How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive
So, you want to know how old you have to be to skydive? What age do you need to be to go skydiving? There’s no definitive answer to these questions, as the minimum age to skydive may vary depending on the skydiving center and the country you live in. You have to be at least 18 years old to skydive in most cases, but there are a few exceptions. In the United States, the legal age to skydive is 18. However, many skydiving centers will allow minors (ages 16 and 17) to skydive with parental permission.
We’ll give you the lowdown on the minimum age requirements for skydiving in different parts of the world, as well as some other things you need to know before making your first jump.
- What is Skydiving?
- Is Skydiving Safe?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Go Skydiving?
- What Is The Minimum Age For Skydiving?
- Where Can You Skydive Under 18?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In California?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Florida?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Texas?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Ohio?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Arizona?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In North Carolina?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Georgia?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In The Us?
- How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Washington?
- How To Choose The Best Age To Go Skydiving?
- How To Prepare For Skydiving?
- What Kind Of Training Did You Get Beforehand?
- When Should You Talk To A Doctor Before You Skydive?
- What Is The Process Of Skydiving?
- What Does It Feel Like When You First Skydive?
- What Happens On Your First Skydive?
- Is Skydiving A Sport Just For Men?
- How Much Does Skydiving Cost?
- What Should I Wear When I Go Skydiving?
- Final Verdict
- FAQs
What is Skydiving?
Skydiving is an extreme sport that involves jumping out of an airplane and parachuting down to the ground. It's a thrilling activity that can provide a sense of adventure and freedom like no other. But it's also a dangerous sport, which is why there are strict age requirements in place.
Skydiving is a complex activity that requires experience and skill. It's also a dangerous sport, and young people may be more likely to take risks without fully understanding the risks involved.
Is Skydiving Safe?
It's a common question that many people have: is skydiving safe? The answer is yes, but with a few caveats. First and foremost, skydiving is a very safe activity when you're learning in a controlled environment from an experienced instructor. That said, there are some risks associated with skydiving, including the potential for injuries during the jump and in the event of a parachute malfunction.
But with the proper preparation and training, these risks can be minimized. So if you're feeling adventurous and want to experience the thrill of freefalling, make sure to do your research and find a reputable skydiving school.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Go Skydiving?
The minimum age to go skydiving is 18 in the United States. However, each country has its regulations governing the sport of skydiving. In some cases, the age requirement may be higher.
For example,
- The United Kingdom requires participants to be at least 16 years old to skydive.
- In the United States, skydivers must be at least 18 years old.
There are a few exceptions - for example, children can skydive with parental permission, but the age requirement is generally 18. There are many reasons for this age restriction.
World Record
In 2019 at Skydive Snohomish, Kathryn “Kitty” Hodges set the record as the oldest person to make a skydive at 103 years old!
What Is The Minimum Age For Skydiving?
In the United States, the minimum age for skydiving is 18. On the other hand, The United Kingdom requires participants to be at least 16 years old to skydive.
This is because at 18 years old, a person is legally considered an adult in most countries. In addition, skydiving is a dangerous activity, and participants must be of an age to make informed decisions about their safety. Skydiving involves jumping out of an airplane at high altitudes. If something goes wrong during the jump, participants must have the maturity to make quick decisions to ensure their safety.
There are also have several reasons for this age restriction. The first is safety. Skydiving is inherently risky, and even experienced jumpers can find themselves in dangerous situations. With younger participants, there is an increased risk of injury or worse. Another reason for the minimum age requirement has to do with maturity levels.
However, a few states have a lower minimum age of 16. If you're not quite old enough yet, don't worry! You can start preparing for your skydiving experience by taking an introductory skydiving lesson. This will give you a taste of what skydiving is like and help you decide if you're ready to take the plunge.
NOTE: USPA RULES ON SKYDIVING AGE
The USPA (United States Parachute Association), which is the governing body of our sports, declared skydiving with minors dangerous. That means they'd be slamming any tandem instructor violating the same rule with a ton of bricks. A skydiving instructor worth their salt would be willing to risk their career as a skydiver at risk, no matter the circumstance.
Where Can You Skydive Under 18?
Although most skydiving facilities in the US require visitors to have a minimum of 18 years old age, however, there are a few which allow minors to participate. The drop zones listed above are not part of the United States Parachute Association and utilize tandem equipment manufactured by a company that does not require an age minimum.
Special waivers for minors can be sought through the USPA. The jumps are generally referred to as "Make a Wish Jumps" or "Make a Wish Jumps" by families with family members who are suffering from a severe illness.
Another good option to jump as a minor is to visit a different country where this is permitted.
Skydiving Age Limits By Country
Country | Minimum Age Requirement to Skydive |
United States | 18 |
United Kingdom | 16 |
Canada | 16 |
France | 16 |
Norway | 16 |
South Africa | 16 |
Australia | 12 |
Dubai | 18 |
New Zealand | No Age Restriction |
How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In California?
You must be at least 18 years old to skydive. There is no maximum age limit.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Florida?
You must be at least 18 years of age to complete either a solo or tandem jump in Florida.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Texas?
You must be 18 years old to skydive with The Skydiving Company.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Ohio?
18 years old or older. The maximum weight for tandem students is 250 lbs, with height and weight being in proportion.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Arizona?
18 years old.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In North Carolina?
You must be at least 18 years of age and be legally able to sign a waiver in order to jump.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Georgia?
The minimum age is 18 years old, no exceptions, no parental consent.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In The Us?
A jumper must be at least 18 years of age to skydive. In addition, dropzones affiliated with the USPA must abide by USPA regulations and safety requirements.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Skydive In Washington?
18 years of age.
How To Choose The Best Age To Go Skydiving?
It's a question on the minds of many first-time skydivers: how old do you have to be to go skydiving?
