel.com/Tower/Rides/SkyJump
Click to expand...

I'm in!

(for the indoor skydiving.)
 
What's the word on this? My +1 would be up for indoor, but maybenot jumping out of a real in-flight plane. I really want to jump out of a plane, however, so you'd have some for either.
 
Here's one way to make it look like progress is being made: Let's form a table!

[table=head]Forum Name|Real Name (optional)|Indoor/Outdoor/Other|Preferred Time|Other Notes
bumlet||Indoor or Outdoor|?| + 1 other guest (see next entry)
bumlet's +1||Indoor Only|?|The +1 of the above entry
Gregoire||Indoor Only|?|
Wowbagger|Mitch Lampert|Indoor (or maybe SkyJump?)|Thurs. morning|Lead Organizer, apparently
[/table]

I will make some calls, when I get the chance, for more details.
 
Last edited:
[table=head]Forum Name|Real Name (optional)|Indoor/Outdoor/Other|Preferred Time|Other Notes
bumlet||Indoor or Outdoor|?| + 1 other guest (see next entry)
bumlet's +1||Indoor Only|?|The +1 of the above entry
Gregoire||Indoor Only|?|
Wowbagger|Mitch Lampert|Indoor (or maybe SkyJump?)|Thurs. morning|Lead Organizer, apparently
Ruth E|Ruth Ellison|Indoor only|?|Possibly with another +1 - will confirm
[/table]

I tried indoor sky diving at Universal Studios and it's totally awesome. So I'm in for indoor (but not outdoor - that freaks me out way too much).
 
The indoor version does have a maximum weight limit too and it was a little lower than I had expected. Harrumph.
 
Allecher said:
The indoor version does have a maximum weight limit too and it was a little lower than I had expected. Harrumph.
Click to expand...

Good point. Some of you might want to read up on those requirements:
http://www.vegasindoorskydiving.com/weight.php

Apparently, it has more to do with physics than anything else:

Guests who exceed the maximum weight are not guaranteed to generate enough lift to actually fly. Being outside the weight guidelines is not a safety issue as much as quality of flight. We don't want to take your money and then not be able to provide a high quality experience.​
 
Wowbagger said:
Good point. Some of you might want to read up on those requirements:
http://www.vegasindoorskydiving.com/weight.php

Apparently, it has more to do with physics than anything else:
Guests who exceed the maximum weight are not guaranteed to generate enough lift to actually fly. Being outside the weight guidelines is not a safety issue as much as quality of flight. We don't want to take your money and then not be able to provide a high quality experience.
​
Click to expand...

Translation: We don't have a motor big enough to lift your fat ass. :)

Sadly, I'm slightly over the limit. :(
 
I'm over the limit right now, but I'm working on it. The only kind of skydiving I will EVER do is the lovely indoor kind.
 
Give me a plane over a wind tunnel any day (but I will be up for both :D). From what I hear, the best part isn't falling it's hanging from the parachute.

I which I could have afforded it last year. :(
 
They probably should have built those wind tunnels with the anticipation that people are generally going to get heavier over time.

bumlet5 said:
From what I hear, the best part isn't falling it's hanging from the parachute.
Click to expand...
It is much more peaceful than the free-fall portion, yes.

But, there is something to be said for seeing the ground speeding-up in front of you.
 
Wowbagger said:
They probably should have built those wind tunnels with the anticipation that people are generally going to get heavier over time.

It is much more peaceful than the free-fall portion, yes.

But, there is something to be said for seeing the ground speeding-up in front of you.
Click to expand...

But when you do indoor "skydiving", there's no ground rushing toward you. It's the same physical wind sensation, though. That should be fun.
 
Also, I would absolutely prefer to jump from a plane.
 
Last edited:
Anyone else?

[table=head]Forum Name|Real Name (optional)|Indoor/Outdoor/Other|Preferred Time|Other Notes
bumlet||Indoor or Outdoor|?| + 1 other guest (see next entry)
bumlet's +1||Indoor Only|?|The +1 of the above entry
Gregoire||Indoor Only|?|
Wowbagger|Mitch Lampert|Indoor|Thurs. morning|Lead Organizer, apparently
Ruth E|Ruth Ellison|Indoor only|?|Possibly with another +1 - will confirm
[/table]
 
If it's indoor, I'm out. As Scrut says, they "don't have a motor big enough to lift [my] fat ass." I'd still be up for the jumping from a real plane, but it seems I'm the only one. Maybe another time.
 
