Skydiving Requirements: Weight Limit, Minimum Age & Health Rules
Table of Contents
Requirements at a Glance
What Is Tandem Skydiving?
What Is the Weight Limit for Skydiving?
How Old Do You Have to Be to Skydive?
Is There a Height Limit or Height Requirement for Skydiving?
What Are the Health Requirements for Skydiving?
What Medical Conditions Could Disqualify You From Skydiving?
Skydiving Requirements FAQs
Ready to Book Your Tandem Skydive?
Key Takeaways
Before booking a tandem skydive, it’s important to understand the basic eligibility requirements. At Skydive Cross Keys, jumpers must be at least 18 years old, weigh 250 lbs or less (including clothing and shoes), be height/weight proportionate, and be in moderately good health with reasonable mobility. There is no minimum weight, maximum age, or strict height requirement, provided the tandem harness fits properly and safety requirements are met. If you have a medical condition or questions about your eligibility, consult your physician and contact the dropzone before scheduling your jump.
Are you ready to take flight? We don’t mean a comfy cruise in the confines of a commercial aircraft. We mean really take flight, as in leaping from a plane at 13,500 feet into the wild blue yonder, freefalling at 120 mph?!
This guide will help you quickly determine whether you meet the age, weight, height, health, and safety requirements for tandem skydiving. Let’s go!
Skydiving Requirements at a Glance
Before making a tandem skydive, all participants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Weigh 250 lbs or less, including clothing and shoes
- Be height/weight proportionate and able to fit securely in the tandem harness
- Be in moderately good health
- Have reasonable mobility for aircraft boarding, freefall position, and landing
- Be able to understand and follow English-language safety instructions
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
What Is Tandem Skydiving?
Tandem skydiving is one of the most accessible ways to experience the sport of skydiving. When skydiving tandem, you are attached via harness at four connection points to a professional, licensed instructor wearing a skydiving rig. This rig is designed especially to be used for tandem jumps and to handle the weight load of two participants.
Within the skydiving rig, there are two parachutes, a main and a reserve, as well as an Automatic Activation Device, which deploys the reserve parachute in the event the jumper doesn’t do so.
On a tandem skydive, the tandem instructor takes the lead. They are in charge of deploying the parachute at the appropriate altitude, flying the parachute, and landing the parachute. As the tandem student, though, you are not just a passive passenger. You have a role to play, and it is imperative that you listen to the instructions your tandem instructor gives.
What Is the Weight Limit for Skydiving?
What weight do you have to be to skydive? At Skydive Cross Keys, the tandem skydiving weight limit is 250 lbs, including clothing and shoes.
Before we jump into specifics, it’s important to note that skydiving weight restrictions are not in place to be discriminatory. Why is there a weight limit for skydiving? They exist solely for safety reasons and equipment limitations.
Skydiving gear has to be issued a Technical Standard Order (TSO) by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The TSO specifies the conditions under which the equipment will function properly. The majority of tandem rigs are approved to bear a maximum weight limit of 500 lbs. That total load includes the tandem student, tandem instructor, parachute system, clothing, and equipment.
To remain beneath the maximum weight limit of the equipment, Skydive Cross Keys has a weight limit of 250 lbs for tandem skydiving students. Our weight limit is in place to help mitigate skydiving risks and maintain the comfort and safety of our instructors and students.
Is There a Minimum Weight to Skydive?
There is no minimum weight to skydive at Skydive Cross Keys.
The determining factor is whether the tandem harness fits properly and can be adjusted securely for the jumper. As long as the equipment fits correctly and all other requirements are met, there is no specific minimum weight requirement.
Can You Skydive If You’re Plus Size?
Yes, plus-size skydiving is possible at Skydive Cross Keys as long as the jumper is within the 250 lb weight limit and the tandem harness fits properly. The weight limit is based on safety equipment requirements and operational considerations, not appearance, body type, or fitness level.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Skydive?
You must be at least 18 years old to skydive at Skydive Cross Keys. There are no exceptions, not even with signed parental consent.
Skydiving is a thrilling adventure that comes with inherent risks. While these risks are mitigated through state-of-the-art equipment and technology; advancements to skydiving training; a culture centered on safety; and meticulous aircraft maintenance, the decision to skydive is one that each individual should make with full understanding of the risks involved.