The answer is that no one age is suitable for everyone. It depends on your health, fitness, and skydiving experience. However, the minimum age for most skydiving operations is 18 years old. Some exceptions, with some drop zones allowing minors as young as 16 to skydive with a parent or guardian's permission.
So how do you decide what's the best age for you to go skydiving? The best way to find out is to talk to an experienced skydiver and find out their minimum age.
How To Prepare For Skydiving?
If you're psyched and ready to take the plunge, there are a few things you need to do first.
- One would need to first consult with a professional skydiver to understand the basics of the sport.
- To prepare for a skydive, individuals need to complete a training course. The course covers the basics of skydiving, including safety procedures and what to do in the event of an emergency.
- It is also essential to practice packing a parachute and landing correctly.
- To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it is essential to be in good physical condition.
- You'll need to schedule an appointment for a skydiving physical—most drop zones require this before you're allowed to jump.
- You'll also need to fill out some paperwork and watch a safety video.
- Once you're all set, it's time to start packing.
- Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as sunscreen and a hat.
- You'll also want to wear comfortable clothing that won't restrict your movement.
- Most importantly, try to relax and have fun—skydiving is an incredible experience that everyone should try at least once.
What Kind Of Training Did You Get Beforehand?
You must be at least 18 years old to skydive, though most jumpers are in their 20s. You don't need any specific training to skydive, but you will need to complete a training program before your first jump.
This program is designed to get you comfortable with the skydiving process and prepare you for the jump itself. You'll also need to complete a medical questionnaire to ensure that you're healthy enough for skydiving.
When Should You Talk To A Doctor Before You Skydive?
Although there is no definitive answer to this question, it's generally recommended to consult with a doctor if you're not in the best of health. There are a few things to keep in mind when determining if you're ready for a skydive.
For instance, if you have a heart condition, are pregnant, or have recently suffered an injury, you might want to hold off on booking your jump. Sometimes there are age restrictions in place, so be sure to check with your local skydiving center.
What Is The Process Of Skydiving?
The process of skydiving is relatively simple but can be daunting for first-timers.
- The first step is to attend a training class where you will learn about the equipment, how to exit the aircraft and how to land.
- Once you have completed the class, you will need to sign a waiver and receive a physical from your doctor.
- After that, you are ready to book your jump!
- You will be assigned a jump crew who will help you get suited up and onto the plane.
- Depending on your altitude, the actual skydive takes about 8-15 minutes.
- Once you've landed, you will be debriefed and receive your certificate.
What Does It Feel Like When You First Skydive?
When your first skydive, the initial free fall feels like you're floating. For a moment, you may feel like you can't feel your body or that you're disconnected from what's happening. This feeling will fade quickly, and you'll soon be concentrating on the task at hand—opening your parachute.
What Happens On Your First Skydive?
Most people feel like they're jumping out of an airplane for the first time. The plane reaches an altitude of about 13,000 feet, and then the door opens. You'll have about a minute to enjoy the view before you have to make the jump. You'll free fall for about 4,500 feet before your parachute is deployed. Once it is, you'll enjoy a peaceful 5-7 minute ride back down to the ground.
Is Skydiving A Sport Just For Men?
No way! Skydiving is for everyone, and there's no age limit. In fact, the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment you'll feel after your first jump is the same, no matter how old you are. It's not a sport just for men. So if you're up for an adventure and want to feel like a kid again, go ahead and skydive! Just be sure to ask yourself these seven questions first to make sure you're ready for the experience.
How Much Does Skydiving Cost?
Parachuting, or skydiving, is an experience that should only be attempted if you're feeling mentally and physically prepared. The cost of a tandem skydive typically starts at around $200, but it can vary depending on your location.
Several different factors go into the final cost, such as the type of aircraft used and the length of your jump. So before you take the plunge, make sure you're aware of all the associated costs.
What Should I Wear When I Go Skydiving?
So you're finally taking the plunge and skydiving for the first time! But what should you wear? It's important to dress for the occasion and be as comfortable as possible when you're jumping out of a plane. Wear clothing that won't restrict your movement and comfortable shoes—you'll be doing a lot of walking. Also, make sure to pack a hat and sunscreen if it's sunny out. As for what to wear on your body, we recommend wearing something bright and easily visible so that your instructors can keep an eye on you. A brightly-colored jumpsuit or t-shirt should do the trick!
Final Verdict
As long as you meet the age requirement, there are few restrictions on skydiving. Talk to your doctor before you skydive if you have any concerns, but the vast majority of people can safely enjoy this thrilling experience.
After all, it's one of the most popular adventure sports in the world for a reason. Ultimately, it's essential to research and choose the right age based on your individual experience and qualifications.
FAQs
Q: What Is The Age Requirement For Indoor Skydiving?
Ans: Several indoor skydiving wind tunnels can accommodate guests as young as three years old.
Q: Can You Skydive At 17 Or 16 With Parental Consent?
Ans: In the United States, all United States Parachute Association (USPA) drop zones belonging to members are barred from hosting under 18 years old without parental permission. Drop zones that are not members of the USPA drop zones can host guests younger than 18 but at the owners' discretion. Most drop zones are not permitted skydiving for those under 18 years old.
Q: How Long Does The Skydive Last?
Ans: A tandem skydive will involve of 30 to 60 seconds of freefall time. However, It depends on the altitude you jump from, followed by a 4-5 minute parachute glide down to the landing area of the airport.
Q: What Should I Wear Skydiving?
Ans: You have to wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes that lace. Remember, no shoes or boots with heels or “quick lace” type hooks. Jumpsuits will available or you can jump in street clothes.
Q: What Kind Of Parachute Will We Use?
Ans: The parachutes can be custom designed, rectangular, “ram-air”, parachutes.
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