iFLY Portland First Time Flyer Experience

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying like a bird or felt the adrenaline of jumping out of an airplane, but aren’t quite ready for the real skydiving commitment, then the iFLY Portland First Time Flyer Experience might just be your ticket to that thrill. This indoor skydiving adventure offers a safe, controlled environment to defy gravity and enjoy the sensation of free fall — all without leaving the ground. It’s a popular choice for first-timers, families, and anyone curious about what it feels like to fly.

What we really like about this experience is the professional guidance you receive—your own personal instructor ensures you’re comfortable and flying correctly—and the longer flight time compared to traditional tandem skydiving. Plus, the venue’s emphasis on safety and accessibility means even those with little to no experience can get a taste of flying. On the flip side, the cost might seem steep if you’re just looking for a quick thrill or souvenir photos, but for the quality and duration of your flight, it’s a fair value. This experience is perfect for curious travelers, adrenaline junkies, or families wanting to try something truly different in Portland.

Key Points

• Safety and professional instruction make indoor skydiving accessible for first-timers.
• Two minutes of flight time offers a significant experience for the price.
• Suitable for a wide age range and those with varying physical conditions, with some restrictions.
• Group setting with up to 12 flyers allows shared excitement.
• All necessary gear included in the price—no hidden costs.
• Accessible in different parts of the day to fit most schedules.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the iFLY Portland Experience?

At its core, the iFLY indoor skydiving experience is designed to mimic the sensation of free-falling from a plane, but in a safe, indoor environment. Located at 10645 SW Greenburg Rd, the venue uses state-of-the-art wind tunnel technology to generate winds up to 185 mph, creating a sensation similar to a true skydive. The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours from start to finish, but the actual flight is about 2 minutes—plenty of time to enjoy the rush and learn some body control.

The venue specializes in personalized instruction, with one-on-one guidance from professional flight instructors. This means that whether you’re a complete beginner or have some flying experience, you’ll receive tailored tips on body positions and control. The instruction is in English, and the environment is designed to be kid-friendly and safe for most people who meet the basic health criteria.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Once you arrive, you’ll check in at the front desk and be provided with all necessary gear—including a flying suit, goggles, earplugs, shoes, and a helmet. The entire process starts with a training session where your instructor will explain how to position your body for stable and controlled flying. Expect this to be a mix of demonstrations and hands-on guidance, making sure you’re comfortable before you step into the wind tunnel.

The actual flight experience lasts about 2 minutes. During this time, you will be floating in the wind tunnel, with your instructor providing personal assistance and guidance. The pressurized environment will blow air from multiple fans, creating a thrilling sensation that feels impressively realistic. Many reviewers mention the stunning views of the wind tunnel’s interior and the smile-inducing feeling of defying gravity.

Post-flight, some venues offer photo or video packages, which can be purchased separately. The reviews note that getting photos or videos isn’t included, but it’s a common add-on for those wanting to capture their flight.

The Experience for Different Travelers

This tour is suitable for a wide age range, including kids over 3 years old, provided they meet health guidelines. It’s safe for kids, and many find it to be a challenging yet fun activity. For adults, the experience offers genuine adrenaline and a chance to test your courage in a controlled environment. The stunning views inside the tunnel and the knowledgeable guides enhance the appeal, as one reviewer mentioned, “Chad was wonderful,” highlighting the importance of good instruction.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or those over 300 lbs. These restrictions are common in skydiving experiences and indoor wind tunnels for safety reasons.

Analyzing the Value

At $94 per person, the price might raise eyebrows, but when you consider the longer flight time and personal instruction, it becomes more attractive. Traditional tandem skydiving often costs much more and offers only a brief free-fall, whereas here, you get two minutes of actual flight—which is a lengthy and thrilling session. The included gear and guidance mean there are no surprise costs, and the experience’s safety record and positive reviews reinforce its value.

The reviews are glowing, with two commenters giving it a perfect score and praising the professional and friendly staff. One said, “Nice people,” reflecting the welcoming atmosphere that makes a big difference when trying something new.

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Practical Tips for Visitors

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in and prepare.
• Wear comfortable clothes and bring a valid ID.
• If you’re interested in photos, plan to purchase them separately.
• The activity lasts about 1.5 hours, so plan your day accordingly.
• The experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many visitors.
• It’s available in morning, afternoon, and evening, so select a time that suits your schedule.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For anyone curious about what it’s like to fly, the iFLY Portland experience offers a safe, fun, and surprisingly realistic taste of free-fall. You’ll love the personalized guidance and the longer flight time, which make it a compelling choice over other quick thrill activities. It’s especially good for those who want a unique activity that’s thrilling but within a controlled environment.

While it’s not a budget activity, the quality of instruction, the safety measures, and the memorable flight make it a solid value. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups looking for something exciting and out of the ordinary. If you’re ready to challenge your fears or just want to see what it feels like to fly, this indoor skydiving experience in Portland is hard to beat.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s safe for kids over 3 years old, provided they meet health guidelines. It’s a fun and safe introduction to flying for children.

Do I need prior experience to do this?
No, this is designed for first-timers. Professional instructors guide you through the entire process.

How long does the whole activity take?
From check-in to finish, it lasts about 1.5 hours, with approximately 2 minutes of actual flight time.

What is included in the price?
You get a training session, all necessary gear (flying suit, goggles, earplugs, shoes, helmet), personal assistance from an instructor, locker rental, and 2 minutes of flight.

Can I buy photos or videos of my flight?
Yes, these are available as extras but are not included in the base price.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Bring your ID or passport for check-in.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, the activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, or over 300 lbs.

When is the best time to book?
The experience is available in the morning, afternoon, and evening—book in advance to secure your preferred time.

To sum it up, the iFLY Portland First Time Flyer Experience offers a well-rounded, safe, and exhilarating taste of indoor skydiving. It’s perfect for travelers seeking adventure without the risks and complexities of real skydiving. With friendly staff, professional guidance, and enough flight time to truly feel the sensation of flying, this experience can be a highlight of your Portland visit — especially if you’ve always wondered what it’s like to float in mid-air.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby