How Old Do You Have to Be to Skydive? 2025 Guide
In the United States, the United States Parachute Association (USPA) says you need to be at least 18 years old to skydive. This rule is there for safety and legal reasons. But here’s the cool part—there’s no maximum age limit! You could be 90, 100, or even older and still jump out of a plane. Most skydiving centers in the U.S. follow USPA rules because they’re part of the group. Some places that aren’t USPA members can make their own rules, but they usually don’t let anyone under 18 jump either.
Fun Fact: The oldest person to ever skydive was Alfred Blaschke. He was 103 years and 180 days old when he did it! Before 2014, the minimum age was 16, but you needed your parents’ permission back then.
Can You Skydive? Check Your Age!
Common Questions About Skydiving
How Much Does Skydiving Cost?
Skydiving costs depend on a few things, like where you are, what kind of jump you’re doing (tandem or solo), and extras like videos or pictures. In the U.S., a tandem jump—where you’re attached to an instructor—usually costs between $150 and $300. For example, at Skydive the Beach, it starts at $199, but at Skydive Chicago, it might be closer to $250. That price often includes your gear, insurance, and some training on the ground. Solo jumps cost more because you need extra training, like a special course called AFF (Accelerated Free Fall), which can run between $300 and $500. Want the latest prices? Call your local skydiving center to check for deals in 2025!
Is Skydiving Safe?
Skydiving might sound scary, but it’s pretty safe if everyone follows the rules. The USPA says that for tandem jumps, the chance of something really bad happening is super low—about 1 death in every 500,000 jumps. That’s safer than some other fun stuff like mountain climbing or racing motorcycles! Solo jumps might be a little riskier, especially if you’re new and don’t have much practice. To keep things safe, skydiving centers check all the equipment, have trained instructors, and only jump when the weather is good. If you’re curious, you can look up the USPA’s safety reports for more details.
Is There a Weight Limit for Skydiving?
Yes, most skydiving places have a weight limit for tandem jumps, usually between 220 and 250 pounds (about 100 to 113 kilograms). This is because the gear and instructors can only handle so much. For example, Skydive Palm Beach sets their limit at 220 pounds, while Skydive the Farm might allow up to 230 pounds. Solo jumps have similar limits, like 240 pounds at Skydive Perris, but it can change depending on the place. If you’re over the limit, they might charge extra or say no, so it’s smart to call ahead and check the rules for 2025. Some spots also have a minimum weight or height to make sure everyone stays safe.