Individuals who wish to make a skydive must first fill out a legally binding waiver. In the United States, the validity of this waiver is predicated upon the ability of the individual to understand the waiver and legally waive certain rights, which you can only do at 18.
Is There a Maximum Age Limit for Skydiving?
There is no maximum age limit for skydiving! One of the great things about tandem skydiving is that age alone does not determine whether you can jump. Eligibility is based on your overall health, mobility, comfort level, and your ability to safely participate in the experience.
Is There a Height Limit or Height Requirement for Skydiving?
There is no strict skydiving height limit for at Skydive Cross Keys, or at any dropzone, really.
Whether you’re petite, average height, or exceptionally tall, you may be able to skydive as long as you meet the weight requirements and the tandem harness fits properly and securely.
As with weight, proper equipment fit is the most important consideration and the tandem harness must be able to be adjusted correctly, meaning height/weight proportions are important.
Very tall and short jumpers can typically skydive without issue, although taller individuals may naturally be closer to the weight limit simply because of their larger frame. If you have questions about your height, weight, or harness fit, feel free to contact us before scheduling your jump.
What Are the Health Requirements for Skydiving?
You do not need to be a pro athlete to skydive! But, you do need to be in moderately good health and have reasonable mobility. Participants should be able to:
- Board and exit the aircraft safely
- Maintain the proper body position during freefall (skydiving arch)
- Follow instructor directions throughout the jump
- Lift their legs for landing when instructed
Skydiving is a sport, not simply a ride, even when you’re doing it tandem. This means a basic level of mobility and physical capability is important. Most healthy adults can participate without difficulty.
What Medical Conditions Could Disqualify You From Skydiving?
On the topic of health, what conditions are needed for skydiving, and which may disqualify you? Certain medical conditions may affect your candidacy for tandem skydiving, but only a qualified medical professional (not dropzone staff) can determine whether skydiving is appropriate for your specific situation.
Some conditions that may require additional consideration include:
- Heart conditions
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Asthma and other respiratory conditions
- Back or neck injuries
- Spinal injuries or surgeries
- Pregnancy
- Recent surgeries
- Serious orthopedic conditions
- Any condition that could affect mobility, consciousness, or safe participation
Having one of these conditions does not automatically mean you cannot skydive. However, you should discuss your plans with your physician before making a reservation.
Skydiving Requirements FAQs
Do you need to speak English to skydive?
Yes, tandem students must be able to understand English safety instructions.
At Skydive Cross Keys, safety briefings, training instructions, waivers, and instructor communication are conducted in English. It is important that students fully understand the information being provided before and during the jump.
What ID do you need to skydive?
You need a valid government-issued photo ID to skydive. Acceptable forms of identification may include:
- Driver’s license
- State-issued identification card
- Passport
- Military ID
- Other government-issued photo identification
What type of ID won’t work? Examples include a work badge, gym membership card, or student ID.
What disqualifies you from skydiving?
The most common reasons someone may not qualify for tandem skydiving include being under 18 years old, exceeding the 250 lb weight limit, being unable to fit safely in the tandem harness, being pregnant, or having a medical condition that could make skydiving unsafe. Being under the influence is also a disqualifier.
Can I skydive with spinal fusion?
Possibly. Individuals who have had a spinal fusion should consult their physician before booking a skydive.
Can you skydive with high blood pressure?
Many people with controlled blood pressure skydive. Individuals with hypertension should discuss skydiving with their physician, especially if the condition is uncontrolled or requires ongoing treatment.
Can you skydive with diabetes?
Many people with controlled diabetes can skydive. However, because every situation is different, you should consult your physician before making a reservation.
Can you skydive if you’re pregnant?
No. Pregnant individuals should not participate in tandem skydiving and should wait until after pregnancy before scheduling a jump.
Can a 16- or 17-year-old skydive with parental consent?
No. Skydive Cross Keys requires all tandem skydivers to be at least 18 years old. Parental consent does not override this requirement.
Ready to Book Your Tandem Skydive?
If you meet the age, weight, health, and safety requirements outlined above, you’re ready to take the next step toward experiencing the thrill of tandem skydiving!
Ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime?
- Learn more about our Tandem Skydiving experience
- View current Pricing and Packages
- Visit our Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact our team with additional questions
- Reserve your tandem skydive online today
We can’t wait to help you experience the incredible feeling of flight. Blue skies!