An unstoppable man hasn’t let a wheelchair keep him from flying, leaping into the unknown with indoor skydiving in Penrith.
All Abilities Ambassador at iFLY Greg Pinson has spina bifida and transitioned to a chair in December 2020 after years of using orthotics and walking aids.
Pinson said he’s proved to himself that he can still have fun and pursue activities he thought had passed him by.
“I’ve always wanted to do a proper skydive, but when I got in a chair four years ago, I thought that dream was over, but a few people suggested I come here and get a feel for a similar experience – and then I fell in love with it,” he said.
“After two sessions, I came back almost weekly, whether that was to fly or just to sit and watch other people flying. Getting in the tunnel now is just freedom, it’s amazing.”
The largest indoor skydiving facility in the southern hemisphere is also known as a place of accessibility and inclusivity.
“It’s really special,” Pinson explained.
“The first time I came in, all the staff were extremely helpful and accommodating, and over the last couple of years I’ve flown with nearly every instructor and we work together as to what works and what doesn’t work.”
All abilities events run on the last Sunday of each month, and in honour of International Day of People with a Disability coming up on December 3, iFLY will be giving away 30 free flights for customers with a disability.
“We pretty much can get anyone and everyone in the tunnel and flying and just feeling that weightlessness, and for people like myself in a wheelchair, the freedom of being able to get out of the chair for a little while,” Pinson said.
You can access a free flight at http://www.ifly.com.au, and can find out more by calling the team at 1300 435 966.
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.