When you’re a skydiver living in a country with a cheap tunnel, where your AFF instructor is also a tunnel coach, getting into tunnel flying is easy. You trust the person who got you through your skydiving licence, so why wouldn’t you trust their tunnel recommendations too?

But what if you’re from a country where tunnel time costs a small fortune? Or from a country that doesn’t even have a wind tunnel? Well… welcome to my world.

Finding Reliable Info as a Beginner (aka: Why is this so complicated?)

From my point of view, finding accurate information about tunnel rates and options felt almost impossible. It required way more research than I expected: comparing prices, locations, coaches, flight options, accommodation, transport… basically the whole travel puzzle.

Eventually, you choose your tunnel. Great. But now, what about the coach?

Maybe your friends have suggestions. Maybe you can ask me if I’ve been to that tunnel. Or you can simply send an email requesting a coach.

My advice: Briefly explain what you want to work on: your goals, your level, and what type of coaching you need. It helps the tunnel match you with the right person.

Going on Your First (or Second… or Third) Camp?

1:1 coaching is always the best option. But shared time? Also amazing.

If you and your friend are safe to fly together, you can book shared time with or without a coach. Sometimes even for learning something new.

I recommend asking your coach if they offer shared coaching. It’s a game-changer for saving money and flying more, even if you’re not super experienced yet. As you start building hours in your flying butt, uncoached time becomes normal too. These blocks of time are perfect for practicing drills or positions your coach just taught you.

But please, keep it safe. No unassisted head-down on your third session. (Yes, some people try. No, you are not ''some people.'')

At our club, members often book coached and uncoached time to work on new skills or share sessions with friends. It works great once you’re past the pure beginner stage and entering the advanced beginner zone.

Can You Book Only Half an Hour on Camps?

Believe it or not, yes!

This didn’t even cross my mind until recently. A flyer on her first camp told me she didn’t know you could book 30 minutes or even 15 minutes SINCE she only saw the price per hour and assumed that’s the minimum.

But she’s right: when you’re new, how would you know?

Most camps allow half-hour or quarter-hour bookings. And if not, your coach can usually help you get an extra slot.

Coaching Styles & Red Flags No One Talks About

Your coach is not a god. He doesn’t know everything. She doesn’t know everything. No one does.

Some coaches fly incredibly well but can’t explain things clearly. Some are average flyers but fantastic teachers. Some focus on physics, some on visuals. Some give detailed briefings, some believe you learn everything in the tunnel.

The most important thing is finding a coach who works with your learning style and who makes you feel comfortable. Progress comes in all shapes and forms, sometimes later rather than sooner.

Red flags I personally look out for:

Coaches who waste half your session demonstrating the same exercise while you stand on the net clueless.

Coaches who can’t adapt their teaching style.

Coaches who make you feel frustrated or unhappy -> that’s a sign they are not the coach for you.

If you want, you can ask a coach before booking whether they teach at low speed, high speed, or somewhere in between. Their answer often reveals a lot about their adaptability.

Also remember: coaches cannot read your mind. If you learn better by watching -> tell them. If you don’t want to work on a certain skill anymore -> tell them. If something makes zero sense after 10 attempts -> tell them. If you have an injury that affects your flying -> tell them.

Most coaches will appreciate honesty. They’re often just as nervous about your feedback as you are about theirs. Sometimes even more.

And always remember: you are paying a lot of money for this hobby. You deserve clarity, comfort, and a positive learning environment.

Final Thoughts

These are just some general tips and tricks I’ve collected in the past year. Some are from my own experience, some from others. Consider this a simple introduction to tunnel flying and camps. Stay tuned for more! And feel free to contact me with questions regarding your first bookings @ivona.airik 😊 And I hope to see you at a camp one day! 🪂