Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving — Local services in Raeford

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...

Went on a whim. The parental units day out. Thankful to our babysitters :) Got lucky they had spots for 2 walk ins. Was advised that next time, book ahead to ensure we can get in.

It was awesome! Dan (Warner) was a good instructor, kept repeating the lessons to you remember it plus the hand signals. In my head, I shortened it to "Forward, Straight, & Chill"

I'm a klutz! Seriously, I trip on air! So although this was my bright idea, I was very anxious that I'll mess up badly AND forget the hand signals Dan taught us. I was also hesitant about how deep those eat plugs go in (not that much, but I had hesitations) and worse, when the wind got turned on, I was scared the pressure would be too hard on my ears (I have some hearing issues).

Thankfully, my ears came out all ok and the ear plugs did protect them from getting overwhelmed The googles made it hard for me to see my phone widgets 😆Had problems setting the selfie mode 😆 Luckily Dan could still see and found the timer settings. I also walked with my hands in front so (thankfully) never bumped into any glass door in the tube area My dude went first and I saw how Dan was careful to make sure he didn't hit anything and that all was ok. This made me calmer when it was my turn. Dan did a special "fly/jump" time with each of us for our 2nd attempt. It was awesome! Thankfully didn't feel like puking going down from that height 😆

Now I understand why their waiver asked re shoulder dislocation or what not. This eve, a lot of the er workout seems more felt by my arms. I followed his commands and did my best to stay in position, once he didn't signal any changes anymore. I even felt calm when was being er blown here and there, Dan made sure didn't hit anything and that I didn't get too high.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and wanna go again. Will bring the children next time. My lil daredevil already said they want to go fly there next time 😆 I also enjoyed watching my dude "fly", I'm lucky he was gungho to join me in my adventure request. Not bad for a big dude!

The place accepts 3yo youngest age & as long as potty trained. I might put mine in diapers, just...

What an absolutely amazing experience from the start to the end! This has always been something on my mother's bucket list and Paraclete DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Everyone was absolutely amazing! Angela got us all acclimated to the building and explained the experience and the packages. She went above and beyond to answer all of our questions! We had the pleasure of observing the ARMY team practice and they were also an amazing group of soldiers! Our instructor was OVER THE TOP amazing! Brandon was so patient and encouraging. He made sure my mom was comfortable. He went over all the details and demonstrated body positions and movements for the wind tunnel. He explained all the safety rules and regulations. He took care of us as if we were family! Brandon Wood made this experience more than we could ever ask for or imagine! It was difficult holding back tears of joy for the entire experience. Never would I EVER do any activity like this...this was planned for my mother HOWEVER Brandon was very convincing and I was able to face my own personal fears. He was so thorough! His goal was to make sure we all had fun and we certainly did. Now I understand the couple we met as we entered the building... they were super hype and excited and told us we would not be disappointed. I know it was meant for us to be in Raeford for this experience. It was definitely worth the drive from Virginia AND WE WILL BE BACK! I can't say thank you enough to Brandon and Angela. We absolutely loved watching Brandon fly and do all kinds of amazing spiderman moves! Oh, and Dylan, the young man from Brazil, and the gentleman operating the wind speed...everyone worked together to make sure our experience was one...