How Old Do You Have to Be to Go Skydiving?

Key Takeaways
In the United States, the minimum age for a tandem skydive at a USPA-affiliated dropzone is 18, and parental consent does not make exceptions for younger jumpers. There is no universal maximum age for skydiving, but physical fitness, mobility and individual dropzone requirements are important considerations. Age requirements vary internationally, with some countries allowing skydiving for participants younger than 18. For those under 18 in the U.S., indoor skydiving offers a fun way to experience the sensation of freefall while waiting for that 18th birthday.

If you’re wondering, “How old do you have to be to go skydiving?” The answer is 18. At USPA-affiliated dropzones in the United States, tandem passengers must be at least 18 years old.

This rule can be disappointing for teenagers who are eager to experience the thrill of skydiving, but there are good reasons for the age requirement. Here’s what to know about skydiving age limits in the United States and what options are available for younger adventurers.

Can You Skydive at 16 or 17 With Parental Consent?

No. You cannot skydive at 16 or 17 at a USPA-affiliated dropzone, even with parental consent.

When making a tandem skydive, the passenger must sign a legally binding liability waiver. In the United States, a minor generally cannot enter into this type of contract on their own, and a parent or guardian cannot simply sign the skydiving waiver in place of the minor to override the age requirement.

There is another important piece of the equation: tandem parachute equipment manufacturers establish age requirements for their systems and the USPA requires tandem skydives to be conducted according to the specific manufacturer’s age requirements. Current USPA guidance for U.S. participants at Group Member dropzones sets the minimum at 18 years of age. 

What in the world is the USPA (and why do they have so much say)? The United States Parachute Association is the primary governing body for sport skydiving in the United States, with members and affiliated dropzones around the world. They promote safe skydiving, advocate for the sport, and promote skydiving competition.

What About 13, 14 or 15 Years Old?

The answer is the same: you must be at least 18 to jump at a USPA-affiliated dropzone in the United States.

What about dropzones that are not affiliated with the USPA? Yep, they exist! And some of them do permit under-18 skydiving. That brings up the point of … why do people choose to jump at dropzones affiliated with the USPA? Good question! 

The Benefits of Choosing a USPA-Affiliated Dropzone

Choosing a USPA-affiliated dropzone gives students added confidence that established industry standards, training requirements, and operational procedures are being followed.

• Recognized industry standard
  USPA Group Membership signals that a dropzone has committed to following USPA’s Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs) and applicable Federal Aviation Regulations. 

• Qualified instructors and staff
  Group Members are required to ensure skydiving staff are appropriately qualified and trained, with current USPA ratings where applicable. 

• Standardized training
  USPA-affiliated dropzones use USPA-developed instructional methods, giving students a consistent framework for progressing through skydiving training. 

• Established equipment requirements
  Group Members pledge to provide USPA-required equipment and operate within established requirements for skydiving equipment and procedures. 

• Clear operational procedures
  USPA requirements address areas such as landing procedures, separation of landing areas, and other aspects of dropzone operations. 

• Safety & Training Advisor support
  USPA-appointed Safety & Training Advisors serve as a local connection to the association and help with training, ratings, license tests, and general jump operations. 

• A recognizable credential for visitors
  Experienced skydivers can travel to other USPA Group Member dropzones knowing their USPA licenses and ratings are recognized within the USPA system.

Skydive Danielson is a proud USPA member dropzone, meaning you have to be at least 18 to jump with us. 

Is There a Maximum Age to Skydive?

There is no universal maximum age for skydiving. People in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and even 80s, 90s, and 100s have made successful skydives.

So, is 40 too old to start skydiving? Absolutely not! Age alone isn’t what determines whether someone can make a tandem skydive. The more important considerations are physical fitness and mobility.

A tandem passenger needs to be able to enter the aircraft, assume the appropriate body position during the jump, and lift their legs for landing. Individual dropzones also have requirements related to weight, health, or other physical considerations.

That means someone who is 70 years old and physically capable may be a better candidate for a tandem skydive than someone much younger with physical limitations. If there are questions about whether skydiving is appropriate because of a medical condition, get the green light from your doctor before booking. If you have any questions about skydiving, feel free to give us a call. 

What Country Can You Skydive at 14?

Skydiving age requirements vary around the world. Some countries and dropzones allow younger participants than the United States, often with parental or guardian permission.

What country at 14 can you go skydiving? Check it out!  

• Czech Republic: No minimum age
• Denmark: No minimum age
• New Zealand: No minimum age
• Colombia: 12 years old
• Germany: 12 years old
• Croatia: 14 years old

Minimum ages, parental-consent requirements, and height/weight restrictions can vary by dropzone.

What about solo skydiving? When it comes to learning how to skydive solo at a USPA Group Member dropzone, the answer is the same, 18 or no dice! 

Under 18 in the US? Try Indoor Skydiving

If waiting until 18 feels like forever, indoor skydiving is a great way to experience the sensation of freefall without jumping from an airplane.

Vertical wind tunnels allow participants to fly in a controlled indoor environment, and many facilities welcome children and teenagers. It’s also a fun introduction to body position and flying skills that can come in handy for future skydiving!

What You’ll Need on Jump Day

Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID so the dropzone can verify your age. 

You’ll also need to meet the dropzone’s other eligibility requirements, which include weight, physical, and health requirements. These requirements exist independently of the minimum age, so it’s worth reviewing them before booking a jump.

And yes, you can absolutely skydive on your 18th birthday! In fact, there’s hardly a better way to celebrate becoming an official adult! 

Ready to Skydive at Skydive Danielson?

If you’re over 18 – or you’ve been counting down the days until you’re old enough to skydive – it’s time to turn your dream of flight into a real adventure. Book your jump today!

At Skydive Danielson, you’ll receive training from an experienced tandem instructor before boarding the aircraft and heading toward your first jump. Bring a valid ID, a sense of adventure, and get ready for an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life!