Amazing experience for new comers and experienced jumpers alike! Highly recommend place!

This was a fun activity. You arrive early to sign a waiver and complete the classroom training. Once that is done you suit up for your indoor skydiving experience. My husband and I did the buddy plan for $178 (a first-time flyer package), you each get 3 flight minutes, a video and shirt. You are in a group for your 30 minute time slot that rotates for 2 turns each, near the end of your second turn the instructor will take you up high two times. I'm not going to lie, all shit went out the window with the hand motions once I entered the wind tunnel (sorry David, I promise I was paying attention in the classroom portion). It was a cool experience but it's a one and done for me. read more

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Nathan was an outstanding flight coach. He was able to make a very nervous mother/daughter combo relaxed and able to thoroughly enjoy the experience the moment he stepped into the classroom. If you are hesitant about going indoor skydiving head yo Paraclete XP and ask for Nathan (although I'm pretty sure the whole team is great), you will have the time of your life...no matter what your age! read more

Such an awesome place. Bought the Earn your wings for our 11yr daughter as a bday gift. Kinda pricey but so worth it. The instructor Max was phenomenal. He was so patient and kind with all the kids in the group. The entire staff was friendly. I will definitely be back so that I can try it. read more

I brought my boyfriend to Paraclete for his birthday and we had an amazing time. The check-in process was easy and we went right upstairs for our flight orientation. Our instructor went over the basic signals and body movements and then it was time to fly! We got three flight minutes each which were broken down into three one minute segments. It was an amazing feeling being inside the wind tunnel. Just by arching your body or straightening out you can rise or fall. I would definitely recommend this place!!! I can't wait to go back! read more

So much fun! I took my husband here yesterday for his birthday and we had a blast! He's always wanted to go skydiving, but that's something I'm not willing to do unless my life depends on it. I figured I could handle indoor skydiving just fine, and I did. Indoor skydiving is really just a VERY large vertical wind tunnel that you get to go in. Your first time flight comes with basic instruction in hand signals (rather important since you can't hear anything when you are in the tunnel) and gear to wear (flight suit, goggles, helmet). The package I booked also came with flight certificates, t-shirts, and a thumb drive with video of our flight. This particular wind tunnel is one of the three largest in the world. It is 16' in diameter and (I'm guessing) 6 stories tall. If you want more details or a better idea of what this is all about, just go to their website. They have a live stream from the wind tunnel every day. read more

Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving - Outside view - Skydiving Near Me - Raeford, North Carolina

I just love any establishment where you can tell that the employees are just STOKED to work there. The positive energy was infectious. It was my husband and I's first skydiving experience. We planned on going in a month to a facility like this in Vegas for his bday. But I am just so happy that we came here. Everyone here was so kind, professional and funny. The instructors flew around like super HERO's and made it look like fun. And it was. It's been 24 hrs since our skydiving adventure and I'm still on an adrenalin high. Can't wait to come back for the championships in Feb! Thank you!!! read more

This place is epic! I came here twice two years ago for a birthday experience. Our instructor was a cute black guys with a accent. He showed us how to do super hero movies and how to relax. The place was clean and reasonably priced. I definitely will be coming back. read more

You need to try this!!! It was so awesome. Loved everything about it. The staff were extremely nice and our instructor was awesome! My boyfriend and I can't stop talking about what a great experience we had here this weekend. We are from virginia and made the trip down just for this and will definitely be back soon again. read more

Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving - Skydiving Near Me - Raeford, North Carolina

I got to fly for the first time ever and I was pretty nervous. Curt, my instructor was so amazing at making me feel relaxed. He was very professional and patient with me. It was so fun! Hopefully I will get to try it again and do tricks and turns etc. read more

