Meet a Coach

First & Last Name: Michael Bohn

Age: 32

Birth Place: Denver, CO

Occupation: Skydiver

Home Wind Tunnel: IFLY Denver

Any Sponsors You'd Like to Send a Shout Out To: United Parachute Technologies, Vertical Suits, NZ Aerosports, Vigil America, Cookie Composites, Larsen & Brusgaard

Do You Remember Your First Flight In A Wind Tunnel: I was quite nervous for my first flight in a wind tunnel because of all the stories I had heard of skydivers being humbled by the truth of the walls. But ended up flying great and loving every minute of it.

What Do You Like Most About Wind Tunnel Flying: My favorite thing about the wind tunnel is having the references and consistency to learn perfect control in any given body position on every axis.

Are You Also A Skydiver: I am also a skydiver. 

How Many Skydives Do You Have: I currently am approaching 4000 skydives.

What Was Your Biggest Draw To Body Flight: The biggest draw for me was to become a better skydiver. Particularly in the Free Fly arena. It is almost a necessity these days in the sport to have a tunnel training regimen if you plan on being a part of higher level Free Fly jumps.

Who Has Been Your Tunnel Flying Mentor & Why: Rusty Lewis & Brad Cole

Rusty, did my original instructor training and has been an Integral leader at our tunnel for several years. His flying is unmatched and he rakes pride in all of his instructors flying skills as well. However i have yet to see any of us on the team throw a move Rusty could not duplicate in a try or two:)

Brad, was my original tunnel coach and has helped me through out the years of becoming a tunnel coach and professional skydiver. I work hard today to achieve the same level of communication and commitment to my students that Brad has given to me.

Describe Your Funniest Wind Tunnel Moment: Last season after a 4 way training session with team Static. We were playing a round of tunnel ball with a large Space Ball. Nate Roth through a fake shot across the tunnel and nailed Colby McNeil right in the goods. We almost didn't make it out of the wind we were laughing so hard.

Have You Had Any Embarrasing Moments While Coaching Or Flying: Nothing is more embarrassing than demonstrating something to a student and wiping out in the process. So many times ;)

What Is Your Greatest Achievement In Tunnel Flying/Skydiving: Last Year I had the honor of organizing the Colorado state record 21way Head down record with so many of my students!

Can You Remember a Tunnel or Skydiving Dream You Can Share: I dream about flying in huge colosseums filled with air all the time. I am patiently waiting for the day they exist ;)

What Is the #1 Thing People Forget When Progressing As A Tunnel Flyer: No matter who you are it will take time and commitment to be successful at flying. Students are always comparing themselves to other flyers but never really understanding how much more time someone may have. Stay committed to your goals and you will be successful.

Describe Your Ideal Day: I like a day where i get to train with one of my teams. Then get to coach all day with multiple skill levels of students. And then finish with another training session.

Which Tunnel Is Your Favorite To Fly In: So far I have found Seattle to be my favorite. The tunnel still has a lot of references. But also has unbelievable power and smoothness. And as a bonus the crew at that tunnel is a very tight team and has a cool energy amongst them. Always fun to receive a lesson from instructors in other regions(thanks for the whippin Darren Santos;) Looking forward to the May IBA Comp.

How Do You Think We Can Get Tunnel Flying As An Olympic Event: I dont understand the requirements for olympic events. However I think Marketing competitions to the general public and promoting stronger incentives for competitions would be a good start. Particularly with Dynamic flying. It is fun for all to watch and cheer on!

Which Skill Did You Struggle To Learn: Front Flips to HD. However now I feel that I have an extreme amount of control as compared to most. As I tell students al the time to enjoy the areas of struggle because they will learn those areas better than the rest through trial and error.

Which Skill Do You Think People Neglect To Focus On During Their Progression: The basic Belly and Back positions are really the key to transitions and later on dynamic movement. Students are alway trying to sit or fly HD right away. But in reality if you learn to fly your back and belly perfectly with the transitions in between, you will save lots of time and money in the future.