Some viewers want to experience something similar. But where should they start, and is it completely safe?
Safety First
Discovering new sports will always involve a certain degree of danger. Any physical activity can cause an injury, and in the case of disciplines characterized by an increased level of risk, the likelihood of one increases considerably. That is why, at the very beginning, it is worth considering something that will not require above-average skills. Contrary to appearances, the choice is not actually that limited—even cycling can be considered an extreme sport.
Among other sports that may be suitable for beginners, it is also worth mentioning those associated with the air. A relatively new type of extreme experience is certainly BASE Jumping. It is a parachute jump, but it does not take place from an aircraft; instead, the jump is made from a tall building or viaduct. In many countries, it is treated as a prohibited act, and it is not hard to see why, as it involves an enormous risk factor. Many jumpers have lost their lives because of poor preparation or equipment failure. Nevertheless, the powerful rush of air and adrenaline attract growing numbers of people. Fortunately, there are much safer ways to experience the same sensation—and, interestingly, you do not even have to board an aircraft.
Aerodynamic Tunnel
A relatively new solution offering the chance to feel a genuine rush of air and exactly the same sensation experienced during parachute jumps is the aerodynamic tunnel. This device is installed in a special facility. The huge tube, functioning as a kind of flight simulator, guarantees extraordinary experiences. Most importantly, everything takes place under controlled conditions and under the supervision of professional instructors. These same people can boast years of experience in parachute jumping and know exactly how to prepare for this type of adventure.
It is difficult to call entering an aerodynamic tunnel anything other than an adventure. Powerful streams of air cause a person to float in the air when crossing the simulator’s threshold. Every movement, even the slightest motion of the hand, changes the flight path and thus guarantees an incredible experience. You can find out for yourself whether this type of activity increases adrenaline without simultaneously worrying about injury or even loss of life. It is no wonder that such devices are appearing across Poland, and their capabilities have even led to the creation of new sports competitions.
Wind Games
The world freefalling competition Wind Games takes place in aerodynamic tunnels. During the event, participants enter the tunnel and present aerial acrobatics to the spectators gathered around them. Months of preparation and technique perfected to the highest level make it possible to perform incredible choreographies. A Polish representative also appeared among the competitors at the championships. Young, only 16-year-old Maja Kuczyńska won a silver medal this year. The competition took place in Spain, and the athlete prepared a choreography to a popular musical track. Her performance was appreciated not only by the judges but also by Internet users, who watched Maja’s aerial displays repeatedly. Her hard work and the many sacrifices caused by training nevertheless produced results. In addition to the silver medal she brought back from Spain, the girl is already the Junior World Champion in freestyle acrobatics.
Fortunately, you do not have to travel all the way to Spain to try your hand at an aerodynamic tunnel. The device is located, among other places, on the grounds of the Central Gliding School in Leszno, and, importantly, it is available seven days a week. Naturally, you need to book such an adventure in advance, but if you purchase a free-flight session, that will be a mere formality. The cost of this type of experience depends on the amount of time spent in the cabin.
The aerodynamic tunnel in Leszno allows visitors to spend up to 6 minutes there and, interestingly, it is possible to purchase a special voucher that can be given to a loved one as a gift (https://katalogmarzen.pl/pl/o/Lot-w-tunelu-aerodynamicznym). Such an experience will certainly be a good starting point for anyone thinking about beginning an adventure with extreme sports while not wanting to take risks.