S-MAX Extreme

Month: September 2008
Organiser: Airkix
Where: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Why you should go: £45 will get you tuition plus two flights in the vertical wind tunnel at the SNO!zone in Milton Keynes. It won’t be long before you learn how to rise, fall and flip like a real skydiver. And you won’t even have to put on a parachute.
Contact info: airkix.com

Month: October 2008
Organiser: Indoor Skydive
Where: Roosendaal, Netherlands
Why should I go: You’ll be thrown around by winds of up to 250kph in a tunnel over 23-metres high. It will feel like you’re spinning around above a giant’s hairdryer.
Contact info: indoorskydive.com

Month: November 2008
Organiser: Bodyflight Bedford
Where: Bedford, Bedfordshire
Why you should go: It’s the world’s largest indoor skydiving centre and during a session here you’ll get buffeted by winds of up to 270kph. If that isn’t thrilling enough, there’s also an outdoor basejump simulator for you to have a crack at.
Contact info: bodyflight.co.uk

Month: December 2008
Organiser: Aerokart
Where: Paris, France
Why you should go: This wind tunnel, just to the north of Paris, offers two and a half minute flights for €65. With twelve engines and wind speeds of 250kph, this is one of the most powerful wind tunnels in the world.
Contact info: aerokart.fr

Month: January 2009
Organiser: London Parachute School
Where: At locations across Britain
Why you should go: A tandem jump (where you dive with an instructor who controls the parachute) will cost you from £235. After a 30-minute safety briefing and a short plane ride you’ll be jumping from a whooping 4,100 metres.
Contact info: londonparachuteschool.com

Month: February 2009
Organiser: Target Skysports
Where: Hibaldstow, North Lincolnshire
Why you should go: While you’re jumping solo, your parachute opens automatically as soon as you are clear of the plane. You won’t freefall, but you’ll still get a massive rush.
Contact info: skydiving.co.uk