Here’s a great way to get a day trip off to a flying start.
That The UK’s only outdoor skydiving machine has launched at the Hangloose Adventure Bluewater Park in the town of Dartford, Kent, and aims to give visitors the opportunity to “experience the thrill of skydiving against a backdrop of chalk cliffs”.
Visitors can soar up to five meters in the air on their own, and even higher when accompanied by an instructor. Solo pros, meanwhile, are allowed to fly to the maximum altitude of the ride – 10 m (33 ft) in the air.
Britain’s only outdoor skydiving machine (above) launched at Hangloose Adventure Bluewater Park in Dartford, Kent
Video footage shows the ride in action, with thrill-seekers flying up on their stomachs and flipping upside down in the air.
The ride was developed in collaboration with Latvia-based company Aerodium, which specializes in custom vertical wind tunnels.
How does it work? Aerodium explains that a “specially designed wind flow” keeps the flyer in a “wind column”. “The wind rushes at you and holds you as you learn to maneuver your body through the air,” it explains.
For safety reasons, the attraction is surrounded by a “special safety net” and there are padded cushions at the base to ensure a soft landing.
“Open-air or open-air tunnels allow customers to enjoy the true sensation of flying without restrictions,” notes Aerodium.
It states that when using an outdoor skydiving machine instead of an indoor skydiving machine, the experience is “more like free fall flight, offers more freedom, and does not restrict visibility” because the flyer is not encased by protective glass or other barriers. Indoor skydiving attractions already exist across the UK, such as the iFly experience in Basingstoke, Manchester and Milton Keynes.
Hangloose Adventure requires visitors to be at least eight years old to fly in the machine and costs from £50 per person for two one-minute flights, with all the necessary safety equipment provided.
The more adventurous can soar up to five meters in the air, but with the help of an instructor, they can go even higher
The maximum height that can be achieved while flying is 33 feet (10m) in the air, although this can only be achieved by a professional. The ride is designed to give visitors the “opportunity to experience the thrill of skydiving against a backdrop of chalk cliffs.”
The ride was developed in cooperation with the Latvian company Aerodium, which specializes in custom vertical wind tunnels
In traditional skydiving from an airplane, the minimum age for tandem jumps is usually 16 years.
Hangloose Adventure’s outdoor skydiving machine combines several exciting attractions in the adventure park, built in a former chalk quarry and adjacent to the Bluewater Shopping Mall.
The site, which is surrounded by 50 acres of parkland and lakes, also features the 46m (150ft) drop Giant Swing, which opened earlier this month, and Skywire, England’s longest zipline, which opened last year .
Commenting on the launch, Brooklyn Skeete, Marketing Director of Hangloose Adventure Bluewater said: “We are thrilled that our third activity has started.
“After three successful launches, we’re now offering multi-activity packages to ensure every visit is more exciting and adventurous than ever – and you’ll save up to £40 per person!”
“The wind rushes at you and holds you as you learn to maneuver your body through the air,” explains Aerodium
Visitors must be at least eight years old to fly in the machine, and it costs from £50 per person for two one-minute flights. James Waugh, Center Director at Hangloose Adventure, said: “Our outdoor skydiving machine is truly a unique experience – there is nothing quite like it in the UK.”
Hangloose Adventure also features the 150-foot (46 m) Giant Swing, which opened earlier this month
Pictured above is Skywire, England’s longest zipline, which opened at Hangloose Adventure last year
James Waugh, Center Director at Hangloose Adventure adds: “Right after the launch of Europe’s largest swing this month, we are delighted to unveil another must-see attraction.
“Our outdoor skydiving machine is truly a one-of-a-kind experience – there’s nothing quite like it in the UK. ‘It creates a triple dose of adrenaline pumping fun activity here at Bluewater and we look forward to attracting even more visitors and tourists from across the UK and internationally.’
Hangloose Adventure is 40 minutes by train from central London. For more information or to book a visit, go to hangloosebluewater.com.
