Although tandem skydiving is one of the most accessible forms of skydiving for first-time jumpers, you must be in relatively good physical condition to participate. While we would love to share our sport with everyone, there are certain medical conditions that may stop you from skydiving. The most common medical reasons not to skydive include heart-related conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), cardiovascular disease, prior spine/neck injuries or issues, pregnancy, and diabetes.
Want more information on medical reasons not to skydive? We’ve got you covered.
Who Should Not Go Skydiving?
Tandem skydiving is more involved than a thrilling carnival ride … much more than strapping in and taking flight. There is a physical component to skydiving and, as a tandem student, you’ll have an active role to play for the activity to unfold as safely as possible. If you have questions or concerns about any physical or mental issues that may preclude you from skydiving, get in touch with us before making your reservation.
Skydiving Weight Limit
There’s an imposed weight limit for skydiving that we strictly enforce. This is not done with malicious intent, but rather out of compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and concern for your safety and that of our instructors. At Skydive Danielson, individuals must weigh less than 240 lbs to skydive, and all customers are weighed at check-in.
Can You Go Skydiving If You Have A Heart Condition?
On a skydive, you will encounter low oxygen levels, atmospheric pressure changes, and adrenaline spikes. Because of this, generally speaking, heart conditions are frequently cited among medical reasons not to skydive. Individuals with congenital heart disease or arrhythmia should contact their primary care physician before skydiving.
For individuals with high blood pressure, there is no hard-and-fast rule regarding the ability to skydive. Ultimately, it will vary from person to person and case to case. For those whose hypertension is controlled, there is often no issue with skydiving. Of course, rather than take a chance, it is best to consult with your physician to explore your risks and determine if you are fit to skydive.
Can You Go Skydiving With Neck Or Back Issues?
Previous injuries to the neck or spine are often considered medical reasons not to skydive.
To help ensure a stable freefall portion of a skydive, an individual will need to assume a position we call the skydiving arch. In this position, you hold a belly-to-earth orientation with the pelvis and hips as the lowest point and the head held high - kind of like a human banana. If you lack flexibility because of a neck or spine issue – including fused vertebrae – you may not be able to skydive.
Before going skydiving, please speak with your doctor to determine if your issues present a medical reason not to skydive.
Can You Go Skydiving If You Are Pregnant?
It is not unusual for licensed skydivers to continue skydiving while pregnant. However, if you are a first-time tandem skydiver or student skydiver, it is not advisable to participate in skydiving while pregnant.
One of the medical reasons not to skydive while pregnant is a physiological one. During pregnancy, there is an increased presence of certain hormones which reduce musculoskeletal cohesion and increase the risk of dislocated wrists, shoulders, and other extremities.
Furthermore, skydiving with a tandem student who is pregnant also poses considerable ethical risk and liability for the instructor.
Can You Skydive If You Have Diabetes?
When it comes to skydiving with diabetes, there are many skydivers – instructors, fun jumpers, and tandem students – who have diabetes and skydive without issue. The majority of these folks have their conditions under control with exercise, diet, and medication.
However, like many of the other conditions we’ve discussed, the ability to skydive with diabetes will vary from case to case. The best course of action if you have a medical condition and are curious if you should participate in skydiving is to speak with your doctor.
Wondering about other medical reasons not to skydive? Contact us before scheduling your skydive. Doc says you’re good to go? Book now! Blue skies!