Key Takeaways
A HALO skydive offers extreme altitude and extended freefall, but it also comes with added cost, complexity, cold temperatures, and higher physical demands than a standard tandem jump. While it delivers more time in freefall and a truly unique experience, the additional oxygen requirements, preparation, and risks can make it overwhelming for first-time skydivers. For most beginners, a traditional tandem skydive provides all the excitement and impact without the extra challenges of a high-altitude jump.
An 18,000 ft skydive – commonly known as a HALO skydive – sounds like the ultimate bucket-list thrill. More altitude. More freefall. More bragging rights. But is a high altitude skydive actually necessary for first-time jumpers? In the guide, we break down exactly what a HALO jump in skydiving is, the true benefits and drawbacks, and whether it’s really worth it compared to a standard tandem skydive.
A HALO skydive – short for High Altitude, Low Opening – is a jump made from extreme altitude, generally anywhere from 15,000 to 40,000+ feet. Most civilian HALO experiences fall around the 18,000 foot range.
Because oxygen levels drop as altitude increases, the use of supplemental oxygen is required above 15,000 feet, and sometimes even during the actual freefall, depending on the exit altitude. The “low opening” part of the name just means that even though you exit much higher than usual (standard is 9,000 to 14,000 feet), you will still open your parachute at the standard deployment altitude (around 2,500 feet). That gives you far more time in freefall – but not more time under canopy. In a HAHO scenario (High Altitude, High Opening), you would exit at a high altitude and pull your parachute early to have more canopy time.
HALO and HAHO jumps originated from military operations, in situations where military personnel need to sneak into sensitive areas to avoid detection.
Yes – a normal person absolutely can do a HALO jump. The invention of tandem jumping has made the reality of skydiving with little to no training accessible to the masses, including high altitude jumps. However, just because you can do a HALO jump doesn’t always mean you should – especially for your very first skydive.
A HALO skydive isn’t as simple as just jumping from a higher altitude, it requires much more preparation, breathing through a mask or nasal cannula, and added stress. If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, a HALO skydive turns the intensity dial up on an experience that can already be overwhelming.
If you just can’t get that added freefall out of your mind, consider making a tandem jump from below 15,000 feet first, and then revisit the idea of making a HALO skydive. That way, you know what to expect and are better equipped for the additional requirements of making a HALO.
High altitude skydiving definitely comes with some exciting upsides – especially for experienced jumpers.
This is the biggest appeal of an 18,000 foot skydive. You’ll experience nearly double the freefall time compared to a normal tandem jump. For licensed skydiver training skills, record-setting, or simply loving long flights, this is a major advantage.
There’s no denying it – a HALO skydive is rare. Oxygen masks, extreme altitude, extended freefall … it’s not something many people can say they’ve done.
This one matters to a lot of people! Not many people skydive and even fewer have done a HALO skydive. Rock those cool points, fam!
More freefall equals more time for the camera. If you’re stable and comfortable in the air, your video may be longer and can give more of that cinematic appeal.
HALO skydives carry a reputation for being “next level.” Even for experienced jumpers, that challenge can be incredibly rewarding. Go you!
With the appeal of a HALO skydive comes the price you pay to get that once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Temperatures drop rapidly with altitude – we’re talking 30 to 40 degrees cooler up at 14,000 feet. At 18,000 feet, you can imagine that it is significantly colder. Cold air blasting at terminal velocity (120 mph) can be quite uncomfortable, and for some pretty distracting.
There’s also the added risk of altitude sickness, or even worse, hypoxia. Hypoxia is a serious medical condition that occurs when the body or brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. Even with supplemental oxygen in the aircraft, the reduced oxygen environment at high altitude places additional stress on the body. Hypoxia can cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, impaired judgement, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and in severe cases, paralysis or even death. While hypoxia is rare with proper precautions, it’s important to understand the risks that come with high altitude skydiving and take them very seriously.
HALO jumps require supplemental oxygen, additional equipment, specialized aircraft procedures, longer flight times, higher risk, and special approval through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All of that adds up and can cost you a pretty penny – anywhere from $300 to $60K for a tandem skydive, depending on the altitude.
Oxygen briefings, mask fittings, altitude coordination – there is just more to think about when HALO skydiving as opposed to jumping from under 15,000 feet. For someone already nervous about skydiving (which is totally normal), that extra complexity can increase anxiety instead of excitement and enjoyment.
This may surprise you: a longer freefall can actually feel overwhelming and even boring to some skydivers (even first-timers)! The first 30 to 40 seconds is already super intense with the plane exit, initial rush, body position, wind noise, and sensory overload. Having another 20 to 30 seconds can be glorious as you soak it all in … but adding another full minute or more on top of that doesn’t necessarily enhance the experience.
Even though your freefall is longer, your parachute ride is the same as a normal skydive. The peaceful float back to Earth doesn’t change with altitude.
Freefall time increases about 5 to 6 seconds for every 1,000 feet of freefall. A normal skydive lasts anywhere from 45 to 60 seconds. How long does an 18,000 foot skydive last? About 90 to 110 seconds of freefall time. So yes, you definitely get more airtime and you’ll most likely notice the difference.
How fast do you fall in a HALO jump? You’ll fall at the same speed as a regular skydive. You’ll still reach terminal velocity, which is the maximum speed a human can fall – right around 120 mph. The difference is that during a HALO skydive, you simply stay at that peak speed for a longer amount of time.
To a first-time skydiver, though, the experience often feels very similar. The shock, excitement, and sensory overload happens right away – long before you’ve used up that extra altitude.
For most people, no. A regular tandem skydive already delivers a thrilling plane ride, unforgettable door-open moment, powerful freefall, peaceful canopy flight, huge emotional rush, and a life-long memory. All without oxygen masks, extreme cold, and extra risk. For first-time tandem jumpers, a standard skydive is less physically demanding, more affordable, and less overwhelming – while being just as impactful.
HALO jumps are best enjoyed after you already love skydiving and know that you want more time in the air, or when you become a licensed skydiver and want to check it off your skydiving career bucket list or accomplish a new world record!
At Skydive Danielson, we exit at 14,000 feet – high enough to enjoy a full minute of freefall without crossing the threshold into needing supplemental oxygen. Come and jump with us – we promise jaw-dropping views, heart-pounding excitement, and a rush you’ll remember for the rest of your life! The plane is ready and the sky is calling – all that’s left is for you to answer! Book your skydive today! Blue skies!