There are many things you must consider before skydiving — not least of which is your age. Depending on your age and the location of your drop zone, there may be additional restrictions or requirements for participating in this thrilling activity. There are several factors that can influence whether or not you’re eligible to skydive at any given drop zone, including your age and whether or not you have a medical condition that prevents you from doing so safely. Understanding these rules and regulations will help you determine if skydiving is right for you. Let’s take a look at some common questions regarding how old do you have to be to skydive, as well as other important considerations before booking your first jump!
Can You Skydive If You’re Under 18?
While some drop zones do permit minors to skydive, most do not. Depending on the location of the drop zone, there may be additional restrictions or requirements for participating in this thrilling activity. Some drop zones will allow minors to skydive if they are accompanied by an adult. Other drop zones only allow youth who are actively enrolled in a skydiving program, such as the FJC. You’ll want to confirm with your drop zone before booking your jump. This information can usually be found on the drop zone’s website. You should also keep in mind that, in most cases, minors must have a signed waiver from their parent or legal guardian before participating in the sport of skydiving.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Skydive?
There are a few different factors that determine whether or not you’re eligible for a jump at any given drop zone. The most significant of these is your age. If you’re under 18 years old, some drop zones may require a parent or legal guardian to sign a release form before you can participate in a jump. Other drop zones may not allow minors at all. If you’re between 18 and 25 years old, most drop zones will require you to have a medical form signed by a doctor. This ensures that you are fit and healthy enough to participate in the sport of skydiving.
Other Age-Based Restrictions
Depending on the drop zone, you may be required to be at least 18 years old to book a jump. This is because many drop zones require participants to be at least 18 years old in order to sign a liability waiver. You’ll want to confirm the requirements and procedures for booking a jump before you go. If you’re younger than 18 years old and want to skydive, you may be able to do so under certain circumstances. For example, some drop zones may offer youth programs. These programs are designed to teach younger jumpers the fundamentals of skydiving in a controlled, supervised setting. If you want to skydive but are younger than 18 years old, you may need to prove that you’re enrolled in a skydiving program.
Medical Conditions That Prevent Skydiving
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from skydiving safely, you should let the drop zone know so that they can assess whether or not you’re fit to participate in the sport. There are a few different medical conditions that may prevent you from skydiving. These include a heart condition, mobility issues, vision issues, a mental illness, pregnancy, and extreme anxiety or stress. You’ll want to make sure to tell the drop zone about any medical conditions or medications that you’re taking. It’s also a good idea to bring a copy of your medical records with you to the drop zone.
Can You Participate in a Tandem Jump If You’re Over 18 but Under 25?
You may be eligible to participate in a tandem jump, which is a jump where you’re connected to an instructor who is skydiving with you. If you’re over 18 but under 25 years old, you’ll likely have to bring along a doctor’s note. This is because many tandem programs have age restrictions. Make sure to confirm the requirements of your drop zone before booking your jump. You may be required to show your doctor’s note when you arrive at the drop zone. You should also keep in mind that you’ll likely be required to sign a liability waiver. Make sure to read it carefully. It’s important to know exactly what you’re signing away before putting your name on the dotted line.
Final Words: Taking Care of Yourself Before and After Your First Jump
Skydiving can be a thrilling activity for people of all ages. If you’re under 18 years old and want to skydive, make sure to check in with your drop zone to make sure that you’re eligible to participate in the sport. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from skydiving safely, you should let the drop zone know so that they can assess whether or not you’re fit to participate in the sport. There are a few different medical conditions that may prevent you from skydiving. These include a heart condition, mobility issues, vision issues, a mental illness, pregnancy, and extreme anxiety or stress. If you’re over 18 but under 25 years old, you may be eligible to participate in a tandem jump. Make sure to bring along a doctor’s note and make sure to read your liability waiver carefully. It’s important to know exactly what you’re signing away before putting your name on the dotted line.