Adventure has always been a part of my life. From athletics to playing soccer, goalball, rock climbing, and many other sports, I have always pushed my limits. One of my biggest dreams is to experience real skydiving, but before taking that leap, I wanted to get a feel for what it would be like. So, after moving to Montreal, I decided to try indoor skydiving at iFLY Montreal as a unique way to celebrate my birthday on December 2nd.
Planning My Indoor Skydiving Experience
When I booked my session, I had a few questions in my mind, mainly about how they would guide me as a blind person. In a wind tunnel where the air pressure is so strong, hearing is nearly impossible, and as a blind person, hearing is my strongest sense. This made me wonder how the instructors would communicate with me during the flight.
However, when a place truly understands inclusion, they find ways to make the experience accessible. And that’s exactly what iFLY Montreal did. They didn’t let my disability be a barrier; instead, they worked with me to ensure I had the best experience possible.
How They Guided Me Without Verbal Instructions
The instructor explained how they would communicate through touch during the flight. Since verbal instructions wouldn’t work inside the wind tunnel, we practiced different physical cues:
- A touch on my right arm meant one thing,
- A touch on my left leg meant another,
- A press on one knee signaled a specific movement,
- Another type of press signaled a different adjustment.
With these clear and simple non-verbal instructions, I was able to understand how to position my body during the flight. This kind of mentorship and adaptation made all the difference in my experience.
The Feeling of Flying
When I finally entered the wind tunnel and started floating, it was beyond anything I had imagined. For the first time, I truly felt like a bird. I felt weightless, as if I had wings and could fly freely. It was an overwhelming feeling of freedom, excitement, and joy—a moment I will never forget.
I even did it twice, and both times, the experience was incredible. I posted my indoor skydiving video on Facebook, and the response was amazing. This was not just an adventure; it was a reminder that with determination and passion, you can do anything, no matter your disability.
Looking Ahead, Real Skydiving Next!
This experience has strengthened my dream of doing real skydiving. Hopefully, by summer, I will take that leap from a plane and feel the ultimate thrill of free-fall.
A Message of Inclusion and Possibility
One of the biggest takeaways from this experience is the power of inclusion and good mentorship. If the instructor had refused to train me because of my blindness, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. But because he was supportive, knowledgeable, and willing to adapt, he helped me complete my dream.
This experience proves that if you have the passion and determination to do something, nothing can stop you, not even a disability.
A huge thank you to iFLY Montreal for making this possible. I look forward to doing something even bigger and more exciting in the future!