Some 300 world-class indoor skydivers from 31 different countries are preparing to take flight for the third edition of the FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championships, which kicks off tomorrow, 17 April, in the French city of Lille.

Between now and the finals on 20 April, they will be fighting it out for a place on the podiums in five separate disciplines, including individual freestyle and team formation flying.

The event, the first FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championship to be held in France, will take place at the Weembi wind tunnel – one of the biggest wind tunnels in the world.

The action will be accessible to fans all over the world thanks to the comprehensive livestream coverage planned for the competition days: 18, 19 and 20 April.

• Competition channels: website, Facebook, results
• FAI channels: Flickr (pictures), Facebook, Youtube, Instagram
• IPC mini-site

Event programme and livestreams

Wednesday 17 April 2019
8.00: Training
19.00: Opening Ceremony

Thursday 18 April 2019
8.00: Competition (livestream on competition website)

Friday 19 April 2019
8.00: Competition (livestream on competition website)

Saturday 20 April 2019
8.00: Competition (livestream on competition website)
18.30: Closing/Medals Ceremony

About indoor skydiving

The graceful young sport of indoor skydiving is one of the fastest growing FAI disciplines. With roots in traditional skydiving, it involves flying inside a glass-walled, vertical wind tunnel, rather than jumping out of a plane. Competitors are judged on their performance of a series of moves – either pre-determined or artistic – while balanced on a jet of fast-moving air within the wind tunnel. Routines last for 45 seconds, and the athletes compete either solo, with a partner, or as a team of four. Like many air sports, events are open to both female and male participants. And as the wind speed in the tunnels can be altered to account for the athlete’s weight, men and women can compete on a truly level playing field.

Photo credit: Nicolas Pellissier