HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO SKYDIVE?
Skydiving is an incredible adventure no matter how old you are.
While age rules vary around the world, the minimum age to skydive in the United States is a firm 18.
There are a few important reasons behind the age rule, and — as with everything in skydiving — safety is always the top priority.
Let’s dive in!
WHAT IS TANDEM SKYDIVING?
Most first-timers make a tandem skydive — and in most places, it’s actually required.
A tandem skydive is when you and a highly-trained skydiving instructor jump together, harnessed as a pair. It was created to help everyday people safely experience the rush, freedom, and pure fun of skydiving. It’s the perfect intro to the sport!
WHAT ARE THE SKYDIVING AGE RESTRICTIONS?
Once you hit 18, you’re clear to skydive for the rest of your life!
Whether you’re celebrating your 18th birthday or your 80th, experiencing freefall for the first time is way to make it one to remember.
There are even groups like Jumpers Over Seventy (JOS), whose largest skydiving record is 35 people in formation.
We absolutely love jumpers of all ages.
WHY IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
The age requirement comes from the United States Parachute Association (USPA) — and from the gear itself.
The USPA, together with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), sets the rules for the skydiving world. Their stance is simple and strict: no one under 18 may skydive. Also, skydiving equipment is designed and tested by manufacturers for adults, and because “adult” officially starts at 18, that becomes the minimum age requirement.
You’ll also need to sign a waiver before your skydive, just like you would for other adventure activity. Skydiving is an extreme sport, so understanding and acknowledging the risks is important. That said, millions of people skydive safely every year thanks to strict standards and incredibly advanced gear.
Most manufacturers require that only adults use their equipment, mainly for liability and safety reasons. Of course, your instructor will double-check your gear every step of the way.
But if you’re almost 18 and itching to experience the skydiving vibe, you’re welcome to visit the dropzone! You can watch landings, chat with skydivers, and soak in the energy — it’s a great way to see what the sport is all about.
HOW DO I GET READY IF IM 18 ALREADY?
Amazing! We’re so excited for you. Getting ready for your first skydive is easy:
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Arrive on time
• Stay hydrated and eat lightly
• Dress comfortably
• And most importantly, listen to your instructor
If you’re 18 or older and ready to see what the skydiving buzz is all about, we’ve got you!
At Skydive Sussex, tandem skydiving is what we do best — and we can’t wait to share the sky with you. Reach out anytime with questions.
Read more about what to expect on your tandem skydive with us here, and the prices for tandem jumps here.
