How Old to Skydive? Age Requirements Explained

Skydiving is one of the most liberating experiences you can have – but before you take that leap, you need to know the safety rules. One of the most common questions we get is how old you have to be to skydive. Whether planning your first jump or trying to surprise someone with a skydiving gift, understanding the age requirements is key.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the minimum age for skydiving; why the skydiving age requirement even exists; if minors can ever jump underage; and whether there’s such a thing as being “too old” to skydive. Let’s dive in! 

What is the Minimum Age to Skydive?

In the United States, you must be at least 18 years old to jump at a dropzone that has membership with the United States Parachute Association (USPA) – which includes Skydive Tecumseh. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. 

When you arrive at the dropzone, you are required to show a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your age before you can jump. To put it simply, no ID, no skydive!

Why is There an Age Requirement for Skydiving?

Skydiving isn’t just an adrenaline-filled adventure – it’s a highly regulated sport with a governing body that holds everyone accountable. The skydiving age requirement is in place for a few important reasons:

Legal Considerations

Skydiving involves signing a detailed waiver and liability release. In the United States, individuals under the age of 18 are considered minors and therefore cannot sign binding contracts. Since the waiver is essential for protecting both the skydiver and the dropzone, there isn’t any wiggle room here.

Safety Standards

The age limit is also due to manufacturer restrictions on the skydiving gear we use to perform tandem skydives. The minimum age requirement for all United States tandem skydiving gear is 18 years old.

Informed Consent

Skydiving is a high-adrenaline activity that requires participants to fully understand the risks and responsibilities involved. Adults are most likely to grasp these complexities, both physically and mentally, making 18 a reasonable minimum age.

Can You Skydive at 16?

Have you heard that you can skydive at 16 or even under 16? Nope – not at USPA dropzones. Yep – even if you’re athletic, mature, or willing to pay extra money (we’ve heard it all). The only expectation is a special waiver for terminally ill minors through programs such as Make-A-Wish, and even then, the gear manufacturer must approve the request.

What about skydiving under 16 with parental consent? While parents usually can authorize many other extreme activities for minors, skydiving is NOT one of them at USPA-affiliated dropzones. While skydiving was once accessible to those as young as 16 years old with consent, the USPA standardized the minimum age to 18 in 2014 to prioritize safety and legal clarity.

For minors eager to experience flight, indoor skydiving is an excellent alternative. Wind tunnels offer a safe and exciting stand-in for freefall without the need for parachutes or age restrictions. It’s so realistic that skydiving athletes make use of wind tunnels for training purposes.

The rules vary internationally. Some countries allow tandem skydiving as young as 12, and some countries let children jump even younger than that – like New Zealand, which has NO minimum age at all! However, even if a minor skydives abroad or holds a license from another country, they still won’t be eligible for a USPA license until they turn 18.

What is the Maximum Age Limit for Skydiving?

On the flip side, there is no official maximum age limit for skydiving! At Skydive Tecumseh and many other dropzones, people in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s have safely and joyfully made tandem skydives. Some have used skydiving as a way to celebrate milestone birthdays, retirements, or bucket list accomplishments.

Of course, you must be physically able and healthy enough to skydive. We are most concerned about general health, strength, and flexibility. If you think you can jump from a picnic table and land perfectly fine, you might be good to go! Just be sure to call your local dropzone, and check with them first. 

Please be aware that we reserve the right to deny anyone to make a skydive at Skydive Tecumseh if we believe safety might be compromised in any way.

Special Considerations for Senior Skydivers

• Health Conditions: If you have heart problems, mobility issues, or other significant medical concerns, please consult with your doctor before scheduling a jump.
• Flexibility and Strength: You need to be able to lift your legs for landing and respond appropriately to your instructor’s cues.
• Medical Waivers: If you’re over a certain age, some dropzones may request a physician’s note confirming that you’re cleared for skydiving.

Ultimately, when it comes to age maximums and skydiving, age is just a number if your body and mind are up for the task!

Ready to Jump?

If you’ve hit that magical milestone birthday and you’re feeling the call of the sky, there’s no better time to jump!

Book your tandem skydive with Skydive Tecumseh and join the ranks of those who’ve looked fear in the eye at 9,000, 14,000, or 18,000 feet – and smiled the whole way down. Woohoo! Blue skies.

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