Did you know the largest vertical wind tunnel is 1.5 hours from the Triangle? After driving past Fayetteville to the edge of the town of Raeford, I signed my life away for my first skydiving experience. As a group of five, we qualified for the family package ($300), which includes two one minute flights/each and instruction. An actual skydive is less than a minute, so two minutes is a good chunk of time. We then took the elevator up, where we met our instructor, who was a tall muscular tattooed guy (exactly as I envisioned). He led us to a classroom where we watched a funny-in-the-bad-way DVD that introduced us to the correct body position and hand signals that instructors use. Then, we geared up. You wear a bodysuit (over your normal clothes), goggles, ear plugs, and a helmet. You look pretty silly. After the group before you is done, your group walks into the tunnel entrance and has a seat on the bench. We were paired with a group that was training for their first skydive. One at a time, we took turns flying in the tunnel (no more than 10') and our instructor held on and corrected our position. It's surprisingly hard to control yourself and the slightest movement throws everything off. I found that it was most important to keep your chin up, legs spread apart and only slightly bent, and mouth closed (or else your mouth will be super-dry after). On my second flight, the instructor held on to me and took me all the way to the top of the tunnel (56 feet) and back down several times. The strange thing was that it didn't really feel like I was that far up (I didn't get that wow-I'm-really-high-up sensation). After two minutes, I was happy to be done, but I could have done another flight or two. After your first time, flights are $16/minute. I think that most people coming here just go once and never come back. I'd definitely come back, but I'm not about to make this a hobby. We got a DVD of our flight, which is ok quality with a rock loop in the background. The website claims you get a flight certificate, but I didn't get mine... that's a shame because I was going to put it right next to my diplomas. read more

While this facility looks to be awesome for advanced skydivers, this review is from the perspective of a first-timer. The staff was all very professional, and very knowledgable about their field. Your first time, you aren't going to be doing too much other than just trying to learn the basics (hand signals, body positions, etc), but they find a way to make it fun and exhilarating anyway. read more

I've wanted to check this place out forever and finally had a chance recently. The first thing you need know is that it's a solid 1.5 hr drive from Raleigh. The 2nd thing you need to know is that it's a bit expensive. Once you are there, all concerns about the drive or cost are out the window! It totally rocks! One thing to be aware of, when you see the incredibly kewl video on the web site of folks doing flips and turns in the tunnel; THAT WON'T BE YOU! It's a lot harder than it looks even to just stay in the correct position so you can fly. But, on your 2nd flight, the instruction will take you up to the top of the tunnel and back down 2-3 times; spinning you around. Your ears pop like crazy, it's an incredible force. After you've done the first 2 flights, you can get a better deal.. $25 for 2 more flights (1.5 min/ea) or $16-18/flight. You also need reservations, so call before you drive down to Raeford. Watching others in the tunnel is really fun. They have regular fliers who come every weekend that are a riot to watch. They look completely weightless in the tunnel and know lots of tricks. We saw a father/daughter who split a 30 min block for about $300 maybe less. The girl was about 6 and she did great w/the instructors help. Of course, we were pretty exhausted after 2 rides. Go, do it! It's amazing!!! read more

OK there are two things to review here. Since Paraclete is the only indoor skydiving joint within 600 miles, you kind of need to understand indoor skydiving in general. And then there is the execution: how well paraclete carries it out. Indoor skydiving: The pros: kind of cool. In terms of being a unique and memorable experience, I'm glad I tried it. The cons: Nothing like actually jumping out of an airplane, there is just zero comparison there. Not super exhilarating. You have a 'handler' who is kind of poking and prodding you a little, keeping you from hitting the sides of the glass tube, etc. Indoor skydiving at Paraclete: pretty damn cool. I really enjoyed the way they put the experience together. They don't nickel and dime you, you just pay a flat rate and get the equipment and storage for free. Our instructor was a guy who is on their nationally competitive indoor skydiving team (think a souped-up version of synchronized swimming), really friendly, cracking jokes and keeping everything loose. The timing of the whole experience could have been a lot better, as we started 20 minutes late and ended up needing to be there for 90 minutes to get 10 minutes of tube time. But overall a fun customer service experience. Well worth trying once. I wouldn't recommend the membership package unless you're really into it. read more

