How old do you have to be to skydive? If you’re asking this question, chances are you’re someone with an adventurous spirit who can’t wait to get living! Yes, there is indeed a skydiving age limit, and it’s determined by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and the Federal Government. That last bit means that the minimum age to go skydiving in Mass, Connecticut or Rhode Island is the same as it is in California, and everywhere in between. Here at Skydive Danielson, we’re a proud member of the USPA, which means you must be 18 years old to skydive.
Can you skydive ON your 18th birthday? Heck to the YEAH! Talk about a great way to celebrate. In fact, if you know an eager-to-jump 17-year-old, then a tandem jump gift certificate may be the best gift *wink wink* you could give them.
There are a few important reasons that 18 is the minimum skydiving age, so let’s jump into it!
Why do you have to be 18 to skydive? Well, it’s the rule! We know how frustrating this answer is, but being above the clouds doesn’t put us above the law. Here in the United States, 18 is the magic number where one crosses the threshold into adulthood! Just like you have to be at least 18 to get a tattoo or join the military, you have to be 18 or over to sign a waiver … and you can’t fling yourself out of a perfectly good airplane from 14,000 feet unless you sign a waiver.
By signing a skydiving waiver, you acknowledge the risks associated with skydiving. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces this law and the USPA strictly abides by it; it’s serious stuff.
When you’re dealing with the disappointment of having to wait for that magic number to fly through the sky, soothe that annoyance with the knowledge that we have your best interest in mind – safety is always at the forefront!
The harness that you’ll wear (and that will secure you to your tandem instructor and – most importantly – the parachute) needs to be nice and snug. Most manufacturers of these harnesses require that those using them must be at least 18 years old.
The tandem harnesses we use are adjustable and designed to fit most adult bodies, but they can only get so small. Dropzones that do allow minors to skydive (more on this below) have specially designed harnesses and gear.
In addition to your safety, we also do this to protect our instructors. Our tandem instructors train hard to not only get their tandem instructor rating but to also become certified operators of this gear. If they were to violate this rule they could have that certification revoked! No bueno.
If these are all USPA stipulations, can you skydive at 16 or even younger at non-USPA-affiliated dropzones? Good question. Yes – dropzones that are not USPA members must adhere to the rules imposed in their region which, in some cases, translates to them being allowed to set their own rules regarding skydiving age.
Spain, England, and Norway all require you to be at least 16 years old. The Maldives, Germany, and Colombia lower that to 12. And in New Zealand, Greece, and the Czech Republic, there’s no age restriction at all! As you might expect, most dropzones the world over do require parental sign-off before their kid can jump.
The only time minors are permitted to skydive at USPA-member dropzones is if the jump is in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Wish jumps are always extremely special and memorable for everyone involved.
Vertical wind tunnels offer a fantastic way to give kids and teens a taste of the sky before, well, actually being in the sky.
Wind tunnels simulate what it feels like to be in the freefall portion of a skydive and are often used by skydivers as a training tool. Training is done one-on-one with an instructor or in groups, and it is a super efficient way to practice and improve freefall skills. Kids as young as 3 years old are permitted to enjoy flight time in most tunnels.
Another plus about the tunnel? No potential weather holds. Yes!
Kids of all ages are also welcome to come to the dropzone to watch. The excitement and awe that kids experience watching parachutes land is a sight to be seen – it reignites that pure joy in all of us!
Note that there’s no cap on the skydiving age. Plenty of people over age 100 have done tandem skydives. In fact, the current World Record holder for the oldest person to skydive is held by Al Blaschke, who was just 38 days shy of 107 years old during his most recent jump!
There are a number of well-established groups within the skydiving community that support our more mature members. From Parachutists Over Phorty (POPs) to the Jumpers Over Ninety Society (JONS), we’ve got you covered! If playing shuffleboard in your golden years doesn’t sound like your everyday cup of tea, book your first jump and start hanging out with the cool kids – many of whom are your age!
Have you hit the magic number of 18? Book your skydive today and get ready for the ride of your life!