I'm going to go out on a limb and say Scrut won't be available for this either.
 
Some guy named Obama thwarted my outdoor skydiving plans last year when he had the gall to fly into Vegas around the time I was supposed to go skydiving. Wouldn't mind trying again this year but I don't get in until late afternoon on Thur. so that may not work. Would consider the wussy indoor one as an alternative maybe.
 
I'd be interested in the real thing - MAYBE the indoor thing when I have time to check it out more. Didn't read the whole thread yet as I should be getting ready for work, but I'll be arriving Tuesday night and leaving the Monday after.

I've done the real thing once, and been waiting for them to make a pill form (non-narcotic of course!) of the rush I got from that unique experience.
 
[table=head]Forum Name|Real Name (optional)|Indoor/Outdoor/Other|Preferred Time|Other Notes
bumlet||Indoor or Outdoor|?| + 1 other guest (see next entry)
bumlet's +1||Indoor Only|?|The +1 of the above entry
Gregoire||Indoor Only|?|
Wowbagger|Mitch Lampert|Indoor|Thurs. morning|Lead Organizer, apparently
Ruth E|Ruth Ellison|Indoor only|?|Possibly with another +1 - will confirm

spruce22||Outdoor|Wednesday sometime| possibly open to indoor, but skeptical it could match the real thing
[/table]
 
[table=head]Forum Name|Real Name (optional)|Indoor/Outdoor/Other|Preferred Time|Other Notes
bumlet||Indoor or Outdoor|?| + 1 other guest (see next entry)
bumlet's +1||Indoor Only|?|The +1 of the above entry
Gregoire||Indoor Only|?|
Metullus||Indoor Only|?|
Metullus' Kid||Indoor Only|?|15 year old daughter
Wowbagger|Mitch Lampert|Indoor|Thurs. morning|Lead Organizer, apparently
Ruth E|Ruth Ellison|Indoor only|?|Possibly with another +1 - will confirm

spruce22||Outdoor|Wednesday sometime| possibly open to indoor, but skeptical it could match the real thing
[/table]
 
[table=head]Forum Name|Real Name (optional)|Indoor/Outdoor/Other|Preferred Time|Other Notes
bumlet||Outdoor Only|?| + 1 other guest
Gregoire||Indoor Only|?|
Metullus||Indoor Only|?|
Metullus' Kid||Indoor Only|?|15 year old daughter
Wowbagger|Mitch Lampert|Indoor|Thurs. morning|Lead Organizer, apparently
Ruth E|Ruth Ellison|Indoor only|?|Possibly with another +1 - will confirm

spruce22||Outdoor|Wednesday sometime| possibly open to indoor, but skeptical it could match the real thing
[/table]

Thought I'd change it to reflect my changes.

hcmom said:
Don't tell anyone, but I'm starting to think I may love Scrut...
Click to expand...

:eye-poppi

:hug8
 
The Central Scrutinizer has NO authority in this thread. Do NOT listen to anything he says, in here. He will deliberately try to deceive you.

I think we're aiming for a Thursday morning journey to the Indoor Skydiving place.
I might have to be back in time to volunteer in the afternoon.

Those who wish to do the real, outdoor, deal, can make your own plans, I guess. But, I can still help you out, if you need it.
Remember: The company I would recommend is the one we used last year: http://www.vegasextremeskydiving.com
 
Wowbagger said:
The Central Scrutinizer has NO authority in this thread. Do NOT listen to anything he says, in here. He will deliberately try to deceive you.
Click to expand...


Sounds familiar.

Father Merrin said:
The demon is a liar. He will lie to confuse us. But he will also mix lies with the truth to attack us. The attack is psychological, Damien, and powerful. So don't listen to him. Remember that - do not listen.
Click to expand...
 
hcmom said:
Don't tell anyone, but I'm starting to think I may love Scrut...
Click to expand...

bumlet5 said:
:eye-poppi

:hug8
Click to expand...

That's rather how I feel about it too...

The Central Scrutinizer said:
But, other Skepchicks are in love with me already. You may have to fight them!
Click to expand...

I'm not young enough or sexy enough to be a Skepchick. I can't quite decide if this puts you out of my league, or the other way 'round, but I'm certainly too old to fight. Besides, I'll likely be over it by next month. :cool:

On the other hand, if you were to come on the cruise.... :D
 
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