Paraclete XP SkyVenture, NC Located in Raeford, just 30 minutes east of downtown Fayetteville, Paraclete XP SkyVenture is currently the world's largest vertical wind tunnel in terms of size AND power. The tunnel is 16'4" in diameter and 51' tall, big enough to accommodate an eight person free flying team. It has 4 fans at 541 horsepower each to give a great range of air speed for all requirements. They have very clean air-conditioned facilities. You can grab a soda from a vending machine and sit around the wind tunnel on bleachers or bean bags and watch people of all ages and skill levels have the time of their life. The tunnel has climate control and a re-circulating air system to keep your training comfortable year round. When I was receiving my introductory briefing, I was confused as to why the instructor was so sweaty until I stepped into the wind-tunnel and saw hard they work. I was also shocked to see children, barely old enough to go to school, doing great in the wind tunnel! When the instructors take a minute to show off, you'll be amazed. That won't be you on your first visit. You'll spend your time on your belly working on holding correct body position, trying to stay stationary, doing some basic turns, and learning to get some altitude. We were able to trade off a camera and take pictures of our friends while we waited for our turn to go into the tunnel. At the end of the introductory tunnel time, the instructor will take you for a wild ride, spinning you around the tunnel and taking you up and down until you're completely elated. I felt as happy as a dog with his head out the window, including saliva flying out the side of my mouth since I couldn't stop smiling. The staff was very welcoming and friendly, and adapted quickly to help teach all skill levels. As an experienced skydiver, I was skeptical that the price would be worth the experience compared to skydiving, but the bang is more than worth the buck. For the price, you get more tunnel time than free fall time while skydiving. Wind tunnels are a valuable coaching tool for people looking to improve their free flying skills. They are also an extremely fun experience that people of all ages can do. You have to try this at least once in your life. read more

My 13-year-old son and I went to Paraclete XP for a little adventure, and we got it. Flying in the wind tunnel is exhilarating. Our instructor, Selwyn, was awesome, giving us guidance when we needed it and letting us just fly when we got it. And he kept it really fun, which was key. This was a phenomenal experience and we will definitely be back. read more

Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving - My son flying at Paraclete XP. - Skydiving Near Me - Raeford, North Carolina

OMG! I had an absolute BLAST! The guys working with you are professionals who know how to help you have as much fun as you're willing to have! Let loose & enjoy!!!!! read more

One of the coolest experiences with a great staff of professionals who you can tell really enjoy their jobs. The facility is top notch offering the perfect environment for viewing all the action in the tunnel. They are also really great with little ones. read more

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We took my daughter and her cousin to this place for her 16th birthday. Paid $127 I think for them to get 3 minutes each. While they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They didn't get 3 minutes each. They were both shorted between 30 and 40 seconds each. Now you may say it's petty to complain about 30 seconds...but when you pay over $20 per minute...it's not petty at all. They have a timer inside the tunnel that runs constantly. The group that is "Flying" may consist of 6 or so people who take roughly one minute turns at a time. For their first ride...the timer was set for 60 seconds. So I assumed they would get 2 more turns. However, their second ride the timer was set for 1:30 seconds. So I assumed they would get one more 30 second ride or even and extra 30 second on their 3rd ride. Well...two turns was all they got totalling 2:30...not counting the time it took to get in an out (which counted against their total). So really around 2:20. When you pay so much for a very short amount of time...you should get every second you pay for. When we brought this to the attention to the instructor he rudely told us we were wrong and he guaranteed us we got our full 3 minutes. I have video proof of this in case anyone thinks I'm wrong. read more

My wife and I had the most fun at Paraclete XP 20 March 2018. Manny, our instructor, was awesome. This was our first timing trying it and the entire experience from beginning to end was excellent. This is a very well run and maintained facility with a professional staff who are very friendly and eager to put first timers at ease and ensuring safety foremost. When we arrived a team of US Army airborne members were training in the facility which in our minds is a testament to the quality and standards maintained at Paraclete. We will return for more fun and to improve our skills at indoor skydiving. read more

We had so much fun. Staff is friendly and inviting. Our instructor Javier was awesome. We will definitely be back. Crazy fun day

Cool place to visit even just to watch the action. How could you miss the worlds largest wind tunnel?. Rates seem reasonable. Fun to watch for about half an hour. read more

This is absolutely something I will do again. It was an amazing experience and my family and I have an incredible time. Our instructor was jovial and very helpful. Can't wait to go back read more

