Skydiving Requirements 101: What First Timers Need to Know

Key Takeaways
To make a tandem skydive, you must be at least 18 years old, meet your dropzone’s weight requirements, and be physically capable of participating in the jump. Certain medical conditions may prevent you from skydiving, so it’s always best to check with your doctor and your dropzone before booking. Dress in comfortable clothing and bring snacks, water, and a valid, government-issued photo ID. If you decide to pursue skydiving beyond a tandem jump, earning your license requires you to complete ground and in-air training, written and practical tests, and at least 25 jumps.

“What are the requirements to skydive?” It’s one of the most frequently asked questions we get. To go skydiving, you must be at least 18 years old and present a valid, government-issued photo ID. Additionally, you need to be within the dropzone’s weight limit, be height-to-weight proportionate, and be capable of lifting your legs for landing.

Let’s dig a little deeper into skydiving requirements and learn about the rules and regulations that govern our favorite sport. 

Age Requirements and Weight Limits for Skydiving

Age and weight requirements are a matter of safety. At Skydive New England, we require all jumpers to be at least 18 years of age and weigh no more than 240 lbs for tandem skydiving and 225 lbs for Accelerated Freefall training.

In the United States, you must be at least 18 years old to legally sign a contract or liability waiver. Because of this, every United States Parachute Association (USPA) member dropzone requires people to be 18 years old to make a tandem skydive. We also want to make sure that everyone who skydives is mature enough to take on the responsibility of jumping out of an airplane. 

The weight requirement is in place because the highly specialized equipment skydivers use is specifically designed to carry a certain amount of weight. Our gear is researched and tested up to a certain weight, and it’s important to stay within those parameters. Furthermore, tandem skydives involve two people under one parachute, so it’s imperative that the combined weight isn’t too much for the equipment or the instructor handling it.

Health and Medical Requirements

The main medical concerns that might preclude someone from jumping out of an airplane are heart, joint, and back problems. 

Modern day skydiving is designed to be accessible and comfortable, but it’s still an extreme sport. You’ll be an active participant in your skydive, which includes crawling or scooting around inside the airplane, crouching in the airplane door, and absorbing the jolt of the opening parachute and landing. Of course, there’s also quite a bit of adrenaline involved in the experience.

Heart, joint, and back problems can all be negatively impacted by these things. Skydiving is supposed to be a fun, liberating experience. It’s hard to enjoy that if you’re worried about how the jump will impact your body. 

What Disqualifies You From Skydiving?

Skydiving is quite accessible as far as extreme sports go, mainly because of the opportunity to do a tandem jump with an experienced instructor. There isn’t much that would stop someone from jumping out of an airplane, but there are a few solid lines that can’t be crossed.

So, what would disqualify you from skydiving? If you have concerns, it’s best to talk to a medical professional and get the green light to go skydiving before booking your tandem jump. But there are some questions we hear often that we can definitely answer, like: 

Can a 300 lb person skydive? 

Can a 17 year old skydive?

Can I skydive with spinal fusion?

Can I skydive while pregnant?

Unfortunately, the answer is no to all of these questions. If you are above the weight limit, under the age requirement, have a health condition that your doctor states would be too dangerous to go skydiving, or are pregnant, you are not permitted to jump. 

Some of these are things that will change over time, so you may be able to jump in the future. Ultimately, it’s about safety – for you, your instructor, and others at the dropzone.

What Conditions Are Needed for Skydiving?

With skydiving being an outdoor activity, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Rain, high winds, or cloud coverage can halt operations. This is why skydivers often wish each other “Blue skies”! Luckily, these conditions are all temporary and we’ll get your jump rescheduled ASAP if they happen! In all cases, safety first

What to Bring on Jump Day

Being prepared for the day will help calm your nerves and make your experience even better. So, what do you need for skydiving? Here are the top things to consider on the day of your jump:

• Government Issued ID: When you arrive at the dropzone, you will be required to prove your identity and age, as well as sign liability waivers. Make sure you have valid photo identification on you, or we won’t be able to get you into the sky!
  
  
• Clothing: Wearing comfortable, athletic clothing is a must for an enjoyable jump. But everyone knows that it can be hard to predict how to dress for the weather. Bring layers with you so that you can cover up or peel off, depending on the temperature.
  
  
• Refreshments: You’ll likely spend about half the day with us. Bring snacks and water to keep yourself fueled up and hydrated. There’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy yourself while you’re hangry.
  
  
• Friends: There’s no better way to calm your nerves than to have your people with you! Bring friends and family to cheer you on, or even to jump themselves! 

Requirements for Getting Your Skydiving License

Some people make a tandem jump and never stop skydiving! If that’s you, you’re no doubt also asking: What are the requirements for skydiving solo? To pursue your skydiving license, you must be at least 18, be within the weight requirement (225 lbs at Skydive New England), and meet the same health requirements. 

Getting your skydiving license means entering the student program and working with instructors to complete ground school, in-air practical skills tests, and learn about your gear. In order to achieve your USPA A License, you’ll need to make at least 25 jumps, be able to pack your own parachute, and complete written and practical tests. 

Once you do that, you can spread your wings and jump anywhere in the world! 

Are you ready to start your skydiving journey? Book a jump today and start learning about our world! Blue skies!