Indoor skydiving is fast becoming one of the most exciting ways for people with disability to experience flight, freedom and pure joy.
Whether you’re chasing a thrill, building confidence or just wanting to try something new, indoor skydiving makes the impossible feel possible.
The HandiFly Race World Series is an international event and a powerful example of what inclusion looks like when technology brings people, equipment and support together.
In this Mable Can-do Guide, we’ll explore what it’s like to go indoor skydiving as a person with disability, how support workers can help make it happen and how to prepare for your first flight.
Indoor skydiving is a relatively new sport that simulates the sensation of freefall, but without the need to jump out of a plane. Participants enter a vertical wind tunnel and float on a powerful column of air, which supports their body weight.
It’s often used to train skydivers and is also popular with beginners because it offers the thrill of flying, in a safe controlled environment and guided by instructors.
Launched by the Fédération Française du Parachutisme (FFP) in 2016 by Jérôme David and now embraced globally, the HandiFly Race World Series is a unique time-trial event for people with disability. Athletes navigate a virtual slalom course in the tunnel, going as fast as they can to hit targets in a set sequence in a race that combines precision and control and delivers pure exhilaration.
Niko, a German competitor and two-time national Handifly champion, says the comp has a serious mission to make skydiving inclusive, fair and barrier-free for as many people as possible.
“For people who struggle with accessibility challenges in their daily lives, indoor skydiving brings the ultimate feeling of freedom and achievement. It is also delivers strongly on a therapeutic front,” says Niko.
Australia is now part of the HandiFly circuit, with local flyers training at venues like iFLY Downunder in Penrith, Sydney. Mable was proud to sponsor the 2025 event to help bring inclusive adventure to more people.
Tom, an athlete competing in the Sydney Handifly event, explains the attraction. “I first went indoor skydiving on my eleventh birthday and absolutely fell in love with it because of the freedom I felt in the tunnel. I’ve played other blind sports like tennis, cricket, soccer and goalball but nothing else gave me the same feeling.”
By its very nature, indoor skydiving is adaptable. The wind supports your body, instructors fly alongside you and safety equipment is customised to your needs; whether it’s a harness, using hand signals, audio cues or sensory adjustments.
For wheelchair user Greg, the tunnel was a revelation. “Even if it’s for just a short time, skydiving means I can get out of my chair and join in an activity that anyone could do.”
“Disability isn’t just accepted in the world of indoor skydiving, it’s celebrated,” says Greg.
You’ll sign a waiver with HandiFly, meet your instructors, go through a safety briefing with HandiFly and talk through your needs. Many centres support people with disability, but call ahead regardless so you can let them know if you use a wheelchair, need extra time or have sensory considerations, for example.
“It’s not just about who’s the fastest, it’s about everyone doing their best, based on their ability,” says Tom.
It’s a good idea to bring a support person with you – someone you trust to help with carrying gear and give you a confidence boost!
Indoor skydiving is exhilarating! And while you’re defying gravity, you’re also challenging your assumptions and fears.
Through Mable, you can find an independent support worker who’s up for supporting you in your chosen activities – from indoor skydiving and going to the gym, to movie days and gardening. They’ll help you show up and soar.
Yep, I can fly – with a good crew, a loud cheer and the wind beneath me!
Find an independent support worker on Mable today.
Mable’s Can-do Guides are created in collaboration with people with disabilities.
This guide provides general information about indoor skydiving based on interviews and may not be applicable to everyone. Like all adventure activities, Mable recommends you conduct your own enquiries into whether the flight is suitable and safe in your personal circumstances. While support workers on Mable may support you to participate in the event, the indoor skydiving organisation is solely responsible for all aspects of participating in the event, including your safety and any waivers you may be asked to sign. Mable encourages you to carefully review the waiver and any communicated health and safety risks before you decide to fly.