Having never done real skydiving, I decided to do indoor skydiving, which is inherently much more difficult because you have to learn to surf the air while you perform tricks whereas in actual skydiving, you just need to fall while you perform. There were people who would sink to the bottom of the tunnel often and it takes skill to surf the air. The briefing was concise and super clear and there was even a padded table for us to demonstrate what we learned from the video and for the other instructor to correct us. In the wind tunnel, we had a very good instructor who was super attentive to our movements and told us what to do and when to do it in the tunnel. He also offered to make the experience more thrilling and asked if I wanted to do it again in such a manner, which I took him up on. It is difficult to breathe in the tunnel so that can be very distracting, but I bet the average person gets used to it if they do it often enough. It is a workout if you do it long enough; I only did it for 2 minutes per session for 2 sessions and my muscles were sore the next day! While it may be fun to learn and practice many more tricks in the tunnel, I wouldn't do this again unless I had my eyes set on synchronized skydiving or something along those lines. For one, it costs 100 bucks for the 4 minutes total that I did. Secondly, it's certainly not a "wow" time, just a very mild and fleeting pleasure of being able to surf the air and do very mild tricks as a newbie, but you definitely get very little time to make it possible to learn anything more than that. read more

This is one great wind tunnel for sure. I'm an experienced skydiver and wind tunnel flyer by hobby and I can honestly say this an excellent tunnel to visit for beginners or experienced people. The staff is awesome and the facility is great. The instructors are super good flyers and will take great care of you. If you're an experienced skydiver/tunnel flyer or someone looking to see what it's all about and you're ever in the area it'll be more than worth your time to check out Paraclete XP. read more

Just make sure you know to show up 45 minutes before your flight time for the lessons. We showed up a bit late but they still squeezed us in. Was a fantastic experience. Definitely would recommended for anyone who it feeling like being a little crazy!! Thanks guys. read more

So glad that I tried this - I already would love to go back. Indoor skydiving could really become addictive, and I hear that it is gateway to actually jumping out of a plane - but in any case it is definitely worth the cost to try out such a unique experience. The 56 drop is exhilarating, you spiral around in flight and swoop up and down after you become acclimated to the tunnel. Purchase enough rounds to be sure that you get to do that because it is a neat sensation. Your heart rate is up and brain chemistry must be releasing a cocktail - but it feels great and there are few apprehensions if you just jump in and try it out. read more

I called for information to the place and classes etc.. and i believe it was katrina, workingthurs july 25 closing. was very rude and not helpful at all, telling me she was sitting next to an instructor and he was giving her information, supossidly. i felt like i was interrupting her time. was going to start lessons there. very disappointed. My husband is a special forces Navy guy out here now and we were both lookimg forward to this experience and education... read more

We reached our destination fine, had to bump to a later time, which wasnt a problem we got through the front door and had to wait 10 minutes for a lady to finish her conversation with the girl at the front desk. we were told to go to the elevator and go to the third floor and wait. didnt really have a welcoming feeling when first we arrived, we were told to come back downstairs to the classroom and wait for an instructor, class was great we got into our gear and WOW talk about a rush our instructor was great my wife and I both had three one minute sessions but my wife decided to only do one which meant more turns for me. We got finished thanked the instructor and were on our way we recieved a flight certificate and a t-shirt and a usb with our recorded flights on it... we get home 2hrs away pop in the USB..... it doesnt play... for $170.00 you would think this would be a none issue but for my wife and I on our 10 year anniversary its very disappointing... great job to the instructor, for the girls at the desk.....we will leave that to imagination read more

As part of our daughter's 16th birthday adventure, we decided to try indoor skydiving. While we had a great time, it did not last long...especially with it being our first time. Just as you're getting the hang of it, it's time to stop. But, it was a lot of fun!! read more

Seven (7) year old birthday party at Paraclete XP wind tunnel. First and foremost, this was the most amazing experience for the ten (10) children that had the opportunity to fly in the wind tunnel. We had ages from four (4) years old to ten (10) years old. Every child had the biggest smile in the tunnel and they all loved it. We purchased the "Party Package Ultimate and our training time was at 3:00pm and our flying time in the tunnel started at 3:30pm. We arrived at 1:30pm to set up the party room with all the food and balloons. The front desk staff helped us carry stuff in and held the door open for us. When you arrive, you fill out the waiver at the front desk on the I-Pads which is very easy. The party started at 2:00pm and we ate food and did the birthday cake. The only thing I would do different is start the party maybe 15 to 30 minutes earlier as the one hour prior to training made me feel like the food and cake had to be rushed so we were done for the training at 3:00pm. David was our instructor and he was great with all the kids during the training and when he flew with them in the tunnel. We had 48 minutes of flight time and all the kids were able to fly a couple of two-minute intervals each. They had the birthday girl go first and then all the children rotated in until the time was up. Of course, they all wanted to stay in and fly longer. This is an experience they will not soon forget. Additionally, we were all able to take video and photos of all the kids in the tunnel and we received a thumb drive from the tunnel with all the kids flight on it. Lastly, half way through they put a photographer in the tunnel and he took some great shots of the kids in the tunnel and these were available at the end of the flight to all the parents. We provided the instructor with a good tip as he did amazing with each kid teaching them how to fly. Half of the kids were able to fly alone very quickly, and some David would just hold lightly to help keep them balanced. When we got home our thump drive would not play on our standard media player, so the tunnel suggested we download this free media player and the video worked great. https://www.videolan.org/vlc/. The only real problem is how do we top this birthday? This was something we might have to do again for another birthday. ENJOY! read more

Ok, I've got to be honest. This is a hard review because I have absolutely no basis for comparison. All I can say is that I had a great time. The facility was set up so that you could watch others "fly" inside the giant tube that simulates a skydiving experience. Spectating is free and encouraged. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and by the time you get in the tube, you trust your guide. My family and I had a great time--definitely the most unique Christmas gift Santa has given to date. After watching a video and getting a briefing from your instructor/guide, you suit up and get ready to go into the tube. The flying experience is powered by a huge fan that literally blows you up into the air. The guide moves your arms and legs to show you how to get your balance. If you go in a group, you get 2 tries of 1.5 minutes each, and the quicker you get your balance, the more times the guide will latch on to you and fly up to the top of the tube with you and then come soaring down (fun!!!!). If you decide to come back, you pay $16 per minute. Sounds expensive, but really 1 minute feels like a good long time in that wind tunnel. I just wish this place wasn't so far away! read more

I was always curious about skydiving, but never had the opportunity, or to be honest, the courage, to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. So my friend Rob and I decided to try it out, but at the same time, to be safe by simulating sky diving in the enclosed facilities. So we went to Paraclete Sky Venture, where they say you can get all of the experiences of skydiving without having to go up in an airplane and jump out. When we arrived there, we were put into a group and given a very thorough pre-jump briefing by an experienced sky diver/instructor. He told us exactly what to expect, how to handle ourselves in the air chamber, with emphasis on safety first. After the briefing, we all donned our flight suits, or rather a baggy arrangement that helps the high speed fan lift you off of the ground to simulate the act of falling through the sky at terminal velocity (the term our instructor used). Each of us was escorted into the air chamber by our instructor, who initially demonstrated the proper way to enter into the air stream and stabilize your self in the free fall. Most of us newbies had a hard time getting into position so that we could actually float in the air the way the instructor did. But once we got the hang of it, it was a total blast! I sure wish the amount of time for the session was a lot longer because by the time I got the hang of it, my session was about over. But I understand their time limitations because there were a lot of people there waiting for their turn. Now Rob and I know what it is like to sky dive without the fear of slamming into the ground! They even gave us a video of our free fall exploits and also a certificate. Would I do it again? Absolutely! read more

On our way to the US Open we passed inside skydiving. The next day was my husbands 71st birthday and he decided that's what he wanted to do for his birthday. It was for us to do together...., I was apprehensive but far be it for me to spoil his birthday. I read all your reviews and checked their safety first. What a pleasant surprise. I loved it. We had Selwyn as an instructor and he was very informative. We live in NJ and I am disappointed that we are so far away. Did hear they are expanding and coming to NJ and I will definitely go again and bring my grandchildren. It is for all ages and better then jumping out of an airplane.... Just plain fun!!! read more

Although my child enjoyed the experience, I was disappointed that the package we bought for 3 turns of 1 minute each turned out to be 2 turns for possibly 1.5 minutes. I e-mailed Paraclete XP for an explanation as my husband took my son and his friend for his birthday. My husband did not know I paid for 3 turns, so he did not question when they were done after the second, and no one mentioned to them that they had an increase in time. They were just told they were done after their second turn. They drove a long way for 2 turns. I know it may seem petty, but there is a difference in enjoying each session, having a break, watching others trying to perfect their movements and then trying one additional time for themselves. I paid for 3 turns, and that is what I expected. read more